Hike to the Ramsey Cascades
Details
Distance
8 miles
Elevation Gain
2190 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Joshua Contois
Hike to one of the tallest waterfalls in the park (100 ft) on a challenging trail through old-growth forest.
This multi-tiered waterfall is known as the tallest in the park – a worthwhile reward for the steep and sometimes tricky terrain you'll face on the way up.
The popular route to the falls also passes through an impressive old-growth forest, which apparently boasts some of the tallest trees in the park. You will also see smaller waterfalls and pools along the way.
Keep in mind that about 2 miles into the hike, you will need to pass over a fairly long, narrow footbridge. Also please remember that climbing is prohibited on the rocks around the falls.
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Reviews
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best waterfall in the Smokies
This hike is worth the effort and is a right of passage of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I have visited it in all seasons.
5.0
Hard but awesome hike
This hike truly shows the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and what they have to offer.
5.0
Awesome. Very Difficult.
This hike was amazing. It was difficult for my family but considering it was only our second hike we did very well. We made an entire day of it and did not get into a hurry. Packed a lunch to enjoy at the top. We refilled our water bottles along the way as so not carry so much weight. Our family was kids ages 8, 10, 11, 12. GrandParents ages 67/68, and I’m 35! We went in around 10:45 and finished up a little after 6pm. According to my Garmin Forerunner we hiked a total of 9.73 miles. So it’s a little longer than 4 miles to the top. Enjoyed it!
5.0
Challenging but Beautiful
A challenging but beautiful hike to the falls. You follow a gushing stream along the way and a bit of a scramble near the falls. Every step is worth it!
5.0
Go Chasing Waterfalls
Getting to the trailhead can be tricky for anyone with a sports car, as the road that leads through the park is gravel and bumpy at points. Be prepared for single car width portions of the road. The hike begins with a gradual incline which may fool some into believing that this is an easy hike, psyche!The last half mile is killer, be prepared for a lot of stone steps. This is definitely a hike where you want to wear high ankles boots. I recommend bringing aqua socks, because at the top you can walk right up to the falls, since it plateaus directly underneath. The hike totaled 8.2 miles on my Fitbit Surge. The difficulty of the hike is only surpassed by the reward of the falls.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Hike to Fern Branch Falls
Sunrise Hike to Myrtle Point, Mt. Leconte
Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge
Hike Grotto Falls Trail
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