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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a great hike with lots of good scenery. The trail is an out-and-back type trail with the route to Ramsay Cascades all up hill. Thankfully it's a gradual climb that only gets remotely steep the last mile or so approaching the Cascades. The first 1.5 miles follow an abandoned logging route. The trail then becomes a typical Smoky Mountain hiking trail that is only wide enough for one person. At 2.6 miles you will come to some of the largest trees I have ever seen in person. The largest is approximately a 7 ft diameter tulip tree. As mentioned before, the last mile or so becomes more steep and is also very rocky. Caution should be taken especially on the way back down. Once reaching the Cascades, you will want to cross over the shallow pool at the bottom to reach a rock ledge on the other side to get in position for some good pictures of the Cascades. Trailhead: Approximately 6 miles from Gatlinburg on US 321 take a right on Greenbrier Road at the Greenbrier entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Follow this road 3.2 miles and then hang a left at a sign for Ramsay Cascades. You will cross a bridge and then in another 1.5 miles you will reach the parking lot and trailhead. (Lat:35.422 Lon:-83.2145) Trail Guides for Ramsay Cascades: Hiking Trails of the Smokies by Don Defoe and others (Great Smoky Mountains Historical Association) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Greenbrier Ranger Station - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (no phone) Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Nick Deal. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Warren on 5/5/2012 Our group, average age 55, and in moderately good physical condition took 5 hours for the round trip. GPS showed a shade under 10 miles. We are westerners, used to mountain hiking, and found it challenging, but well worth it at the end. Scenery along the way is nice, but no better than other local hikes. The Cascades themselves are a standout, one of the neatest things I have seen anywhere.
Reviewed by Lucia L on 1/9/2012 What a great hike even in the winter. Beautiful scenery & challenging at the same time. The forest floor looked like a bed of emeralds. The water was really moving too! It rained but we were still able to make it in a little more than 4 hours. Defintely one not to be missed!
Reviewed by Texas Tom on 7/21/2011 Hiked it yesterday and needed to move quickly as it wss 5pm when headed out. From Dallas (700ft) and 48 years of age this was a great challenge...average fitness but a strong will. Of rhe 4 miles there, the first 1.5 made it seem like it had been miss-labeled as "strenous", but the next 2.5 was really tough if committed to go without breaks. Made it in 1hr 15 minutes on the way up. Going down was tougher minus the cardiovascular. Right at an hour on the way back. Great hike! 
Reviewed by Amanda on 5/9/2011 On 5-1-11, When I first saw this hike online I told my self 8 miles would be ok to do. I exercise regulary so I thought this would be no sweat to it. WRONG! This hike was very hard. You should take your time, plenty of water and food. I did this hike in 4 hours but comming down was real fast. The last mile was rocky. I felt like I was rock climbing instead of hiking. This hike was way more than 8 miles long. I run atleast 3 miles about 3 times a week or more and this kicked my butt! Do not go by 8 miles. Felt more like 12. To me the end was not worth it only because there was a large tree blocking most of the water fall. I would do this hike again but in the fall.
Reviewed by Tom L. on 3/28/2011 I've hiked many of the trails in the Smokies and this is one of the more difficult trails at a 12.75 rating. Not a lot to see along the way and no mountain views to break up the hike. The last 1.5 miles is very steep. You need to be in shape for this hike. I don't recommend youngsters take this on. Round trip will take at least 5 hours. The falls are impressive but a lot of hard hiking for this one view. If you are looking for a difficult trail with waterfalls this is it.
Reviewed by Karissa on 7/12/2010 I didn't realize how out of shape I was until I hiked this trail. I am not a regular hiker nor a necessarily active person, and this kicked my butt!! It was well worth it, though. I almost gave up at the end, but am very glad I didn't. It's beautiful. 
Reviewed by Heidi on 5/23/2010 My mother dragged me all over the mountains hiking as a kid but for some reason, by-passed this one. I have hiked MANY trails and this is by far THE BEST trail in the Smoky's. Be cause you have no 'cliff mountain views', this trail makes up for it in SOOOO many other ways!! A MUST TO HIKE! Hard hike but spread out just right!!!!
Reviewed by CC on 3/28/2010 8 of us took to this trail, all 30ish age and it took us right about 5 hours to complete. it starts out easy, but the hardest part is the last mile or so when the incline goes up and there were lots of obstacles. it was muddy so be prepared to get your shoes and pants muddy. we all enjoyed a packed lunch under the waterfall. don't forget to pack lots of water! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Sevier County Hiking, Sevier County Trails, Sevier County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
