Abrams Falls at Cades Cove, TN

See New Post: Return To Abrams Falls

Sometimes it takes longer than expected to reach your destination, as it’s difficult not to pause to enjoy nature. Such was my experience recently while driving to Cades Cove in Tennessee, pausing to view this random roadside waterfall:

Once in Cades Cove, you’ll drive along an 11-mile road that’s a one-way loop through a valley surrounded by mountains. After crossing Abrams Creek, turn right on the gravel road (see Red Star) leading to the trailhead. Restrooms are available.

To beat the crowds – it’s one of the most popular areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – arrive early. I began my hike at 9:00 a.m. and encountered only three people returning on the trail, with three more taking photographs at Abrams Falls. By the time I left, dozens of people were en route.

Considered moderate in difficulty, hikers can expect to take 3-4 hours on the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abrams Falls, which traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock-rhododendron forest along the river. The sound of running water remains constant along the trail, though elevations vary by several hundred feet.

Named for a Cherokee chief whose village once stood several miles downstream, Abrams Falls are only 20 feet high but account for a substantial volume of water.

Here’s a short video –

Gallery

Here are some beautiful landscape photographs I took while hiking in Cades Cove, along the trail to Abrams Falls…

If you’d be interested in owning a print, I’ve included select photographs in my gallery at Pixels. Each is available on a variety of different print types – framed, canvas, art, wood, metal and acrylic.

Thanks for stopping by!