Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most spectacular. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and collects in a small pool where numerous well-camouflaged salamanders can be found.

The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000' in elevation over its 4 mile course and the 8-mile roundtrip hike is considered strenuous in difficulty. It follows rushing rivers and streams for much of its length. The last 2 miles pass through old-growth cove hardwood forest with large tuliptrees, basswoods, silverbells, and yellow birches. Given the amount of rain we've had this year, there's a good chance that we'll see some fall colors at the higher elevations.

I live in Whittier, on 441 North, about 10 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitors Center at the NC entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I would like for us to gather at my house (directions below) in order to take as few cars as possible. For folks who live in the Asheville area, I'd recommend meeting at EarthFare (Westgate off of I-240, or Hendersonville Road) and then carpooling to my place from there. To get to Whittier by 10:00-10:30am, Asheville folks should plan on heading out by about 9:00am.

Directions to Lisa Rathert's House

1. I-40 west to exit 27: toward US-19/CLYDE/US-23/WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY/FRANKLIN/MURPHY/ATLANTA.

2. Merge onto US-74 W via EXIT 107 toward E JONES COVE.

3. Merge onto US-441 via EXIT 74 toward GREAT SMOKY MTS NATIONAL PARK/CHEROKEE

4. About 1.5 miles (or a tiny bit more), you will see Hampton Place Road, a mostly gravel road.

5. Turn right on Hampton Place Road. My house is the first on the right. Follow the gravel drive around to the back.