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How much time should we plan for it? And would it be ok to go after lunch on a Saturday on June? I have read the crowds can be pretty bad.

Also how does it work, you just drive around the loop? Or are there designated parking places all along the loop for people who want to stop and explore?

Last thing, if we wanted to hike to Abrahams Falls, is that something kids can do? Say 10-12 year old range?

Yes, crowds are really bad in the summer on weekends. We went last year in mid July. We lucked out in Cades Cove and went in the last afternoon (like 3 ish) on a Sunday when it had just rained and was still cloudy. We had no traffic and not too many people.

You drive around the loop. There are various cabins, little short trails to cabins or old churches that you can walk to. There's an area by the Mill where there are actual blacksmiths and other demonstrations, storytellers, etc. That one is the one with restrooms and a larger parking lot. All the rest have a very limited amount of parking.

Remember that the Abrams Falls hike is about 5 miles, but because of the terrain, elevation, and photo ops (and also the amount of people on that trail at that time of day), it will take about 4 hours to hike. I would think a normal 10 - 12 year old would be ok with this hike. They vert possibly may be hot, bored, and grumpy by the end.

We did not do this hike last year. We did Grotto Falls and Alum Cave Trail. Both of those are a little shorter.

If there is any way to structure your day differently, I'd suggest starting your hike very early...like 7-7:30 am. The parking lots at the trailheads were almost full (just a couple of spots left) when we started our hikes around 7:30. When we were coming back down, there were so many people on the trails...just very congested. Don't start your hike too late either. You wouldn't want it to get dark.

Look at the all trails website for lots of info on the hike and reviews, photos, etc.