Heads up, hikers: Abrams Falls Trail is getting a facelift! The most popular hike in Cades Cove, Abrams Falls Trail is often a go-to for families, groups, and solo travelers looking to enjoy a hike with gorgeous scenery in the most popular area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But if you’ve made upcoming plans to take this hike to the 25-foot waterfall during the week, you’ll need to change course as crews are working on improvements that are designed to make the hike safer. Here’s everything you need to know about Abrams Falls Trails construction, including when it’s closed to visitors:
Abrams Falls Trail Will Close During the Week
Abrams Falls Trail is closed to hikers Monday through Thursday, each week from August 24, 2026 through the project’s completion, which is expected to be by October 1st, 2026. The trail will remain open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through these dates, as well as Labor Day (Monday, September 7th) so visitors can still enjoy an adventure through the rhododendron, hemlock, and pine-oak forest, culminating in the spectacular falls. These weekday closures are to ensure the safety of visitors and employees while construction is happening.
What’s Getting Fixed?
The improvements of Abrams Falls Trail are focused on making the trail safer and more enjoyable for hikers in the future. Crews are replacing 4 old footlog bridges and handrails, as well as constructing new stairs at a steep and slippery rock section near Abrams Falls. To complete this project, workers will be using rigging equipment throughout the trail, supply delivery courtesy of the park’s animal packer team, and the removal and replacement of the existing footlogs. These fixes are being made in an effort to keep Abrams Falls Trail in great shape for years to come.
Why is Abrams Falls Trail So Popular?
Abrams Falls Trail is a 5-mile roundtrip hike through gorgeous Cades Cove. The payoff is one of the Smoky Mountains most popular waterfalls! The rushing water at Abrams Falls drops 25 feet over sandstone into a deep pool below. While not the tallest waterfall in the park, Abrams Falls features a wide and powerful flow of water and the scenic surroundings make it one of the most beloved waterfalls in the region. It’s the type of hike where the journey is just as much fun as the destination. Hikers wind through the peaceful forest with plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural beauty Cades Cove is known for.
Other Hiking Trails in the Smokies to Check Out
If you’re visiting the national park on a weekday during the Abrams Falls Trail closure, don’t sweat it. There are plenty of other great trails to check out! The National Park Service recommends West Prong, Lynn Creek Waterfall Loop or the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop.
But why stop there? If you’re looking for more helpful information about potential hikes to explore in the meantime, Visit My Smokies has you covered. Take a look at some of our favorite hiking trails in the Smokies, broken down by level of difficulty so you can find the perfect option for your experience and fitness level!
