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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 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jeff on 8/5/2008 Absolutely loved the hike. Incredibly beautiful. My wife and I have hiked most of the major trails in the Smokies, and this was the most strenuous by far (we're both 55 now), even more strenuous than the Mt.LeConte hike up Alum Cave Bluff trail.If you are over 40, plan to take extra time. It took us nearly 6 hrs. up and down, and we are experienced hikers in good condition for our age. You'll love the beautiful flowers, rushing stream sounds, and ancient, huge trees along the trail. Highly recommend! 
Reviewed by VJKelley on 4/23/2008 Hiked on Th April 17, 2008,started at 9:30am and finished after 3:30pm--we loved the "easy" rocky road for the first 1.5 miles. The white, blue, pink, and yellow spring wildflowers, lush green moss, budding purple trees, and spectacular rushing water over the boulders are memories we will treasure. This was a strenous and challenging hike, the final mile is truly an obstacle course. Rocks, tricky roots and slippery steps near the falls are quite unsafe. Come prepared for a hike you will always brag about. 
Reviewed by KL2 on 4/12/2008 Don't let the review lead you to believe this to be anything but strenuous! The road to get there was horrible! The hike itself was nice, but very rocky at the end. I felt like there was no trail left just rocks! The cascade is beautiful though and I would have like to spend more time there. A bunch of un attended boy scouts kept it from being very calm though. Much more difficult overall than I had planned.
Reviewed by craig on 1/28/2008 I hiked this trail alone on the afternoon of January 18, 2008. Cold weather in the previous days had some really nice, long icicles hanging at the cascades. This is a tremendous day hike with moderate difficulty. If you're into old forests, the poplars along the way are second to none in beauty in size, especially the third one you pass on the way up. If hiking in winter, take caution as the trail is very wet in places, and therefore icy. There was a good flow of water on the falls and I would highly recommend this hike to anybody. Before you head out though, make sure you're aware of the fact that it is UPHILL the entire way but not terrible steep. A great hike! 3 hours 40 minutes round trip.
Reviewed by JCB on 1/3/2008 Hiked in summer 07. Beautiful ,strenuous last half mile. Giant old growth poplar trees at the 1/2 way point are well worth the trip.Lots of bear signs and smells near the top. Even if the weather is hot at the trailhead ,it can be 10 degrees cooler on top.Beautiful waterfall.
Reviewed by Damien on 9/24/2007 I loved this hike. We got more out of it as well than we expected. The Cascades are awesome, even in the dry time of the year that we hiked. The hike up is even better at times. The huge trees make the forest dark in places, Rhodadendron are huge as well. There are a couple bridges to cross, 2 are cut trees wide enough for one person. There are several places you can wander down to the stream as well.
Reviewed by fred/sue on 8/24/2007 My wife and I were both very pleased with this extraordinary hike. My wife the science teacher loves the plant life and enchanted forest appearance. I personally believe the hike is somewhat longer than 7.5. The smokey guide lists this hike at 4.7 oneway. Take a snack. Need 3 hours in and 2 out. Well worth the effor just don't be fooled by the reviews here as the smokey guide lists this one as strenuous. Happy hikin!
Reviewed by Brian on 5/6/2007 Hiked this trail 4/22/07 hoping to photograph some wildflowers but due to the crazy weather we've been experiencing here in the south there were few to be seen. The awesome waterfall waiting on you at the end of the trail, huge trees and the Black Bear I encountered more than made up for the lack of flowers. The trail itself was not to difficult despite it is a constant gain in elevation from trailhead to the end. If you are in the area and looking for a great dayhike, I highly recomend it. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||