On Sunday we embarked on our first official hike in the GSMNP. Chad, Gavin, Caden, Kael, and I left our home in Knoxville for Cades Cove around 10a.m. and arrived around 11:15a.m. Our plan was to hike the Abrams Falls trail. It is located about halfway around the Cades Cove loop, before you reach the visitors center and old grist mill. Caden (10) and Kael (6) had never been to Cades Cove, so we took our time getting to the trail and stopped at the Methodist Church along the way. Caden, my lover of history, was interested in the graveyard. A highlight was a tombstone of a man who was born in 1746 and died during the Revolutionary War by the hands of “rebels in NC”. Kael was particularly excited about the turkeys. We probably saw about 100 throughout the day. Gavin, being the perfect teenager, complained often and requested we get on with it. We finally arrived at the trail head and set out around noon.
The trail itself begins by crossing Abrams Creek on a wooden bridge. It runs parallel to the creek except for when the creek turns away from the trail creating a horseshoe shaped turn to meet back up with the trail shortly. The trail began rather level with a single log bridge crossing before it began a steady uphill climb. Halfway to the falls, we reached a peak of the ridge, and the boys enjoyed climbing on the rocks and resting for a bit. After about 10 minutes we continued down the other side of the ridge. Much to Gavin and Kael’s relief, it was mostly downhill. There were two more single-log bridge crossings before we reached the falls. The boys rushed ahead and around the last bend when they heard the roar of the water.
The falls themselves are really breath taking and a just reward after a 2.5 mile hike. I had packed a few sandwiches and snacks, which were devoured while we gazed at the falls as a family. For once everyone was smiling and happy! After about a 20 minute rest we started back to the car. Towards the end of our hike, Kael began to complain, but he made it without any assistance. He was entitled to a little complaining after a 5 mile hike on 6 year old legs.
As we left the parking area there was 2 deer in the field. We stopped and I got out to take a picture. The boys quickly scrambled out and began to creep closer and closer. I never realized how quite they could be! The deer were completely content and never spooked. This was excited to them, but saddened me. It goes to show how accustomed they have become of human interaction. I made them stop within 20 feet, so as not to disturb them further. Once back in the car, I explained that this is not the norm and to never approach a wild animal. In retrospect, I probably should not have allowed them to get so near the wild animals. Oh well...
Anyway, to complete the day we visited the old grist mill and probably saw about 100 deer while in the park. We left and drove towards Gatlinburg, stopping at the Sinks for the boys to see the falls.
The weather was beautiful all day and Sunday proved to be a wonderful start to our adventure. This weekend, Chad and I hope to hike to Ramsay Cascades... weather permitting! Happy trekking!
Could this be our new Christmas card picture?
Me in front of the falls.
Kael and Gavin eating lunch by the water.
A beautiful buck in the field at Cades Cove.
The Old Grist Mill at Cades Cove.
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