News Release

Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Begin Construction on Abrams Falls Trail starting August 24

NPS photo

News Release Date: August 20, 2026

Contact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Beginning Aug. 24, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Abrams Falls Trail from Monday through Thursday each week to replace aging footlog bridges and improve visitor safety. The work is expected to be completed by October 1. The trail will open to hikers Fridays through Sundays and on Labor Day (September 7) during construction. 

The project includes replacing four aging footlog bridges and handrails. The trail crew will also build new stairs at a steep, slick rock section to improve footing near Abrams Falls. 

Replacement of the footlogs will require the use of rigging equipment throughout the trail, supply delivery by the park’s animal packer team and removal and replacement of the footlogs. To ensure the safety of visitors and employees during these operations, the trail will be closed while work is underway. 

The hike to Abrams Falls is a 5-mile roundtrip hike through rhododendron, hemlock, and pine-oak forest to a 25-foot (7.6-m) waterfall that flows over a ledge of sandstone into a deep, picturesque pool.  

Looking for an alternate hike during the closure? Consider West Prong, Lynn Creek Waterfall Loop or the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop.  

This project is funded by Friends of the Smokies, which is also supporting rehabilitation work on Bullhead and Deep Creek trails this year. 

Abrams Falls Trail will be closed Mondays through Thursdays during construction. The trail will be open to hikers Fridays through Sundays.

NPS image