Distance: 11.2
After 2 weeks in the middle east, I was ready for a hike. I headed for Cades Cove to hike the Abrams Falls, Hatcher Mountain, Rabbit Creek Loop.
It was uncommonly warm for February, so I was hiking in shorts. I had hiked to Abrams Falls many times in the past, but this was the 1st time I've hiked past the falls.
The hike to the falls passed quickly with a few nice views along the way.
I have never been at Abrams Falls alone. The solitude was nice.
After lunch at the falls, I continued on Abrams Falls trail for a total of 4.2 miles. At that point you must cross the creek. I had no idea what to expect, but had brought my Chacos for the crossing. It was much wider and deeper than I expected. It wasn't quite waist deep, the water was swift and very cold. To make it more challenging, the rocks on the creek bed were very slippery. At one point, I considered turning back, but in the process of turning, it felt more dangerous than just toughing in out. After reaching the far side, I noticed that I was hyped up on a big adrenaline rush.
After the crossing, you stay on Hatcher Mountain for 1.9 miles. At that point, I turned left on Rabbit Creek. Trail.
After a mile or so on Rabbit Creek, there was another stream crossing. It was not nearly as deep and dangerous, but it did require that I put the Chacos back on.
From this point, the trail headed up hill for several tiring miles. The climb was less than 1000 ft, but I was out of shape from all of the traveling, so it felt worse. Just before reaching the car there was one final stream crossing. This one wasn't much deeper than knee deep.
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