About Gabes Mountain Trail
Gabes Mountain Trail is the main trail that leaves from the Cosby picnic area, and it is also the way to Hen Wallow Falls. The full trail is about 7 miles, rolling through hardwood forest to a junction with the Maddron Bald and Old Settlers trails, with roughly 1,000 feet of climbing.
The hike
Most hikers stop at the Hen Wallow Falls spur, about 2 miles in. Past that the trail continues into quiet old forest, with a few steep spots and creek crossings. It is a good one-way shuttle if you can arrange a pickup.
When to go
Spring and fall are best.
Getting there
Cosby is off I-40 exit 435 via TN-32. Plan on a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual) if you will be parked longer than 15 minutes. Federal passes do not substitute for it, and a screenshot will not do; the tag must be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Bring water. See the Cosby area page.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Ramsey Cascades: an 8-mile round trip to a tall waterfall
- Porters Creek Trail: about 4 miles round trip to Fern Branch Falls
- Hen Wallow Falls: a 4.3-mile round trip near Cosby
Planning and safety
Give yourself more time than the mileage suggests. Rocks, roots, stream crossings and short climbs all slow the pace, and most people stop often. An early start gives you the quietest trail and the best chance at a parking space.
Cell service is spotty across much of the park, so download a map ahead of time and tell someone where you are headed. Stay on the trail, keep dogs and other pets on the few trails where they are allowed, and give wildlife plenty of room. Trail conditions are posted on the park's closures page.
Good to know
- How long is Gabes Mountain Trail?
- Gabes Mountain Trail is 7 miles one way, with about 1,030 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
