Hike the Ramsey Cascades Trail in Gatlinburg
Hike the Ramsey Cascades Trail in Gatlinburg
The Ramsey Cascades Trail is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts in Gatlinburg, located within the breathtaking Smoky Mountains. This trail showcases one of the park's most stunning waterfalls, cascading over rocks in a stunning display of nature’s power and beauty. The hike is not only a journey through dense old-growth forest but also a chance to witness the remarkable biodiversity of the area.
Adventure Guide To Hike the Ramsey Cascades Trail
- Trail Location: The trailhead is situated off Ramsey Prong Road, approximately 8 miles from the main park road in Gatlinburg.
- What Makes It Special: Ramsey Cascades is the highest waterfall in the Smokies, with a drop of over 100 feet. The trail offers varied terrain, including steep inclines and rocky paths, making it an exciting challenge for avid hikers. As you ascend, expect to see vibrant wildflowers in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall.
- Key Features: The trail spans about 8 miles round trip and typically takes 4-5 hours to complete. The final destination—where the water tumbles over rocks—provides an ideal spot for a picnic surrounded by nature.
Local Insights
Historical context adds depth to your experience on this trail. The area surrounding Ramsey Cascades was once home to early settlers, with remnants of their life visible along the hike. Notably, the old homesites and log structures can be found right near the trailhead, providing a glimpse into the past.
Visitor Tips
- Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall feature ideal weather conditions, with mild temperatures and striking scenery.
- What to Bring: Ensure you have proper hiking boots, plenty of water, snacks, a camera for stunning photography, and a first-aid kit for safety.
- Driving Directions: From Gatlinburg, take the Parkway (US-441) northeast towards the Smoky Mountains. Follow signs for the Greenbrier area to reach Ramsey Cascades Road, with an estimated travel time of about 30 minutes.
These details enable hikers to fully appreciate the rich natural and historical context of experiencing the Ramsey Cascades Trail.
Adventure Map
Gatlinburg Info
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Reviews
Crystal Miller3 years ago
Waterfall at the end is well worth the hike. Big and beautiful! Neat bridges to cross along the way and some giant trees.
Erick Day2 years ago
This was a difficult hike. Should you choose to take it on, make sure you're prepared with food and hydration. This hike gets progressively more difficult as you continue on. The falls are AMAZING and worth every step.
Karen P4 weeks ago
As of 11/18/2024, the trail is back open.
*This trail is currently closed from flood damage.* Check the NPS site for updated information.
This is one of my favorite waterfall hikes in the Smokies. Know that the time of year and amount of recent rainfall will affect the volume of any of the waterfalls in the park.
During this 8 mile round-trip hike, you'll have a total elevation gain of over 2,000 feet and have numerous water crossings - some with man-made foot bridges, some without. I'd recommend being prepared for the possibility of getting wet. So far, I've been fortunate. I also find that hiking poles are great for giving added stability when needed.
You will hike through a large, beautiful, old growth forest (one of the largest left in the Smokies). On one of my hikes back out, I did cross paths with a black bear. Luckily, he was more interested in eating and I worked to move along and stay out of his way.
The last time I hiked this it was quite warm out but when I reached the falls, it was like having my own personal air conditioning. The force and cold temperature of the water actually made me a little cold. It was wonderful. Great time to enjoy a snack or lunch before heading back out.
Scott woolwine3 months ago
A fairly easy trail for the first 3 miles mostly gradual inclines. The last mile is a little more incline with rougher terrain to negotiate. A good hike for anyone in average physical condition. The cascade itself isnt a large area and can be crowded if you dont get there early. Rocks can be slippery if you wanna wade across the shallow potion below the falls use caution. Theres nothing deep enough to swim in at the cascade itself. A few waist deep pools in the creek along the way if you really need a soak.
John Fehrenbach2 years ago
Nice trail, entrance to the trail is separated from the main park so if you’re staying more over toward Pittman Center, it’s totally worth it. We saw three bears, probably sometime around 8:30 am on the trail about a mile and a half in. Just about 100% shaded, and if you go in the early spring or later in fall, it’ll be chilly. Warm on the way up, cold on the way down.
