About Ramsey Cascades Trail (Greenbrier)
Ramsey Cascades is the longest day hike to a waterfall in the Greenbrier area, and one of the best. The National Park Service lists it at 8 miles round trip (4 miles each way) through cove hardwood forest to the tallest waterfall in the park. It rates as relatively challenging, with roughly 2,200 feet of climbing.
The hike
The trail starts on an old roadbed beside Ramsey Prong, then gets narrower and rockier, crossing the creek on footlogs. In the last mile the grade steepens through some of the finest old-growth in the park, with tulip poplars of impressive girth. The cascade tumbles about 100 feet over a stair-step of dark rock. The rocks near the base are slippery, so keep to the trail.
When to go
Spring brings flowers and strong flow. Fall color is beautiful but crowded. Hot summer afternoons are tough on the climb, and storms can raise the creek. Plan for 5 to 6 hours round trip.
Getting there
From Gatlinburg, take US-321 east to the Greenbrier entrance and follow the gravel road at the end of Greenbrier Road to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead. NPS says to expect crowds and full parking, so arrive early.
You need a parking tag for any stop over 15 minutes in the park. It costs $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful are not accepted. Buy it at a visitor center or on recreation.gov, and display the physical tag.
Know before you go
Carry water, rain gear and a headlamp if you start late. Pets are not allowed. Check the trail conditions page before you go. For a shorter option in the same area, try the 4-mile round trip to Fern Branch Falls on the Porters Creek Trail.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Porters Creek Trail: about 4 miles round trip to Fern Branch Falls
- Hen Wallow Falls: a 4.3-mile round trip near Cosby
- Cosby Nature Trail: an easy short loop
Planning and safety
Plan on a long day and pack accordingly: more water than seems reasonable, real food, a warm layer, a rain shell and a headlamp. Start at first light if you can, and turn around if the weather or your energy changes.
Weather in the Smokies changes fast, and it is noticeably cooler as you climb. Bring a rain layer even on a sunny morning, wear shoes with good traction, and carry more water than you expect to need. Black bears live throughout the park, so stay at least 50 yards away, never feed wildlife and store food properly. The park's hiking safety guidance is worth a read before any trip.
Good to know
- How long is Ramsey Cascades Trail (Greenbrier)?
- Ramsey Cascades Trail (Greenbrier) is 4 miles one way (8.0 miles round trip), with about 2,200 feet of climbing. It is rated strenuous.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
