Ramsey Cascades

This was my first hike to the infamous Ramsey Cascades, and one which I should have taken long ago.  Man!, if not for my own enjoyment and enlightenment, then I should have been required to hike it before I was allowed to give out any recommendations to visitors while a volunteer at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.  Dude, I asked others (volunteers and staff) who had hiked it to get a feel for who I should and should not recommend this hike to when working.   Well, while making this walk I realized I had underestimated what I perceived in the descriptions given to me about this route and hoped I did not put anyone in danger with my inexperienced  advice.  Though in my defense I remember usually getting someone to help with these questions from visitors when possible.

There are some important aspects one should consider before taking this trail.  One being the distance, two being the long straight sections of incline on the route, three being rough rocky portions of trail, and also the relative remoteness of the trail access.  If you have time, relatively good physical endurance, and strong ankles and knees then it is well worth meeting these challenges and seeing another awesome section of the GSMNP.  I would rate this route as challenging to difficult depending on ones physical health and mobility.

Rich Mountain Trail

Wow!  This spring hike was very pleasant and brought with it lots of blooming plants and one of the many varieties of Salamanders found in this area of the Appalachians.  I began this hike from the access point on where Rich Mtn. rd. leaves the park and where you can reach it coming from Townsend, without having to drive through the park and into Cades Cove.  I have done the Rich Mtn. Loop from this point and though it adds a few miles to the hike I prefer that to the time I'd spend in car getting to and from the Cades Cove loop.






























This area of the Appalachain Mountains, in which the GSMNP sits, is the salamander capitol of the world (http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/amphibians.htm).  Currently 30 different species have been identified.  This salamander was floating with several others in the well site for the old  Rich Mtn. fire tower site atop Cerulean Knob, the highest point on Rich Mountain at 3686'.  This hike would be a moderate to strenuous hike for the the experienced , conditioned hiker, depending on the rate at which one climbs up the continuous 2+ mile incline from the trailhead to campsite #5, and the trail junction.
I do this hike often as a day hike and find it challenging each time as well as rewarding with lots of flowers blooming in some fashion throughout most of the year and some awesome views from the fire tower site looking back at Clingmans Dome and some higher peaks in that vicinity.  Another great hike to be grateful for.  Peace