A quick 5 mile hike out to Abrahms Falls, one of the most popular tourist hikes in the park featuring a close encounter with a black bear.
1 The Abrams Falls trail is mostly wide double-track and gets really crowded in the summer. But it is green and gorgeous.
2 My first Copperhead snake encounter. A good reminder that I still have to watch where I'm stepping out here.
3 A typical creek crossing throughout the Smokies with a narrow footbridge with rail on only one side.
4 Green, green, green.
5 Shortly thereafter, I had my closest encounter ever with a black bear. He was eating right alongside the trail. Since the trail was quite wide, I decided to see if I could pass on the far right edge of the trail. As soon as I got close (maybe 20ft), the bear made this really loud "humph" sound and actually started a fake charge at me (1-2 steps full speed). I quickly backed-up without turning around. He went back to eating, and then soon walked across the trails and off into the woods. Definitely got my adrenaline going!
6 Abrahms Falls. Only about 20ft tall, but carrying a pretty huge volume of water. It's definitely loud and forceful.
7 As close as I could safely get to the falls.
8 Video of the falls.
9 Heading back now across Abrahms Creek. Ready for my next adventure. Between the snake, bear, and waterfall, I'd say the trip was off to a great start!
