About Ramsey Cascades
Ramsey Cascades drops 105 feet over a broad stair of rock ledges on the Ramsey Prong, making it the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Park Service lists the hike as 8 miles round trip, a relatively challenging trip that gains more than 2,000 feet and crosses multiple footlog bridges and streams. The trail starts on an old roadbed, then becomes narrower and rockier as it climbs.
The hike
The first stretch passes through cove hardwood forest, with some of the largest trees in the park. Higher up, the trail follows Ramsey Prong over roots and rocks, with several stream crossings on footlogs. Plan on five to six hours round trip. Do not attempt to climb to the top of the falls; the Park Service warns that it is muddy and slippery.
Getting there
Ramsey Cascades is in the Greenbrier section. Take US-321 east from Gatlinburg about 6 miles, turn at the Greenbrier entrance, and follow Greenbrier Road to the trailhead at the end. The last stretch of the road is gravel. The Park Service warns of extreme crowding and limited parking, and suggests a shuttle or alternate hike. Entry to the park is free, but any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual). Federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace it, and the tag must be displayed in your vehicle. Arrive before 9 a.m.
When to go
- Spring: Highest flow and wildflowers in the lower cove.
- Summer: Cooler in the shady cove, but the trail is busy.
- Fall: Good color; weekends are crowded.
- Winter: Ice on the upper trail and at the falls; carry traction.
Know before you go
Dogs are not allowed. Carry plenty of water, a rain layer and a headlamp in case you finish late. Cell service is poor. Black bears are common in Greenbrier.
For an easier Greenbrier hike, Fern Branch Falls is about 4 miles round trip on Porters Creek Trail.
Good to know
- How tall is Ramsey Cascades?
- Ramsey Cascades drops about 105 feet.
- How far is the hike to Ramsey Cascades?
- It is about 4 miles each way, rated strenuous.
- Can you swim or climb at the falls?
- Please don’t climb on or around waterfalls. Wet rock and algae are extremely slick, and falls from waterfalls are a leading cause of death in the Smokies. Enjoy the view from the trail.
- Do I need a parking tag?
- 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.
