Abrams Creek, Tennessee, US

1. Cades Cove to Abrams Creek Campground

Usual Difficulty	II-III+(V) (for normal flows)
Length	10 Miles
Avg. Gradient	65 fpm
Max Gradient	140 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
LITTLE RIVER ABOVE TOWNSEND, TN
usgs-03497300	3.50 - 5.50 ft	II-III+(V)	00h54m	2.09 ft (rc= -0.7 )

River Description

This is an absolutely beautiful and pristine float through the northwest corner of the park. If you are looking for gnar, then this run isn't for you. If you are looking for a long wilderness float with a stretch of class II-III+(V) action in the middle, then this is for you. A trail parallels the stream for the majority of its course, though in many spots the stream ventures quite far from it and the walls can prove difficult to ascend. The trail is on river right and continues all the way to the takeout via the Little Bottoms Trail. The run is mostly class II, but around 3.5 miles in, you exit the limestone and phyllite of the Cades Cove window and enter the Cades Sandstone's massive bedrock gorge. For the next 2.5 miles, there is good whitewater and great scenery. After a nice 8 foot sliding ledge on the right, notice the walls closing in and the rock exposures.

This is a premonition of Abrams Falls about a third of a mile ahead, which is a 22-24 foot drop (considering Baby Falls is 13 and Potters 17 feet). The left third and right third land on rocks, but the entrance is not overly tricky and isn't as difficult as LaMance over on the plateau. Still, 100% confidence is required, as a poor line could result in serious injury like a broken back, legs, or face. Given that, the sweet spot is sizable and the middle of the drop is clean, sporting one of the best drops in its size range to be found anywhere around. Scout, set safety, and portage on the right, lowering down the rock face and then walking the goat trail to the right and down a 10 foot step to the base of the falls.

After putting back in, there is 1.5 to 2 miles of quality bedrock rapids and walled in gorge action. This stretch has a similar feel to Conasauga and Coker Creek, with grabby but fun bedrock rapids with chunk here and there. This run is easier than both. A constriction below a long class 3 set called "Boulder Drop" should be scouted on the left. There is a line on the right, center and left. The best rapid is Sidewinder, a 200 yard long series of bedrock slides that start immediately after an island. After this there is more action against the sheer wall on the right, and then some more rapids down to the Rabbit Creek confluence on river left. After the confluence rapid, the creek amps down to class 2 again, with an occasional class 3 ledge. In another 2 miles, after passing campsite 17 on the right, the pace slows considerably with swift current but only occasional rapids. Watch for logjams here. The last mile is quite flat and slow.

This run is notable for its scenic value, aesthetics, and wilderness feel. This special place has a wild untouched feel, as most streams in the area have roads slicing through their depths. This trip is worth every minute of the hour each way shuttle, though if it is during a high use period, the road through Cades Cove can be painfully slow. If your priority is solitude, and adrenaline is not your sole purpose, then this trip is for you.