Ramsey Cascades / Porters Creek - 3 Options - Difficult - 8 / 7 / 15 miles

PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP

DESCRIPTION
Now that the post-Thanksgiving stupor is wearing off, we offer 2 Options to get out and see a nice waterfall (or 2) on trails that could be considered Moderate or Difficult, depending on your trail conditioning.

Please choose only ONE of the Options below so we can arrange for the proper number of co-leaders for each Option.

QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking in colder conditions (with temps that could get down to near freezing) at a 2.0 to 2.5 mph pace, over 7-8 miles. You should also be comfortable climbing a cumulative 1500-2200', at a 500 feet-per-mile slope.

This is NOT a beginner hike.

OPTION 1 - Ramsey Cascade +/- 2200' - 8 miles - Moderately Difficult

We will meet at the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead parking area at the end of the road at 8:30 for a hike to one of the most appealing falls in the Park.

From the Tennessee side of GSMNP, north of Gatlinburg, turn South off of US Hwy 321 onto Greenbrier Road, and drive 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Ramsey Prong Road (across the bridge) at the junction of Greenbrier Rd, Porters Creek Road and Ramsey Prong Road, and drive to the end.

We should be off trail around 12-1 pm. This is a moderately difficult hike of 2200’+ elevation gain over 4 miles (so a 500’/mile slope) and our average hiking speed will be around 2.0-2.5 mph.

OPTION 2 - Porters Creek +/- 1500' - 7 miles - Moderately Difficult
We will meet at the Porters Creek Trailhead parking area at the end of the PC road at 1:00. (Folks who are delayed coming from the Ramsey Cascades hike may need to play catch-up.)

This is a 7.2 mile hike, with about 3.6 miles to the campsite, all of it uphill, so the pace will likely average about 2.0-2.5 mph. The trail starts at about 1900' and climbs at a moderate slope for 1500 feet, to 3400'.

The trail initially follows an old roadbed and goes through an area of pre-Park homesteads and a graveyard, eventually turns into a trail, and passes a couple of small waterfalls along the way.

OPTION 3 - Ramsey Cascade and Porters Creek +/- 2200' - 15 miles - Difficult
We will combine both Options and follow each set of instructions as listed above.

WHAT TO BRING
We always suggest carrying The 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials.

We recommend hiking poles, insulated gloves, and an extra layer of clothing for warmth when we stop at the falls. We recommend bringing a headlamp in case we are delayed in getting off trail for any reason.

LATECOMERS AND NO-SHOWS
It's important for everyone to be early, or at least on time. We would hate to leave a hiker behind because they are running late. (It happens)

If your plans change and you can't come on the hike, please remember to change your RSVP at least an hour before the event begins, so you don't wind up on my "No-Fly" list.

*** Failure to do so qualifies as a "No-Show" with me and you may not be allowed to join future hikes or backpacking trips. ***

NAVIGATION AIDS
Ramsey Cascade Map
Ramsey Cascade Profile
Ramsey Cascade .gpx file (download only)

Porters Creek Map
Porters Creek Profile
Porters Creek .gpx file

Trail Slope Key

HIKE LEADERS
Lane DeCost - AT 2000 Miler, 900 Miler (x4), Search & Rescue Volunteer
Bev Chattin - 900 Miler