Basic Trail information
Length
This is an out and back trail of a total 8-miles in length. There is no option to extend this trail or to create a loop for your return trek. But it’s a beautiful trail with several waterfalls and one spectacular display at the end of the 4-miles out.
Difficulty
The Ramsey Cascades trail is considered difficult. The 4 miles to the waterfall has an elevation gain of around 2,500 feet. It is a gentle and constant incline that doesn’t really start until you are over a mile in.
The initial mile or so of the trail is flat and wide and looks like a regular dirt road for vehicles. This changes as you begin your ascent, hugging streams and entering the dense forest.
Location and parking
The road to the trailhead is narrow and rough. It is recommended that you have a higher vehicle but it is definitely possible to get there by car.
You are going to enter at the Greenbrier entrance to the park and follow the signs (or your GPS) for 4.7-miles. There is a small parking area at the start of the trail which can fill up, so arrive early.
Trail Description
The start of the trail is a little unassuming and you might question if it’s actually going to be a good hike. At the start you are on a wide, well maintained gravel path that looks more like a gravel road for vehicles. The forest is dense in the area and if you go in September watch out for the acorns falling off the trees, there are lots and they hurt.
The further along you get on the trail the narrower the trail becomes and the prettier the trek is. Take your time, look at the massive trees and the streams. The trail is well maintained with steps and bridges where needed.
The closer you get to the end of the trail the more you will start the climb up those 2,500 feet of elevation. It becomes more and more challenging but I promise it is 100% worth the suffering.
At the end of the trail is the highest waterfall in the park. There are plenty of spots to sit and have a lunch after the hard trek up, all with the best views of the falls. Signage can be seen just prior to arriving at the falls warning people not to climb around on the rocks because people have died there. So, tread carefully.
When you have drunk in the views and your belly is full you will trek out the same way you trekked in, only this time it’s all downhill.
Many consider this one of the top hikes in the park, and I would be inclined to agree with them.
Other trail options/connecting trails
This is one of those trails that does not have any connecting options. However, the road to the trail head offers multiple pull-offs with a variety of trails to check out, including the Grapeyard Ridge Trail (5.8-miles roundtrip, moderate difficulty, 980 feet elevation gain), Old Settlers Trail (historic trail, point-to-point 16.2 miles, difficult) and Porters Creek Trail (4-miles roundtrip, moderate difficulty, 699 feet of elevation gain).
Wildlife
As I have mentioned in my other posts on Great Smoky Mountain National Park, bears are a regularly seen animal here. The Ramsey Cascades trail is no different and at the beginning of the trail was a posting that due to someone leaving behind their lunch containers a bear became habituated in the areas, attacked and killed a hiker. This bear was euthanized for this, because people did not practice Leave No Trace.
Bears are more afraid of you than you are of them on most occasions but a habituated bear no longer has that fear of humans and becomes more dangerous. Pack out what you pack in, it will keep you and the bears safer.
One of the other species you might see is the Eastern racer snake sunning itself on the trail. These beautiful snakes are quite large and though they are rather aggressive if you get to close, they are non-venomous. Still, make sure to keep a healthy distance because a bite still hurts and can still get infected.
Concluding Thoughts
If you are looking for the perfect day hike to one of the best sites in the park you cannot go wrong with Ramsey Cascades. A challenging hike with the best reward, this day hike is perfect for those who are looking for a challenge but don’t have a lot of time to spend on a multiday trek.
Have several days at the park? Check out my guide to Great Smoky Mountain National Park for more trail insights.
