Ramsey Cascades
Hike to Tennessee's tallest waterfall, a strenuous 8-mile journey through lush forests to a 100-foot cascade.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Ramsey Cascades
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to Tennessee's tallest waterfall, a strenuous 8-mile journey through lush forests to a 100-foot cascade.
"A challenging yet beautiful trail to the Ramsey Cascades, worth every step!"
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail is rocky and has water crossings. Good grip is essential for the strenuous 8-mile hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
This is a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ramsey Cascades
Trailhead in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tennessee's tallest waterfall, a 100-foot cascade into a serene pool. Look for camouflaged salamanders!
The Challenging Ascent
Ramsey Cascades Trail
An 8-mile out-and-back journey with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The terrain shifts from a wide path to rocky traverses.
Hidden Salamander Spot
Pool at the base of Ramsey Cascades
Keep an eye out for well-camouflaged salamanders in the small pool at the waterfall's base.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekend Access & Crowds
Strenuous Hike Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail is rocky and has water crossings. Good grip is essential for the strenuous 8-mile hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
This is a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated!
📅 Check trail status
The trail is currently only open Friday-Sunday due to repairs.
🎒 Pack snacks & lunch
You'll want a well-deserved break at the top. Make it a full day adventure!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail is rocky and has water crossings. Good grip is essential for the strenuous 8-mile hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
This is a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated!
📅 Check trail status
The trail is currently only open Friday-Sunday due to repairs.
🎒 Pack snacks & lunch
You'll want a well-deserved break at the top. Make it a full day adventure!
🤫 Seek solitude
Hike on a Friday or during off-peak seasons to potentially have the falls to yourself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ramsey Cascades for its stunning 100-foot waterfall and the challenging, scenic 8-mile hike through lush forests. Many appreciate its off-the-beaten-path feel, offering a chance to escape crowds. However, the strenuous nature of the trail, with significant uphill climbs and rocky sections, is a common point of caution for those not prepared for a demanding trek.
"Off the beaten path from where alotvof tourist go. Thus is a 4 mile hike one way. The first 1.5 miles is on q crushed wide limestone trail which used to be an old fire road. After this it gets more challenging especially the last quarter of q mile is yoivtrqverse through the borders until you finally reach the base of the largest waterfall in the smoky mtn np standing at 100ft drop."
Craig Brophy
"Beautiful falls on an 8 mile out and back trail. Lots of stairs!! The first two miles are relatively flat and easy to walk but then it picks up in difficulty quickly."
Emma Correia
"A challenging yet beautiful trail to the Ramsey Cascades 😍😌 Bring water and snacks to take your very well deserved break at the top ❤️ When you do this trail, the most important thing to remember is that life is not a sprint, it's a marathon!! Definitely enjoy the journey to the top because you will get to a point where you don't want to go any further (it's a strenuous hike) but you can do it!!"
Lilly Ann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ramsey Cascades is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Tennessee side. The trailhead is accessible via the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). The hike itself is an 8-mile out-and-back trail. 
Parking is available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.
No, Ramsey Cascades is only accessible by hiking. The drive to the trailhead is scenic, but the final approach to the waterfall is on foot.
The closest major town is Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which offers various accommodations and amenities.
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which leads to the trailhead, is typically open from spring through fall and closed during winter months. Always check current park conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no specific ticket required to hike to Ramsey Cascades. However, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has implemented a parking tag system. You'll need to purchase a parking tag for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
The trail to Ramsey Cascades is currently only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays due to ongoing repairs. There are no specific time restrictions outside of daylight hours.
The trail is not open year-round. It is currently restricted to weekend access (Friday-Sunday) and may be subject to seasonal closures or weather-related impacts.
While the hike itself is free, you will need to purchase a parking tag for your vehicle to park within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These are available for daily, weekly, or annual use.
While there aren't official guided tours specifically for Ramsey Cascades, local outfitters in Gatlinburg may offer guided hikes in the Smoky Mountains. It's also a popular hike for independent exploration.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 8 miles roundtrip and typically takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the falls.
The trail is considered strenuous. It involves a significant elevation gain of over 2,000 feet, and the last section requires traversing rocks.
Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support and traction. Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing is also recommended.
Restroom facilities are generally not available along the Ramsey Cascades trail itself. Plan to use facilities at the trailhead or before you begin your hike.
Due to its strenuous nature and rocky terrain, Ramsey Cascades is best suited for older children or teens who are experienced hikers. Younger children may find the hike too challenging.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful, but be mindful of the trail's difficulty and daylight hours. After rain, the falls are most impressive for dramatic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full waterfall and surrounding forest. A tripod can help with long exposures to smooth the water. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare.
Yes, the trail itself offers beautiful scenery with lush forests, streams, and smaller cascades. Take your time to capture the journey.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Check the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
Be patient and quiet. Use a macro lens if you have one, and a telephoto lens can help you get closer without disturbing them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendations: Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider breaking up the hike with rests. The initial flatter section might be more manageable for younger ones, but be prepared for the steep incline and rocky terrain later on. It's best suited for families with older, more athletic children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for saving: Consider carpooling to reduce parking tag costs if traveling with a group. Pack all your own food and water to avoid purchasing expensive items in tourist towns like Gatlinburg. This hike offers a full day of adventure without significant expense beyond the park entry requirement.
🚶 Solo Hikers
Safety first: Always inform someone of your hiking plans, including your expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone, a basic first-aid kit, and be aware of your surroundings. While the trail is marked, it's important to stay on the path and be prepared for the strenuous conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ramsey Cascades Trail Experience
Despite the challenge, the trail is lauded for its beauty. You'll wind through lush forests, alongside babbling streams, and past smaller cascades, offering a rewarding visual experience throughout the hike. The effort is considered well worth it for the payoff at the end.
+1Key takeaway: Prepare for a demanding hike with significant elevation gain, but be rewarded with stunning natural scenery and the tallest waterfall in the park. Proper footwear, ample water, and a good level of fitness are crucial for enjoying this trek.
Ramsey Cascades: A Natural Wonder
+1One of the fascinating aspects of the pool at the base of the falls is the presence of numerous well-camouflaged salamanders. These amphibians thrive in the cool, damp environment, and spotting them can be a delightful bonus for observant hikers.
Why it's special: The combination of the waterfall's height, the challenging yet scenic trail, and the unique wildlife makes Ramsey Cascades a memorable destination for serious hikers and nature enthusiasts. It offers a more secluded experience compared to some of the park's more accessible attractions.
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