Hiking the Smokies- Ramseys Cascade

Ramsey’s Cascades is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the park. The four-mile hike gains over 2,000 feet in elevation and brings you to a 90-foot waterfall with several broken ledges cascading water from tier to tier. A Smoky Mountain “Must Do,” Ramsey’s Cascades is one of the most technical and beautiful waterfall hikes in the park, offering sights and wonders turn after turn that make the Great Smoky Mountain National Park one of the most magical places. This is a difficult hike so be prepared for a strenuous journey to the waterfall.

Getting There:

To reach the trailhead, you will need to head to the Greenbrier Section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enter the park and continue to drive straight for a few miles. The road to the trailhead is narrow and has quite a few potholes that can definitely give your tire a run for its money, so use caution. Paralleling the road as you drive deeper into the park is Greenbrier, one of the most pristine creeks in the GSMNP. You’ll come to a bridge on the left that crosses over the creek. Cross the bridge and continue driving until you reach the parking area. This is where the trailhead is located.

What to Expect:

Start your journey up Ramsey’s Cascade trail at the trailhead sign. You’ll follow a wide, but rocky, trail for roughly 1.5 miles, at which point you will reach a wooden bridge. The trail continues on from this point another 2.5 miles, with many relatively steep sections. During your hike, you will pass by some of the largest trees in the Smoky Mountains, cross two log bridges that are somewhat high above the creek, traverse through a series of boulders, and hike up steep stone staircases. You’ll be hiking alongside a steam and have the sounds of the creek as your soundtrack throughout your hike. Once you get to the top, you’ll see a sign advising you not to climb on the rocks (slippery when wet!) and perhaps notice a slight shift in temperature as you get closer to the base of the falls. It’s one last boulder climb and you’re at one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains, Rasmey’s Cascades.

What You Need:

We recommend you bring a daypack with plenty of water, snacks for a waterfall picnic at the top (or to refuel from the calories you’ll burn), and any other items you deem necessary for a hike. Wear sturdy and supportive shoes, like hiking boots, and clothing you feel comfortable hiking in. During the cooler months, wear functional layers to ensure you stay warm throughout the hike. You may want to consider trekking poles on days that the trail can be extra wet. The post-snow conditions we hiked in caused for some slippery situations on our way back down.