The Great Smoky Mountains National Park marks the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It is famous for the blue haze that covers the rolling mountains. The gray tones of the landscape occur due to the steam emanating from the ancient, thick, and compact forests that cover 95 percent of the park.
This is the most visited park in the US. The beauty of its old mountains and the quality of the remnants of southern Appalachian mountain culture entice travelers worldwide. You can enjoy the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery as you explore the 150 trails within the park, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, a rugged 71 mile (115 km) trail.
From black bears to salamanders. From ancient forests to spring wildflowers. From cabins to flour mills. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park offers diverse opportunities to explore and discover natural ancient mountains and their cultural history. The Appalachian Mountains, where native Cherokee Indians used to hunt, are part of this park’s stunning views. You can also see some of the houses, farms, and barns that the locals occupied in these mountains in the 19th century. It is a territory with more than 500 Acres (200 hectares) where you can lose yourself and learn more about nature and American history.
Almost equidistant between eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, the park has sixty-two species of mammals roaming its massive area, including black bears, bobcats, coyotes, red wolves, and approximately two hundred moose. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 384 miles (617 km) of well-maintained roads; most are paved, but some are gravel. Always remember that you are in the mountains, so be prepared for lots of curves and turns in addition to the occasional steep hill or slope.
Peak season at this park runs from mid-June to mid-August, when the total number of visitors per month is around 1.5 million. Temperatures also rise, with highs often reaching over 80ºF (26ºC) during the day. Summer afternoons often bring storms, and July is the month with the highest rainfall. When it gets dark, temperatures drop to a comfortable average of 55ºF (13ºC).
The humid summer weather subsides in September and the crowds begin to disappear. In October, cooler temperatures arrive, between 40ºF (4.5ºC) and 50ºF (10ºC), in addition to a new wave of visitors. When hues of red, gold, and orange spill from mountain peaks to the forest floor, the park enters its second peak season.
Abrams Falls might not be huge in height, but the large volume of water gushing over the falls makes it stand out. The long, deep pool at the bottom is charming and attractive. The waterfall is named after a Cherokee chief whose village was several miles downstream in the ancient days.
Trailhead: On the Cades Cove Loop Road past stop #10, there is a turnoff for the trailhead. The turnoff is clearly marked.
To get to Abrams Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains:
Highlights: Featuring historic buildings and wildlife watching, Cades Cove is a lush valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most visited destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains. An 11 mile (18 km) one-way loop road will take you to the harbor. A wide range of historic buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries can be found throughout the harbor. Among these are several barns, a flour mill, three churches, and a wonderful collection of log houses and outbuildings. Numerous trails originate from the port.
Deer can be spotted in the fields as visitors drive along the road along with other wildlife such as bears, so come prepared with a bear spray.
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