Swimming in Abram's Falls in Smokey Mountain National Park. Abrams Falls is the only large waterfall still located on private land in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Look but don’t leap off the falls, as … Due to its relatively easy nature and the beautiful swimming destination at the end, the trail to Abrams Falls is often very crowded with people, especially during the summer. In fact, Abrams Falls has more water rushing over it, than any other waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Abrams Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park for its beauty and its 100-foot-wide (30 m) natural swimming pool, which is often littered with local children cooling off during the hot summer months. A fall or slip from here could be deadly. It is a 5.2-mile roundtrip hike to the falls and although relatively short, it is rated as moderate in difficulty level. Abrams Falls, on Abrams Creek, is in the western part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, three miles down the creek from Cades Cove. Several shallow swimming holes are scattered along this picnic area. The destination is the gem of the trail, as the falls are really pretty. So take all the photos you want outside of the water, but please don’t swim beneath the falls! Drive 4.8 miles along the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road. I suggest you hike this trail, take photos and TAKE CAUTION! Likewise, The Sinks on the Little Pigeon River has been a popular place to swim because of its accessibility from the road, but the fast current can be dangerous so we don't recommend taking this plunge. Included are works by several prominent photographers, including Jim Thompson, Walter Cline, and Jack Huff. Abrams Falls Trail: Good hike, good swimming hole - See 478 traveller reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. This is the highest volume waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so it produces strong currents. I enjoyed our time hanging around the falls. Over the years, swimmers have become victims to the powerful currents and undertow created by the falls. Although the broad, deep pool at its base is very picturesque and inviting, swimming here is extremely dangerous due to strong currents and the presence of an undertow. Abrams Falls is a 2.5 mile hike from its trailhead in Cades Cove. Abrams Falls Trail: Good moderate hike with nice swimming hole - See 478 traveler reviews, 445 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. Laurel Falls. While we don’t recommend swimming in the pool that is at the bottom of the waterfall, it does make for some beautiful views to snap a few photos by! Abrams Falls National Park officials say the falls are only 20 feet high, but a large amount of water flows over them. The pool may be a popular swimming spot in the summer, but the National Park Service strongly recommends against swimming in the water below Abrams falls due to a strong undertow, which has resulted in accidents in the past. This will also allow you to avoid the common traffic backups in Cades Cove that can often cause you to sit idle in traffic for hours. The trailhead is at the far end, where the woods begin. Abrams Falls is the biggest waterfall in Gatlinburg with the most water and deepest pools. Find a designated swimming hole is you want to go for a dip, Abrams Falls is NOT a place to swim. (I … It's a great opportunity to cool off after the 2.5-mile hike, before returning to the parking lot from which you came. Many people have died at Abrams Falls due to swimming in that pool. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over the sandstone cliff more than makes up for its lack of height. The pool at the bottom of the Falls is deep and large. After visiting the Falls, you'll head back the parking lot the same way you arrived. Definitely a great hike, just be sure to come prepared with the day hiking essentials, hike safely, and as always, leave no trace. I will keep you'all posted. The pool may be a popular swimming spot in the summer, but the National Park Service strongly recommends against swimming in the water below Abrams falls due to a strong undertow, which has resulted in accidents in the past. Visitors have drowned in this area due to the powerful current and undertow. The falls are easily visible from the roadway. It's a great opportunity to cool off after the 2.5-mile hike, before returning to the parking lot from which you came. Abrams Falls itself is only 20-25 foot tall, so not a tall waterfall compared to many others in the area. The article indicated that a … You'll soon reach a large parking area for the trailhead. Abrams Falls is a beautiful 20-foot waterfall that provides a great opportunity for swimming in the 100-foot wide swimming hole at the bottom of the falls. Access Trail: Ramsey Cascades Trail in the Greenbrier area Trailhead: Drive six miles east of Gatlinburg on Highway 321 and turn at the Greenbrier entrance to … The Abrams Falls trail is notorious for being one of the most dangerous hikes in the park, largely because of drowning and hypothermia hazards. Abrams Falls near Cades Cove is one spot that is particularly risky. The turnoff is signed. The Library does not hold the copyright to most items in its collections. Abrams Falls Trail is one of the most busy trails in the National Park, and receives over 1000 visitors a day during peak season. Search; All Records; Subject Index; About; Navigation Most people access Hannah Mountain Trail by hiking the 2.7 mile section of the Rabbit Creek Trail from the Abram's Creek ranger station. abrams falls swimming hole This waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram, or Abrams, whose village once stood several miles downstream. deep swimming hole is a popular spot between spring and early fall. The park's website describes the hike as moderate in difficulty, and includes a … Since we hiked there on a Saturday afternoon in the month of February, we only shared our time at the falls with a couple other groups. The pool at the base of the falls may look tempting to swim in. We hiked this trail during prime Fall color season, here's our video: The hike to Abrams Falls is an out and back hike. Located in Cades Cove, this swimming hole is a Kodak moment waiting to happen. Channel 10 is reporting that a 20 year old man drowned at Abrams Falls this afternoon. Abrams Falls at Cades Cove might be the best swimming hole in all of the Smokies. Copyright © 2013 - 2021 by Blue Ridge Mountain Life. Standing only 20 feet high the fall makes up for its vertical with the abundant rushing water falling into the pool below. What does make that Abrams Falls stand out is the amount of water rushing over it. Abrams Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountains Rated moderate, this 5 mile round trip hike features a spectacular 20 foot waterfall with a large 100 foot pool at the base, a favorite for swimming during the summer months. The sight of these impressive waterfalls is a reward reserved for the hardy, experienced hiker. And it comes crashing into one of the most frequently visited destinations in the park as well: a 100-foot wide pool that dozens of visitors come to enj… And again, during the summer months, hiking to the falls provides one of the best swimming holes in all of the Smokies. Greenbrier - Gatlinburg, TN. In fact, Abrams Falls is the most voluminous waterfall in the park. http://cmdc.knoxlib.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15136coll2/id/158/rec/1. Abrams Falls, located in the Cades Cove area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,  is one of the most popular waterfalls and hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We obviously recommend driving to this stop as it is deep in the Smokies and quite a ways from where you might be staying! Lindsey M wrote a review Sep. 2020. There is a pretty large pool at the base of the falls, which is great for wading, cooling off. The trailhead leaves from the westernmost edge of the Cades Cove Loop Road. ADVERTISEMENT. Abrams Falls and Creek are named for a Cherokee chief named Oskuah, whose village once stood a few miles downstream from the falls. Search; All Records; Subject Index; About; Navigation And again, during the summer months, hiking to the falls provides one of the best swimming holes in all of the Smokies. However, the National Park Services strongly discourages this. Located within Cades Cove, this deep swimming hole is a popular spot between spring and early fall.There is a 2.5-mile hike to get there, but it’s definitely worth the effort! Abrams Falls near Cades Cove is one spot that is particularly risky. Please read additional water safety information. Located near the city of Gatlinburg on the Little Pigeon … In terms of volume, Abrams pumps out more water than any other set of falls in the park. Follow U.S. 321 to the "Y". That’s just nuts. In terms of volume, Abrams pumps out more water than any other set of falls in the park. Swimming in the pool at the base of falls is extremely dangerous, due to strong currents and an undertow. Kara Hyland is on Facebook. Bell officiated a wedding in Millinocket that is now linked to 158 cases of COVID-19. Abrams Falls, located in Great Smoky National Park, is a great destination for a wide variety of reasons. So take all the photos you want outside of the water, but please don’t swim beneath the falls! Turn onto Laurel Creek Road and continue straight until you reach Cades Cove Loop Rd. Just after crossing a creek on a small bridge, turn right onto the gravel Abrams Falls Rd through a pasture area. While the cascade itself is rather short, it’s incredibly impressive – and cited as the park’s waterfall with the highest water volume. The Blount County Rescue Squad and the Park Rangers are still looking for his body. As a bit of trivia, a few years ago Backpacker Magazine named the hike to Abrams Falls as one of “America's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes”. The trail to Abrams Falls parallels Abrams Creek most of the way, except when Abrams Creek reaches Arbutus Ridge, a stretch of the creek that is popular with trout fishermen. Over the years, swimmers have become victims to the powerful currents and undertow created by the falls. At the 2.5 mile mark, a small and typical log foot bridge will go the left, take this bridge and side trail to Abrams Falls, you'll be able to clearly hear it at this point. Several people have been killed trying to do so. Abrams Falls is the only large waterfall still located on private land in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Join Facebook to connect with Kara Hyland and others you may know. Though Abrams Falls only drops 20 feet, it is quite wide and empties into a 100-foot wide sparkling pool of water. ico_unmute. This gem is especially beautiful during the summer months, so try to visit it then. Abrams Falls is sort of the Mt. It is very popular as a swimming hole as well as a fishing spot. In 2006, a strong swimmer that was swimming close to the base of the falls was pulled under by the undertow and his body never resurfaced. While they're not the tallest falls you'll ever encounter, they are some of the most powerful. There are some super strong currents here and an undertow. Eleanor UPDATE: They found his body. The Falls are reached by a trail that starts at Oliver's in the Cove, and follows approximately along Abrams Creek. Where is Abrams Falls? Abrams Creek is the longest creek entirely within the park system, and Abrams Falls creates one of the largest natural pools. Abrams Falls is perhaps the most impressive of all the falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Swimmers have drown here! He was 30 feet down in the pool under the falls. Follow U.S. 321 to the "Y". It is the user's responsibility to obtain permission to publish texts and facsimiles from the owners of the copyright. Abrams Falls is a great opportunity to see one of the most scenic spots in the Smokies, and because of its location near Cades Cove it’s simple to get to from your Smoky Mountains cabin. Brothers James E. (Jim) and Robin Thompson were professional photographers based in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the early twentieth century. The hike to Abrams Falls itself is 2.5 miles, then 2.5 back to the parking area, making the total round trip length about 5 miles. The trailhead is located off of the 11-mile loop in Cades Cove. Getting there requires a moderately difficult hike, but the path covers some tranquil wilderness in the park that gives you a true sense of the Smokies. Due to safety issues, the landowners do not encourage hiking on the several properties that comprise the Abrams Falls area, however, interested parties of experienced hikers are allowed on a limited basis. Many people have died at Abrams Falls due to swimming in that pool. Lots of signs warning not to swim IN the falls or near the base, but there is plenty of room to wade without getting too close. Abrams Falls, on Abrams Creek, is in the western part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, three miles down the creek from Cades Cove. One of the most popular Smoky Mountains hiking trails in the park, the hike follows Abrams Creek and passes by Abrams Falls.. Abrams Falls is perhaps the most impressive of all the falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Abrams Falls is not a particularly high fall, only about 20 feet, but it has the largest water flow of any waterfall in GSMNP. The hike is moderate, with a few ups and downs. Skip to main content. Hiking Abrams Falls: The Abrams Falls trail is considered to have one of the most voluminous waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though Abrams Falls only drops 20 feet, it is quite wide and empties into a 100-foot wide sparkling pool of water. We took off our masks (COVID-19 rules at the park), and enjoyed a lunch of ham and cheese sandwiches and the last two pieces of my homemade Blueberry Buckle sitting on a convenient rock. Skip to main content. The University of Tennessee Libraries allows the reproduction of materials from its digital collections, in compliance with United States copyright law. Chief Oskuah, later in life, adopted the name Abram. The park does not forbid swimming but also does not recommend it. And it comes crashing into one of the most frequently visited destinations in the park as well: a 100-foot wide pool that dozens of visitors come to enj… If you’re open to a slightly more rigorous hike compared to some and you can follow the proper safety guidelines, you’ll find Abrams Falls a rewarding hike that you can easily fit into your schedule. Expert divers are unable to reach bottom just below the falls. There are three, and the third is the largest, and will take you to a rocky ridge with nice views. It is a very large swimming hole, around 100 feet wide in all directions, so there will be plenty of room to splash around even when it is busy. All reviews abrams falls great hike tree roots miles round trip cades cove long hike ups and downs mile hike rocky terrain moderate hike beautiful waterfall swimming hole pit toilets takes about hours favorite hike hiking boots down hill parking lot half way take your time park ranger parking area. The ups provide some short, but significant elevation gain. For starters, there’s a large parking lot with ample parking for even midday hikes. For the majority of the trail, you'll follow the creek. Unused postcard. Due to the water volume, there are very strong currents, and and under-toe. Under the water are many "traps", that have lead to 21 water related deaths since 1971. This trail is to the falls is heavily trafficked, accessible year around, and moderate in difficulty. Ironically, it is the very ease of the trail that makes it so dangerous…many can come here and many do, and no small number engage in feats of Le Stupid. Abrams Falls Swimming Hole Below the 20-foot waterfall known as Abrams Falls is a picturesque swimming hole that’s been a favorite spot for decades. You'll arrive at the small "beach" area, surrounded by a number of large rock areas for viewing and photographing the waterfall. After about 2.5 miles, you will reach Abrams Falls, a 20-foot tall waterfall that plunges into a large pool. The area around the falls is a great place to sit, relax, break for lunch and explore. Due to the water volume, there are very strong currents, and and under-toe. There are a number of access points to the creek on the trail side, and they are worth exploring. Jun 29, 2015 - Visiting the Abrams Falls swimming hole for a fun adventure and swim is a must if you're visiting Gatlinburg in the summer. While the cascade itself is rather short, it’s incredibly impressive – and cited as the park’s waterfall with the highest water volume. While Abrams Falls is not the highest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, reaching only 20 feet high, it is one of the more prolific in the park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Abrams Falls to junction with Hannah and Hatcher Mountain trails Postcards from the Great Smoky Mountains Postcards from The Great Smoky Mountains documents well-known landmarks, geographic features, and man-made improvements such as roads complete with vintage automobiles. Abrams Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountains Rated moderate, this 5 mile round trip hike features a spectacular 20 foot waterfall with a large 100 foot pool at the base, a favorite for swimming during the summer months. The Falls are reached by a trail that starts at Oliver's in the Cove, and follows approximately along Abrams Creek. The pool at the bottom of Abrams Falls provides the best swimming in or near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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