Abrams Falls
Tennessee • 20 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
5.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
675 ft
About Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Known for its powerful flow and scenic surroundings, the waterfall is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Abrams Falls sits at 1,490 feet within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the foothills of Tennessee. The falls drop 20 feet.
Height: 20 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 5.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 675 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Abrams Falls Trail is a moderately challenging hike that winds through lush forest and follows Abrams Creek. The trail features some rocky and uneven sections, as well as moderate elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers with some experience. The waterfall itself is a stunning reward at the end of the trail, with a wide cascade and a deep pool below.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 20 feet.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Abrams Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, except the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Abrams Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Abrams Falls, as the weather is mild, and the surrounding foliage is particularly beautiful. Summer is also popular, but the trail can be more crowded.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as the rocks can be slippery, and the currents in the pool are strong. Stay on marked trails and be aware of wildlife. Carry a map and let someone know your plans before hiking.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Little River, 10.2 miles away, not on Abrams Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
50 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 63 years of record
1.33 ft
Water depth at gauge
54°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 54 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE RIVER ABOVE TOWNSEND, TN (16 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
53 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
54 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
50 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
56 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
59 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
64 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Townsend hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 161 feet of drop through Abrams Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That is more than the listed 20 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,485 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 113 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 141 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,485 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 161 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Abrams Falls is accessed via the Abrams Falls Trail, which begins at the Cades Cove Loop Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trailhead is well-marked and located near a parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead near the Cades Cove Loop Road. Arrive early, especially during peak seasons, as parking can fill up quickly.
Elevation
1,490 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.608419° N, -83.879622° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack snacks. Be prepared for uneven terrain and watch your footing near the waterfall.
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With 5.0 miles and 675 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Trailhead Cove
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Elk Lodge, Cozy cabin with a Mountain View!
The Circle Of Life, Hot Tub, Theater Room, 560 FREE tickets each paid day
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
CADES COVE GROUP
6.1 miles away · 4 sites
Overview Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures, popular biking and hiking trails and scenic waterfalls and streams. Tucked in the mountains under a lush, shaded canopy, this group campground offers the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer.Recreation The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Lo
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Cades Cove, Laurel Falls, Clingmans Dome, and other trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and numerous bird species. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Cities near Abrams Falls
Other waterfalls named Abrams Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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