Abrams Falls Trail is a crowded Trail, the parking area large with a couple of bathrooms to accommodate the tourists who venture here. I am always happy to see a toilet myself. We got to the trail head at 10:00 o’clock. Traffic had not caught up with the lovely day yet, so the trail was lightly populated. It had rained for most of the week, however the sun broke forth in all its winter glory the day before our hike. The sun shone brightly but brought very little warmth with it. The wind had a definite winter bite to it so I was bundled up against its penetrating chill.
The water levels were high. We started up the trail, and it was beautiful from the outset. The trail follows Abrams Creek. As we headed towards the Falls the trail rose above the creek bed and the views below of the water are stunning. The trail was muddy in places, it had roots and rocky places to traverse. The trail has a little bit of everything and not too much of any one thing. It is rated moderate. The climbs will get the heart rate up but they don’t last long. The lack of canopy afforded long stunning views of the valley below with the creek. The Falls are 2.5 miles in on the 4.2 mile length of trail. We could hear the sounds of the Falls below as we neared. Then we could see the Falls below us through the bare trees. It was hard to appreciate the true beauty and volume of the 25 ft. Falls from above.
We decended down towards the Falls and made the left to the base of Abrams Falls. Crossing the footbridge we found that there were only 4 other people there. We found a spot and took some pictures and just soaked in the ambiance. The huge volume of water flowing over the Falls boomed and roared. The pool at its base roiled with white froth with a mist hanging above it; the spray off the Falls was icy cold. Having the view of the Falls unimpeded by human traffic was a treat in itself.
We left the Falls, making the left turn that would take us to the end of the trail. We climbed and followed an easy trail above the creek. The sound of the flowing water was a constant companion. We crossed a couple of side tributaries and descended to walk the last little bit of trail beside Abrams Creek. We stopped short of trails end for a break. It was good to have a companion. We talked and laughed and exclaimed over the beauty of God’s creation. We unloaded weeks worth of personal garbage and cleared hearts and minds.
We passed fellow hikers coming in from Happy Valley on this section of trail. On the way back we made good time retracing our steps. At the Falls, we found a crowd of admirers. We took a second look and a couple more photos of the tremendous display of nature’s power. Abrams Falls Trail has been written about as being one of the most dangerous in the Park due to fatalities. The sheer volume of water over the Falls creates tremendous undercurrents that can pull even the strongest swimmers under. There have been nearly 30 drownings in Abrams Creek since the formation of the National Park. Warning signs posted tell of the danger, but the placid looking pool is a deceptive temptation in summer. Today, the frothing water was its own warning. Still people ventured onto the rocks beside the raging torrent, some with small children in tow. We watched amazed as the tourists came and went, then we packed it up and headed out.
On the exit hike we passed a near constant stream of humanity. All shapes and sizes, prepared and unprepared alike. It made us glad for our relatively early start and the time we had at the Falls earlier.
Abrams Falls is a must see for any waterfall lover. Just be aware of timing and the crowds that may be encountered. The trail past the Falls is lightly traveled but well worth the extra effort.
MrsSmithsLifeUnexpected 