It is no surprise that Cades Cove is the most-visited area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The over 2 million visitors that come every year love the natural scenery and fresh air. Some of the most stunning features in Cades Cove are the waterfalls, including a couple of hidden gems off of underrated hiking trails! Here is a list of 3 hiking trails in Cades Cove with waterfalls:
Abrams Falls Trail
The Abrams Falls Trail is 5.2 miles roundtrip which includes over 600 feet in elevation gain. It is important to note that the route is moderately challenging. to get to the trail's namesake, hikers will wander through a pine-oak forest. The many trees have green leaves in the warmer months and are adorned with bright colors in the fall. Abrams Falls is located at the 2.5-mile marker of the trail. There is a footbridge that leads to a flat area of land which is a great place to admire the waterfall. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the rushing water makes it very voluminous. It is named after a Cherokee chief who once had a village downstream.
Mill Creek Falls Trail
Another one of the trails in Cades Cove with waterfalls is the Mill Creek Falls Trail (also known as Mill Creek Cascade). The unmarked route is strenuous and well-suited only for experienced hikers. It is 7.5 miles roundtrip and over 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Look out for fallen trees and rocks along the way. Make sure to wear some sturdy hiking boots to help maintain your balance. Keep your eye out for wildlife! This is a popular trail for bird watching! You might see a wild turkey or red-tailed hawk in the trees. As for the trail’s namesake, it is one of the longest waterfalls in the Smokies at over 200 feet. Take a moment to relax and admire it before continuing your journey. Use caution on any slippery rocks.
Crooked Arm Cascades
Another waterfall to check out in Cades Cove is Crooked Arm Cascades. This aptly named 25-foot waterfall has several unique twists, and the best time to see it is from the late fall to early spring since foliage and brush can sometimes block clear views of the falls. You can get there by taking the Crooked Arm Trail which is a shorter out-and-back hike to the falls, but is often paired with the Indian Grave Gap and the Rich Mountain Loop for a combined total of 8.3 miles roundtrip and has almost 2,000 feet in elevation gain. An alternate point to start the hike is the John Oliver Cabin, as it intersects with the Rich Mountain Loop. John Oliver was one of the first settlers to inhabit Cades Cove in the 1820s, and his cabin is the oldest human structure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Now you know about some great Cades Cove trails with waterfalls. Time to start planning your visit! Explore this list of questions to ask when hiking in Cades Cove!
