Hen Wallow Falls

Today was a fantastic day!!! We are always looking to try new adventures as a family and discovered Hen Wallow Falls after a quick Google search. We’ve done several of the falls in the area (Laurel, Abram, Rainbow & Grotto), and this waterfall did not disappoint.
I should mention this trail is not for the faint of heart. It’s not as strenuous as the trail to Rainbow Falls, but it’s not by any means easy. The trail is laced with jagged rocks and webs of tree roots that force you to keep your eyes on where you plan to step. But there was also beautiful nature all around. We found millipedes, snails, butterflies, and several great places to take family photo’s. There were huge rock outcroppings, mossy fallen trees, beautiful large Hemlocks and Rhododendrons not yet in bloom. Be sure to bring your camera, because the very first log bridge you come to has a creek view worthy of a screen saver, with beautiful mossy stones and crystal clear mountain waters. It was sooooooo beautiful.

You will cross three bridges in all and then about half way up Gabes Mountain Trail —

you will come to a clearing with directional signs that tell you the falls are another 1.2 miles. That actually was disappointing news to us, because at that point, it felt like we had already done the full 2.2 miles. The last part of the climb is the steepest, but then you will take a steep side trail down to the falls about ¹⁄₁₀^th of a mile. The problem with that is you also have to climb that same steep trail back up. It’s a workout for sure, but we were very lucky because it had been raining for the past two days and the falls were flowing nicely. There are several angles to take a great photo, but the best views will require a little maneuvering over wet stones, so be careful!!!
The parking area just outside the trail head is a great picnic area, but there are «beware of bear» signs everywhere. To get to the parking area from Gatlinburg, take 321 about 18.2 miles until the road dead ends into Hwy 32. Turn right towards Cosby and drive 1.2 miles to Cosby Park Road. Turn right again and follow that road til you see the parking area on the left and trail head on the right. Be sure to bring water and enjoy your hike!!! We saw families of all ages on the trail, but young children will likely need to be carried at some point because of the difficulty of the elevation gain. Also, there is a very nice stream flowing next to Cosby Park Road with a turn-​off that will let you park safely and take some great scenic pics.