Information about the trail

Big Cascades and Even Bigger Trees, that’s the theme of the Ramsey Cascades Trail. Along this Rugged trail you will encounter some record size trees while making your way to the tallest waterfall in the park accessible by trail. But don’t set out on this adventure unless you are prepared.
The upper part of this trail is about as steep and rugged as they come. While gentle at first that climb to the falls requires a mild rock scramble. Once you arrive though you will know it is all worth it. Ramsey Cascades is an absolutely beautiful waterfall with a refreshing pool at the bottom to cool off in on a hot summer day. So let’s get to it.
This is Ramsey Cascades with Up N’ Adam Adventures.
If water levels are high…well I hope you have a dry pair of socks. But even with the wet feet the Meigs creek trail is a beautiful trail with the highlight being mid way up at Meigs Creek Cascade. We recommend visiting in Autumn because it doesn’t get much better than colorful leaves and mountain streams. Get your hiking sticks because you’re going to need them.

It’s time for Meigs Creek Trail with Up N’ Adam Adventures.

Directions

From Gatlinburg Drive East on Us 321 for 5.9 miles and turn right on Greenbrier Road. At another 3.2 miles turn right. Travel another 1.5 mile and the road dead ends at the Ramsey Cascade Trail Head.

Hike Description

The trail begins by crossing a footbridge along the Middle prong of the little pigeon river. At first the trail is wide and gradual and was once an old road. You will climb through a beautiful hardwood forest while the sounds of the middle prong echo from below. At about 1.5 miles you arrive at a circle turnaround which is an old traffic circle. Here you see where Ramsey prong connects with the middle prong.
From this point the fun really begins. It’s time to start sucking air. The trail narrows, becomes rudged and steepens. You will cross Ramsey Prong multiple times through this section. Some have nice foot bridges but others are a minor rock hope. During most conditions these are easy to navigate.
Be on the lookout for big old growth trees. At mile 2.6 you will walk through 2 giant Tulip Trees. Commonly called the roman columns but we like to refer to them as “The Twins”. You might be in awe of the size but the twins pale in comparison to the real giant. Just around the corner is another tulip tree that is mind boggling big.
After you have gazed in amazement at these beautiful old trees you will move on and at 2.9 miles cross a footbridge across ramsey prong. Here the trail moves away from the creek for a while into a very open forest. Eventually you will make your way back to Ramsey prong where you will start a huge ascent and some minor rock scrambling.
You will start to think you will never arrive. At 3.7 miles just before you get to Ramsey Cascades is a waterfall hidden in plain sight. This waterfall is practically on the trail but can not actually be seen from the trail. You will notice a small opening on the right. If you go here and wade through the creek you will be rewarded with a view of Ramsey Prong Falls. A nice 20 footer. However you will most likely need to get your feet wet to see it.