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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 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
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. 
Reviewed by PAZ on 4/11/2007 We hiked this trail yesterday with the entire family; 3 kids 6.5-1.5 yrs. This was a hard family hike. It took us a little longer than most (6hrs R/T). However, the rewards were worth it. Large old growth forest culminating with extreamly large Tulip Popular trees was second to none. The variety of wildflowers and trees climbing to the falls were outstanding. The falls were spectacular and afford a great picnic spot. The beauty really takes over at the end of the old logging trail and continued all the way to the falls. We recommend taking high energy snacks to eat at the falls(leave no trail) and sturdy hiking shoes and walking sticks. Don't forget the camera as you'll want to take several pictures to remember the day!
Reviewed by RP on 11/12/2006 Tougher hike than expected, rained most of the way in and out, but it was worth it! The waterfall was awesome! My favorite hike so far :~)
Reviewed by lala on 5/9/2006 This is a hike that is good for the legs......better than the gym's stair stepper. Please dont tackle this hike with flip flops and no water. You will need a jacket once you reach the cascades unless it is really hot! Great Hike! This is our third time.........went went in the snow and it was beautiful.......tricky, but beautiful
Reviewed by Vivek on 4/24/2006 I hiked this trail two days ago, on Saturday April 23. Warm day, about 24 degrees C at the trailhead, got a little cooler at the top, maybe around 20-22 degrees. The cascades themselves are amazing. It's like being at the bottom of Niagara Falls, as another hiker I met on the trail said. The intense spray makes it much cooler at the top. This trail has it all. Nice climb, bridge crossings over a gushing mountain creek which had a nice level of danger to them, navigating through water flowing onto the trail from the creek because of three continuous days of thunderstorms before the day we hiked. Also, in late April, you can see the succession of blooming. Intense green at the trailhead gives way to budding leaves which give way to bare tree
Reviewed by GWS on 4/10/2006 Spent new year's eve hiking this one. Must admitt--the best new years adventure ever. Very gratifying. If hiking during the winter, expect snow and ice as you near the top 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||