Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association Welcome to Appalachian Treks: Discovering and Sharing the Beauty of the Southern Appalachians. Note that I forgot to start tracking at the beginning of trail, so my stats are off. Well worth the hike! Its a strenuous hike that gains around 500 feet per mile on the way up. Spring means glorious wildflower displays of wild geranium, trillium, and orchis, phlox, camassia, and an abundance of other mountain wildflower species. This waterfall is best visited in the spring or times of heavy rainfalland located in the remote Clarks Creek area of Unicoi County. Ramsey Cascades (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. But if you are up for a challenge, this hike would probably be best accomplished in the winter months when the vegetation is at a minimum. I will say it is definitely worth it. Have fun and be safe <3, Completed this Hike back in 2011! Its located just inside of the Tennessee line, between the towns of Roan Mountain, TN and Elk Park, NC. Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 8 miles and the hike is considered strenuous in difficulty. Hike to this waterfall beauty in any season. Please read What Do I Do if I See a Bear. A rainbow produced by mist from this 80-foot high waterfall is visible on sunny afternoons. The beginning is comprised of the remnants of an old gravel road that starts just east of the parking area. 264. I guess the words not out yet. Amazing hike I cant wait to do it in the spring. Its worth a visit, especially after some heavy rains. 1. Ramsey Falls At the end of the ramp, turn left (west) and drive 0.8 miles toward ETSU. Plan to sto along the way and eat something to maintain your strength. It's barely wide enough for 2 cars, and in a couple of cases, one will need to stop and look ahead before proceeding because only one car can get through. LOLdid I mention I was 44 and the bf is 50. As you drive along the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, stop off at milepost 404.7 to stretch your legs andenjoy the falls that are beautifully sculpted as they cascade from the Duck River. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. It's secluded with few people expected while hiking to the falls. For additional directions and more information on these waterfalls,Click Here. Yes, it is still a Methodist Camp -- they've done a lot of work there - the camp looks great! Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Ramsey Cascades Trail, Pittman Center, Tennessee 7/5/2014 1 Comment There's an assortment of waterfalls throughout the Smokies. 2023 - SmokyMountains.com. There are several places to get great photos with the waterfall in the background. As long as you practice proper safety, youll have a memorable trip to and from Ramsey Cascades. *These waterfalls are considered difficult to get to and some are even located on private property. Located at the privately owned Buffalo Mountain Camp, Ramsey Creek Falls is listed as a twenty foot waterfall. This was my favorite hike in the smokies. Laurel Run Falls Tennessee (TN) Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ramsey Cascades Trail Hiking Trail, Gatlinburg, Tennessee If seeing a great waterfall is on the agenda for your next Smoky Mountains vacation, it will be tough to pick a more dramatic option than Ramsey Cascades. Picture Window theme. Real Estate & Homes For Sale - 9465 Homes For Sale | Zillow Ramsey Cascades - Hike to Ramsey Cascades in the Great Smoky Mountains Ramsey Cascades Highlights Trail Features Waterfalls, Old growth forests Trail Location Greenbrier Roundtrip Length 8.0 Miles Elevation Gain (total) 2,190 Feet Elevation Gain (per mile) 548 Feet Trail Difficulty 12.38 Strenuous The primary coordinates for Ramsey Cascades places it within the TN 37738 ZIP Code delivery area.. Maps, Driving Directions & Local Area Information Margarette Falls We are thrilled to announc, Stay tuned for a BIG announcement tomorrow morning, If National Geographic said it, then so it is! Rainbow Falls - U.S. National Park Service The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center - Tripadvisor Be prepared and know what you're getting into, adhear to that and enjoy a great hike. Your comment will be sent to me to be approved. Even though its listed as a moderate/strenuous hike, its one of the most scenic hikes in our area. After another half-mile, youll walk through a majestic old-growth forest, and four miles from the trailhead, youll reach Ramsey Falls. These are also known as bank-owned or real estate owned (REO). The last 2 miles pass through old-growth cove hardwood forest with large tuliptrees, basswoods, silverbells, and yellow birches. Firstthe positive. The Blue Hole This Trio of falls is sometimes referred to as Rocky Fork Falls. Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most spectacular. Hornets nests can also be present in the summer, so stay alert. The most authoritative source for restaurants, attractions, & cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park that is accessed by trail. " Tony Gayda OpenMapTiles OSM This is actually Lower Spivey Falls, as it is part of a series of four large waterfalls, all privately owned. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. There are four waterfalls located in close proximity to each other and to the parking area. Several people died trying to climb to the . The slope steepens significantly in the last mile before the cascades, but the view of the waterfall is gorgeous and picture-worthy, which makes this a very rewarding hike. Ramsey Creek Falls This beautiful twenty-foot waterfall is nestled in the western slopes of Buffalo Mountain in Washington County, TN on private property once operated by the Buffalo Mountain Camp. Note that you do not have the right to enter private property without the owner's permission. It is located 4.7 miles into the park and is just after the ranger station. We saw deer and snakes along the way. Access Trail: Ramsey Cascades Trail in the Greenbrier area During high water this waterfall is quite impressive however, getting to it is a challenge. Do you feel this trip is dangerous in any way? It takes about 5-7 hours to hike to the waterfall and back. Beautiful reward but DIFFICULT DEPENDS ON YOUR AGE and the weather. At approximately 100 feet high, this waterfall is the tallest in the park and has earned a reputation as one of the best examples in the region of this classic Smokies geographical feature. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. If you have younger children they might find this hike to long and strenuous. 3211 North Roan Street The last half mile is probably the most difficult as you have to hike/scramble over larger rocks/boulders to make it to the cascades. Near the waterfall there are a few of of spots to have some lunch or snacks. Ramsey Cascades, Gatlinburg | Roadtrippers It's worth the effort. Youre reading this, trying to decide what trail you want to hike in the Smoky Mountains for that one day you have penciled-in to explore the park. It takes about 3-5 hours to hike to the waterfall and back. The rocks are slick at the base of the falls . Even from this distance, the falls are impressive and its possible to zoom in and get a good shot. The way back is mostly uphill, so visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of water and snacks for a day out in this beautiful Tennessee property. Staircases of Death amidst gorgeous scenery! The hike to Pine Ridge isabout half amile. The Blue Hole, located in the Stony Creek area of Elizabethton, TN is a really beautiful place, and a popular local destination for visitors and locals. Theres fishing, picnic tables and a nice trail that makes a 1.5 mile loop around the island. I was wrong. It took us 4 hours going because we took several rest stops and 2 1/2 hours back. Between trailhead and falls, Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500' in elevation. What restaurants are near Ramsey Cascades? TN Appalachian Treks: Ramsey Creek Falls - Blogger The largest cabin rental agency in the Smoky Mountains, All content Copyright 2023 Cabins of the Smoky Mountains, Ramsey Cascades Spectacular Falls, Tough Trail, Scenic Area. Read our. Super steep the more you hiked in. The trail leads out and back to Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park. Follow the signs 4.7 miles to the trailhead. Northeast Tennessee has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country, but what you may not know about is the abundance of waterfalls throughout the region. How can I help plan your trip? I would recommend hiking poles. We took 3 1/2 hours up and a similar amount of time down. South of Bristol, TN, and just below the South Holston Dam, this is a great place to take visitors to introduce them to the beauty of Northeast Tennessee. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Also, bring rain gear if there's rain in the forecast. But the real attractions are the weir dams. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Sorry for this added step, but it is necessary to avoid spam. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Ramsey Creek (FS 4355): 12 Reviews, Map - Tennessee - AllTrails We stopped a few times to get pictures and take a break. I'm still probably a novice/moderately experienced hiker, so that last mile was tougher than expected, but not too exhausting. Located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 19 km (12 mi) east of Gatlinburg. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Most of the hike to the Cascades is up hill but it is not an overly strenuous hike. It seemed longer than 8 miles to me, and my fitness app showed close to 10 miles, so i am not sure if the 8 miles is accurate. This is probably the most popular, and arguably the most spectacular, waterfall in Northeast Tennessee. Gentry Creek Falls While the hike is short (1/2 mile), its fairly steepand is a moderately difficult trail. Took a shower when we got to the top, felt wonderful. The Ramsey Cascades Trail runs about 7.7 miles round-trip. THE TRAIL OS NOT CLOSED there is a sign that says it has been open since November. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Ramsey Cascades in Gatlinburg, TN - Tennessee Vacation This trail is so beautiful. This is the site where Ramsey Creek flows over the falls. Pets are not allowed on this trail. Use the bathroom facilities at the stop before getting to trailhead. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. more, #21 of 104 things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Exciting Upper Pigeon Smoky Mountains Rafting Trip, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove Self-Driving Bundle Tours, 1 Day Jeep Rental Through the Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour, Thundering Streams and Falls of the Smokies Guided Hiking Tour, Smoky Mountains Roaring Fork Guided Sightseeing Tour by Jeep, Scenic Floats on the Pigeon River with Big Creek Expeditions, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour, Lower Pigeon River Scenic Family Float Trips. -Because its a moderately difficult hike with a few steep sections and loose rocks, it is not recommended for novice hikers or children. Its an easy walk, except for one creek crossing that can be tricky when the water is up. Make sure everyone in your group is physically fit enough to handle the demands of this trip. Getting there is half the fun. Ramsey Cascades Trail Hiking Trail, Gatlinburg, Tennessee Ramsey Cascades Trail RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult 4.7 (70) Areas NC West and Mountains Great Smoky Mountains National Park Greenbrier Plan with onX Backcountry " A sweet out and back hike with old-growth forest, cascading streams, and a beautiful waterfall. There's log bridges over the bigger creeks and some smaller streams to cross by hopping from boulder to boulder. Thanks! IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to climb the falls. It also doesn't seem very crowded, I'd say maybe only a few dozen people ventured up the day I was there. They are making improvements on the trail to add steps throughout which is nice. Track is smooth and wide at first but narrows and gets rockier as you progress. My family and I hiked to the Ramsey Cascades. -If youre a wildflower enthusiast, the best time for you to experience this hike is during the spring. In fact, there are a series of falls and cascades which seem to go on and on. Be advised that thejourney is quite strenuous and should be left to more experienced hikers. The 55 waterfall (also known as Laurel Fork Falls) is powerful and stunning after some heavy rains. From downtown Gatlinburg, take the Main Parkway to 321/East Parkway. It's well worth it. Ramsey Cascades Trail in the Smoky Mountains Individuals with limited mobility can access designated hiking trails, viewing points (including the historic Flint Creek battle site), and fishing in the creek with this new assistive device. It is still a Methodist camp or do you know? At that point, I was determined to finish, but wondered how the hell I was going to make it back down?? Mostly walking through old growth forests with a few creek crossings. 3.5 miles one way and is downhill. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! Coming to the Appalachian Trail Vista August 4-7 a, A warm welcome to the Nubian Kruzers United MC, wh, Calling All Trail Enthusiasts! If you visit in April, youll be greeted with a cheerful patch of crested dwarf iris, or blue-eyed grass, to the east of the parking lot. As a hiker this is a must go to. If you plan to stay a while and enjoy the waterfall, make sure you have a jacket; it's cold up there. Note that it's a little difficult to get to the trailhead parking since you have to travel on a narrow gravel road for about 3 miles. Theme images by, Photo data: Nikon D80 at 10mm, 1.3 sec. Even at a 10 mile round trip hike it is totally worth it. To reach Ramsey Cascades you must first travel an approximately 4-mile hiking trail (8.1-mile round-trip) that wanders deep into the woods through some one of the largest old-growth forests in the area. It gets tougher. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000' in elevation over its 4 mile course and the 8-mile roundtrip hike is considered strenuous in difficulty. 423-262-0238, There's more up here! #NortheastTennessee. If you're looking for Tennessee's lesser-known-but-still-strikingly-beautiful waterfalls and cascades, here's your guide to some you may want to check out. The really fixed it up the maintenance crew. The 2 1/2 mile hike (5 miles round trip) has been descried as difficult and crosses Gentry Creek nearly 15 times, leading you to the 60 ft. Gentry Creek Falls that is best viewed along a backdrop of blooming rhododendron in the summer. If you're on the fence about which hike to do, and are looking for something a little more challenging that won't totally drain you, this is it. You just have to watch your footing and be careful! The first 3 miles are not too hard, and the last 1.3 more challenging but not bad. We also got caught in the rain on the way back. Difficult trail. This incredible trail leads to one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, Ramsey Cascades. Jones Falls Jones Falls is found along the Appalachian Trail near the Tennessee and North Carolina border. Read our Privacy Policy, A magical and memorable evening experience in Nashville, Experience SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland. Black bears are sometimes active in this area. Grotto Falls Grotto Falls is one of the only waterfalls in East Tennessee that you can safely stand behind. Biking back was super easy since it is 99% downhill. The Secret Waterfall In Minnesota That Most People Don't Know About This was a challenging hiking but so rewarding. There are occasional steps which help. Grotto Falls - Tennessee 37738. Get your free printed guide or e-guide to start planning. Proper hiking footwear such as boots or sturdy trail runners are an absolute necessity in order to safely navigate the terrain of this trail. Foothills Parkway East. The trailhead is at the end of the road. Waterfalls - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Portions of this trail are very rocky-sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support are recommended. Youll pass a smaller waterfall on the way up, but unfortunately its covered with fallen trees, andjust a little further and you arrive at the main attraction. Weir Dam But, we did feel that the falls deservea special mention of Northeast Tennessees natural beauty. Laurel Falls Well worth the hike! Located in the Fall Creek Falls State Park, these cascades aren't as high as the impressive falls of the same name, but they're easy to get to and you can even climb behind them for a creative photo-op.