One Of The Most Treacherous Hikes In America Is Right Here In Tennessee

When it comes to outdoor activities, Tennessee is about as close as you'll get to heaven on Earth. With its incredible mountain ranges, densely wooded forests, and beautiful rivers, there's no shortage of trails to leave you in awe. However, with these incredible hikes also comes the potential for danger. It's an unfortunate truth that's especially pertinent in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which happens to claim one of the hardest hikes in Tennessee. Here's more about the famous Abrams Falls, which is one of the best hikes near Townsend, Tennessee.

At a meager 20 feet, Abrams Falls may not inherently seem like a treacherous area. Especially with the soft curves of the nearby trail, beautiful flora and fauna, and bounty of swimming holes. These factors are somewhat misleading, though, as Abrams Falls has accounted for nearly 30 lives lost since 1971.

There are other factors to consider which may not seem immediately apparent even to experienced hikers. At an elevation of nearly 650 feet, the trail gains an impressive altitude that can be disorienting at times. Finding the AllTrails app map for the Abrams Falls Trail will keep you on course and will be incredibly helpful.

But the real reason for risk lies in water danger. Word started to spread about this hike and we have found that Abrams Falls is considered the ninth most dangerous hike in America. Those who have ventured into the water directly below the falls can find themselves swept up in unforeseen currents. The Great Smokeys experience a great deal of rainfall — some peaks getting up to 85 inches — in storms that lead to sudden flooding.

Slick rocks also pose quite a hazard. Anyone who falls into the cold water could be in immediate danger of hypothermia. As is true for most natural swimming areas, what appears alluring and beautiful on the surface can often contain unknown and dangerous conditions.

Have you hiked to Abrams Falls in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Would you say this is one of the hardest hikes in Tennessee? Do you have some other suggestions for hiking in East Tennessee? Be sure to share your experiences with us! With Alltrails+ you can give yourself a leg up by navigating difficult trails like this one. Check out this informative video from Visit Gatlinburg so you can familiarize yourself with the trail before you go:

https://youtu.be/YN5PxDhra0U

If you prefer an easier trail, then a hike to Elijah Oliver's Place right off of Cades Cove might be more your style.