Trail: Hen Wallow Falls via Gabes Mountain Trail
Type: Out & Back
Surface: Forest Trail with Roots and Rocks
Distance: 4.4 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Foot Traffic: Not Crowded
Restrooms: Cosby Campground (backcountry regulations)
Highlights: Waterfalls, Streams, Historical
Gabes Mountain Trail Trailhead
Hen Wallow Falls is accessible via Gabes Mountain Trail. The trailhead is located near the entrance to Cosby Campground.
From Gatlinburg: Take East Parkway (US 321 North) for 18.0 miles until you must turn at the intersection. Turn right onto TN-32 South and go 1.2 miles to Cosby Park Road on the right. Turn onto Cosby Park Road and drive 2.0 miles to the trailhead. Pass the trailhead and park in the parking lot.
Gabes Mountain Trail Description
Gabes Mountain Trail is a typical mountain trail with ample roots and rocks being a prominent feature. The trail may be challenging for some due to the increase in elevation. It is rated “moderate” for good reason.
Hikers will enjoy the rhododendron and hemlock forest as you walk to Hen Wallow Falls. Just more than a mile from the trailhead, you can see what is left of an old rock wall. A home used to sit on this site, but is no longer there.
Hen Wallow Falls | Gabes Mountain Trail
To reach the waterfall, keep walking. At the 2.0-mile mark, follow the signage to the side trail leading to the base of the falls. This section of the trail is short, but steep, so take care.
Hen Wallow Falls drops 90 feet and widens from just a few feet at the top to about 25 feet by the time it reaches the bottom. In the winter, the falls often freeze and produce a gorgeous ice sculpture.
Nearby Points of Interests
Maddron Bald Trail is a great place to hike. The best old-growth forest in the park is located along this trail. In fact, if you continue hiking Gabes Mountain Trail, it will eventually end at the junction with Maddron Bald Trail.
