Abrams Creek emerges from the ground after traveling almost three miles through a limestone depression. Whereas all of the other 600 miles of trout streams in the national park have a pH of 5.6 to 6.5, the short subterranean trip through limestone jolts Abrams Creek's pH to 7.8 to 8.5. Coupled with the fecal bacteria and other nutrients contributed by the many cattle grazing in the open fields of the cove, this particular stream is blessed with a rich aquatic culture unique to the freestone streams of the Appalachian Mountains.