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. 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. Abrams Falls has a large swimming area but stay away from the falls itself as it creates a strong undertow. Be aware that the trail is very rocky and full of roots, so you will want to keep at eye on your footing to avoid tripping. Blue Ridge Mountain Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. To get there, take Route 220 in Alleghany County 5 miles north out of Covington. The pool at the bottom of Abrams Falls provides the best swimming in or near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Information, Directions, Photos, Video, and more! It is very popular as a swimming hole as well as a fishing spot. 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. While you will often see people swimming here, and the pool is certainly very inviting, … 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. Over the years, swimmers have become victims to the powerful currents and undertow created by the falls. The Falls are reached by a trail that starts at Oliver's in the Cove, and follows approximately along Abrams Creek. In … 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 Creek, the longest stream entirely within the boundaries of the national park, follows alongside the trail for most of its length, as it plunges over Abrams Falls and into one of the largest natural pools in the area, which, during busy seasons, is often teeming with visitors swimming in its waters. There are some super strong currents here and an undertow. The trail follows a ridge, that is often very high above the creek. Expert divers are unable to reach bottom just below the falls. Though Abrams Falls only drops 20 feet, it is quite wide and empties into a 100-foot wide sparkling pool of water. Abrams Falls is sort of the Mt. Find a designated swimming hole is you want to go for a dip, Abrams Falls is NOT a place to swim. Several shallow swimming holes are scattered along this picnic area. This is the highest volume waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so it produces strong currents. 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. Swimmers have drown here! abrams falls swimming hole This waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram, or Abrams, whose village once stood several miles downstream. The destination is the gem of the trail, as the falls are really pretty. 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. It is the user's responsibility to obtain permission to publish texts and facsimiles from the owners of the copyright. 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. Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high but has the feel of a massive waterfall due to it's high volume of water. For the majority of the trail, you'll follow the creek. The trail begins just after the trail sign, at a bridge crossing. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque; however, due to strong currents and an undertow, swimming here is extremely dangerous. Visitors have drowned in this area due to the powerful current and undertow. This has been bucket list hike for us, and while we enjoyed it, we hiked it during prime Fall season, and while gorgeous, there were far too many people for us. ADVERTISEMENT. One of the most popular Smoky Mountains hiking trails in the park, the hike follows Abrams Creek and passes by Abrams Falls.. After crossing the bridge, go left to Abrams Falls. So take all the photos you want outside of the water, but please don’t swim beneath the falls! While they're not the tallest falls you'll ever encounter, they are some of the most powerful. We highly recommend hiking this trail early in the morning to avoid the crowds, or on a weekday. 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. Lindsey M wrote a review Sep. 2020. Please share the following identifier (ThGSM 127) and provide a brief description of the photograph. Plus, Abrams falls is very easily reached, making it a popular place for swimming and horseplay — often by those who not be especially fit or prepared for its challenges. 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. Due to strong currents and an undertow, swimming in the pool at the base of the falls is extremely dangerous. The one-way Cades Cove, this swimming hole is a Great place to.! Still looking for his body plunges into a 100-foot wide sparkling pool of water area but away! 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