Ramsey Cascades

At 100 feet tall, Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With the trailhead located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, it's a strenuous 4 miles to the falls and 4 miles back. Before that, you'll need to conquer 3+ miles of unpaved roads. It's doable, but watch for potholes. They're all over the road. 

The hike itself starts easy for the first 1.5 miles, and there are plenty of landmarks to guide your trek. As the trail goes along, it will become more difficult as you traverse creeks, rocks, roots, steps, and more. Within the first quarter of a mile, you'll cross a bridge. After 0.4 miles, you'll encounter a bench. Around 0.7 miles in, another bench. After 1.3 miles, you'll cross your second bridge. Then at 1.5 miles, you'll reach a sign pointing you towards Ramsey Cascades in 2.5 miles. The trail becomes more technical from here. A third bridge will appear after 2.2 miles in. After the bridge, the trail turns strenuous, with one flight of stairs totaling 83 steps. Around 2.5 miles in, you may notice some massive trees, including some tulip poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera) estimated to be over 100 years old. These trees are considered old-growth and are part of the virgin forest area that has remained untouched by logging. At about 3 miles in, you'll encounter a fourth bridge. From there, the final mile is the steepest and most technical. At 3.7 miles you'll encounter another flight of stairs totaling at least 66 steps. You're almost there, and the journey is well worth it. You'll know you've arrived when you see a sign stating 4 deaths have occurred from falls. Enjoy the view, and then make the 4-mile trek back.

Although this waterfall is large and spectacular, there's a good chance you'll be able to spend some time alone with it due to its remote nature. There are also some massive trees along the trail.