![]() These rocks are slippery due to mist and algae. People have fallen to their deaths and many others have suffered serious injuries from climbing on rocks near waterfalls or along the riverbanks. Due to the steep grade and roughness of pavement, this trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.ĭo not climb on rocks around the waterfall. Portions of the trail have steep drop-offs. The trail has short, steep sections which can be slippery in wet weather. The trail is paved at the trailhead but the pavement is rough and uneven and does not extend the full length of the trail. Learn more about pet restrictions in the park. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the trail. It takes about 2 hours to hike to the waterfall and back.Ĭarry drinking water with you. Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and the hike is considered moderate in difficulty. Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. Whether you’re fishing for native trout or interested in a refreshing dip in the stream, there are thousands of places to whet your spirit of adventure.Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May. Finally, the drive along Little River passes hundreds of pull-offs and small parking lots that afford easy access to the cold, clear water. The 80-foot cascade you’ll find at the end is one of the most-photographed spots in all of the Smokies. Additionally, the 2.6-mile stroller-friendly paved trail to Laurel Falls is a walk well worth taking. Splash around in the cool water of the Little River and take an easy hike to the Walker Sisters Cabin before heading onward to Cades Cove or back to Gatlinburg. Stationed right between Gatlinburg and Cades Cove, Metcalf Bottoms is the second-largest designated picnic area in the Smokies. Make it even sweeter by making a pit stop at some of Gatlinburg’s most beautiful gems. Venture beyond the beaches and waterfalls of Discovery Cove and enter a hidden treasure, the Explorers Aviary, where an inspiring natural habitat sings. The drive from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove is short and sweet. On the Way Getting there can sometimes be the best part. So step off the beaten path, bring a blanket, and enjoy a bite of serenity at one of the Cove’s 81 picnicking areas. Families, couples, and folks just looking for a little “me-time” know there’s no better setting for a picturesque picnic than Cades Cove. Additionally, Cades Cove Riding Stables, located near the Cades Cove loop road entrance in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a variety of guided tours, including horseback group and private treks as well as hayrides. ![]() ![]() You can bring your own bike or rent one from Cades Cove Campground Store or another local purveyor. The loop is closed to cars every Saturday and Wednesday morning until 10 a.m., from early May until late September, making the Cove a cyclist’s paradise and giving you a big head-start. Planning on hiking/walking Cades Cove tomorrow, but wont be able to do the full 11. If hiking’s not your thing, there are many other great ways for you and your family to actively experience Cades Cove. The hiking trail to Abrams Falls is located past the 10 stop on Cades Cove Loop Road, and it takes around three to four hours to hike there and back. ![]() ![]() Waterfalls are a huge attraction of Cades Cove and Abrams Falls is one of the most popular falls. Here are some other ways to get active in the area. Day Hikes In & Around Cades Cove is available for a minimal fee. Get Active Cades Cove isn’t just for cars. From the short (Cades Cove Nature Trail) to the long (Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top), Cades Cove has a trail for every skill set, so lace up your boots and get going. Abrams Falls isn’t the only beautiful hiking trail within Cades Cove. Swimming is extremely dangerous at the base of the falls, and the powerful currents and undertow can sweep you away. Be careful because the pool below is long and deep. It’s the most popular trail in Cades Cove for good reason, and you’ll see why when you arrive at a waterfall that’s only 20 feet high but still boasts a staggering amount of rushing water. The five-mile round trip journey along Abrams Creek is a moderate trek that’s worth every step. Cades Cove Go back to Where It All Started.īlaze your own trail, and get off the beaten path on one of Cades Cove’s numerous hiking trails. ![]()
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