Abrams Falls Trail closed, others post warnings
The Abrams Falls Trail is located about half way around the Cades Cove loop road and is very popular amongst day trippers to the area. The trailhead is shared between various trails, one of which leads to a backcountry campsite. It is not uncommon to see a sign posted with information about the campsite that warns of aggressive bear activity or closes the campsite all together. Bears are often seen at the Abrams Falls trailhead and along the trail.
For the second time in June 2009 the Abrams Falls trailhead is closed due to an aggressive black bear in the area. Several backcountry campsites, shelters and other trails throughout GSMNP are dealing with bear warnings, including the popular Laurel Falls Trail. A bear warning simply means that bear activity is known to be occurring in the area, though perhaps not aggressively or too frequently.
Although the Abrams Falls trailhead is also the trailhead for the Wet Bottom Trail and the Rabbit Creak Trail, Abrams Falls is currently the only one that is closed. Rabbit Creek Trail leads to backcountry campsites 15 and 16. Hiking beyond the falls from the Abrams Falls Trail, campsites 1 and 17 can be accessed from the Little Bottoms Trail. Both trails lead to the Abrams Creek campground.
It is not clear when the Abrams Falls Trail will reopen. Rangers are hoping to capture the bear and escort it to a new location. As of now the bear in question has not hurt any human but the National Park is erring on the side of caution and taking preventative steps before such an encounter can occur.
View a map of Great Smoky Mountains National Park trails and backcountry campsites. (PDF)
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Abrams Falls Trail closed, others post warnings
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