Why I Love Abrams Falls in The Great Smoky Mountains
Abrams Falls is my favorite waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike feels like you’re in the Lord of The Rings novel, with the windy paths leading up to the waterfall and moss-covered rock formations surrounding Abrams Falls. The Abrams Falls hike is a total of 5 miles roundtrip. The hike is a great option year-round and is not too strenuous.
Abrams Falls is Right Next to the Cades Cove Loop
Since Abrams Falls is right by the Cades Cove loop, you can fit in both the Abrams Falls hike and sightseeing around Cades Cove in a day. If you want to learn more about Cades Cove, you can view the blog and video I made here. Pairing your wildlife spotting in Cades Cove with the day hike to the Abrams Falls waterfall provides a perfect day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
While driving the Cades Cove Loop to the Abrams Falls trailhead, you might spot wildlife like deer and black bears. You can also stop by the cabins in Cades Cove and get a glimpse of life from years ago. I’ve spotted deer, black bears, and turkeys while on the Cades Cove loop.
Abrams Falls Looks Like it's from a Fantasy Fiction Novel
Once you arrive at the Abrams Falls waterfall, you’ll be greeted by a rushing waterfall with unbelievable rock formations. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw Abrams Falls. Though Abrams Falls is not as tall as some other waterfalls like Rainbow Falls in the Smokies, Abrams Falls is still an incredible site to see, with its powerful current of water falling down the rock formations. You'll also have plenty of space around the waterfall to sit and take in the view.
You can get a picture close by Abrams Falls by following the path leading up to the waterfall, though be careful not to slip from the wet rocks. Pictures cannot fully capture the magnificence of the waterfall–you’ll have to see it for yourself!
Abrams Falls is a Great Hike Year-Round
Walking up the windy trail, you’ll find a wide variety of plants and trees. Though I visited during the winter, there were still plenty of green plants I could see along the trail during the hike. I’ve hiked during every season in the Smokies, and the weather is great year-round. However, I recommend visiting Abrams Falls early to avoid the crowds. If you're visiting the Smokies in the summer months, arriving at the Abrams Falls trailhead early in the morning will also save you from the hotter parts of the day.
You Can Hear the River On Your Way Up to Abrams Falls
It’s relaxing getting to hear the river as you walk up. I enjoyed taking some rest stops along the way to pause and enjoy the sounds of the rushing water.
There’s also a spot along the way up to Abrams Falls where you can walk up several rocks for an overlook. The overlook is a great place to see the river at a higher elevation.
Abrams Falls is a Great Family Hike
The hike is estimated to take 3-4 hours and is rated moderately difficult by the National Park. However, with the opportunities the trail provides to stop along the way, Abrams Falls could be a great option for the family. Even if you don't make it to the top to see the Abrams Falls waterfall, seeing the river along the way and the incredible array of plants will make your trip worth it.
Once you get to the waterfall, this is a great place to have lunch. The space overlooking the waterfall is pretty spacious. I enjoyed sitting slightly at a distance while eating to take in the full view.
Are You Visiting Abrams Falls?
I hope you get the chance to check out Abrams Falls this year! Abrams Falls is a truly special hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a magical place I plan to visit again.
If you’re looking for that perfect Smoky Mountain souvenir or gift item from your hike to Abrams Falls, consider checking out the Abrams Falls unisex t-shirt I designed. The t-shirt's design is inspired by a picture I took of this incredible waterfall. You can find the Abrams Falls t-shirt here.
