Let’s hike to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the park, and while we are at it, enjoy a view of Cades Cove, via the Cades Cove Loop Road. This is a great hike for those new to hiking, and those looking to get out and enjoy the winter outdoors. This is a 2.5-mile one way hike from the Abrams Falls Trailhead to the falls, for a 5-mile total round trip hike. There is an elevation gain of about 675 feet, and it is rated Easy to Moderate in difficulty. The trail was recently improved to smooth out some areas of rough terrain (roots and rocks). The waterfall has a 20-foot plunge from a rock face into a beautiful pool. The trail passes through a mixed pine and oak forest with rhododendron and hemlock trees.

* Total hike distance is 5 miles with 675 ft elevation gain; rated Easy to Moderate. New Hikers welcome!

* To access the trailhead, drive roughly halfway around the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road, park at the Abrams Falls Trailhead at the end of Abrams Falls Road (between loop road sign posts 10 and 11). Watch the sign for Abrams Falls Road, as the Cades Cove Loop Road is as one way road. There is a restroom and ample parking at the trailhead.

* To Carpool, meet at the Kroger in Alcoa, 244 S. Hall Rd. (at the SE end of the building, near the old KARM store, and park around the side of the building) at 8:00am. Drive: 68 miles RT {@7¢ = $4.76}. Or meet at the Abrams Falls trailhead at 9:45am. If meeting at the trailhead, be sure to take into account the extra drive time that might be needed to drive around Cades Cove. The leader (David Liles) will meet at the trailhead.

* Leader: David G. Liles, tnyellowtomcat@yahoo.com, 865-274-8271.