Ramsay Cascades

“I am confirming my intent to make this trip. Just now heard of Buck Fork. Will research. I like the idea of a loop with no shuttle.”

“yay.. just saw your post.

I'll call Stix.”

“oh...I may want to do this one. :)”

“don't suppose you would postpone this until 10/1-4 eh? ;)”

“goodgodi'vegottafindajobbackinNC”

“toph: well now that Skidder has confirmed.. I'd like to stay with it. BUT -- I checked my email as well, and he still thinks it is starting Friday.. but I can't start until SAT morning.. (1st light or earlier).

There are two guys out of Florida who showed interest, plus I need to call the NPS of course Wednesday I think? -- its late, im tired.)

Anyway.. I wish Tombone or 2Sticks would holla back. I just don't feel too comfortable without someone who actually knows where this sheltered rock house is?

I called Stix, and left a message -- but it forwarded funny, he may be out of the country (long story).

Skidder: Looking forward to hiking again. hope you can shift, and do it SAT thru MON.”

“Gemini: Just saw yours.

Great. wow, that would be nice to have you do it with us. I will try to get reservations for the max. I'm thinking "book the tricorner shelter two nights, in case it pours."

A side post to HPM: doesn't it always?”

“If rockhopping up mountain streams, scrambling up cascades, and pushing through dense mountain vegetation in one of the wildest parts of the Great Smokies is your idea of fun then this hike could be for you. The remote corners of the Greenbrier Cove hold many treasures and these were the haunts of some of our well-known SMHC forebears. We’ll leave the Ramsay Cascades trail in the lowlands and, after a short walk on an old manway, take to the streambed of Chapman Prong at its confluence with Buck Fork. Our trip up Chapman Prong will be about 3.2 miles of strenuous off-trail hiking to reach the state line ridge and the Appalachian Trail. We’ll walk the "dug trail" of the AT westward for about 1.3 miles to Mt. Sequoyah where we’ll leave the trail for a 2.5 mile off-trail descent of Lost Prong and lower Chapman Prong. The hike will be completed by retracing our way on the old manway and back down the Ramsay Road to the trailhead.

Although the total hiking distance is only about 11.6 miles this hike is extremely difficult because it entails about 7.3 miles of off-trail travel through rugged terrain and requires skill at stream rockhopping and travel through unavoidable rhododendron thickets. The net elevation gain is 3800 feet from the parking lot to our highest point on the AT near Mt. Sequoyah. The hike scouting trip required nearly 12 hours to complete with the longest rest stop of 20 minutes. We will use most if not all the available day light to complete the trip. Hike participants should bring ample food and energy snacks for a long day of hiking and flashlights or headlamps in the event nightfall overtakes us.”

“Just got an email.. passing it along..

Could you put this message up? I can't log into the site for some reason this morning:

Thanks a bunch for organizing this TownDawg. I can confirm for the Sat-Mon dates, although Fri-Sun would be much better. Postponing two weeks would be fine also. Am trying to get a hold of MadMudMan.

I want to make some points about the route we are considering. Bushwhacking with a heavy pack is REALLY STRENUOUS. You should pack AS LIGHT AS POSSIBLE. An internal frame pack is a must. I have one extra. The MudMan and I are long distance runners and can bring and carry stoves, tents, and water filters for 5-6 people if necessary.

I can guarantee at least one or maybe all of us will have had enough after we get to the AT so we need to have a vehicle in Cosby. I would only consider going down Buck Fork if you are in good shape and feel fresh when
you get up the second morning at Tricorner. Once you get into the valley you are commited to a day and a half of pure bushwacking as there is no trail of any kind. I know the lower half of the valley well and how to avoid the rhododendron thickets but I have not been to the upper section or
ever heard of anyone going there for that matter. The rock shelter is impossible to find unless you've been there and even then it's tricky.”

“TownDawg, swampTromp, and skidder are confirmed yes's.

Smokygirl, MadMudMan, Stix and Gemini are possible maybes.

I can't get a hold of Tombone or 2sticks, but still -- that's a good group.

I will call the NPS, and get that done. I have to wait till Wed tho -- 30 days advance limit. I'll ask for TriCorner Shelter Sat/Sun.

We'll also put together a bail out plan so we got a car to walk to if any of us wusses.

I'll look at how little I can bring, and still be safe.”

“just saw this trip...i may look into it and contact you chris”

“I just can't take off on Monday so.. count me out. Have fun though!”

“SmokyGirl: you could still do the cascade.. just skip the SUN/MON bushwhack. Turn left when you hit the AT, or spend the night at TriCorner with us.. then high-tail it out.. You could descend into cosby easily in a day.”

“what's up with that monday?? is it a holiday? got kids that are in school, so, I am a maybe for now. Not looking good though if monday isn't a holiday.

NOW if Monday is indeed a holiday, then I am a 99%er.”

“Gemini: No... its just that I can't leave home until after the game friday.. So I was going to drive all night, and start SAT morning.

Is Friday a holiday for you?”

“If starting SAT morning is messing everyone up.. I can bail, and do a different BP that weekend..

Getting off work is the same for me.. FRI or SAT.. the problem is getting off family... and this is football season.. and my daughter is a cheerleader.. and a senior to boot.. it's the same problem I have with tc4.. I can't be there until SAT morning.”

“dangit!!!!
don't look good then.

didn't really look at the exact days yet, but no friday isn't a holiday either, but I could bring the kids to school and hubby could be home early... friday is always somehow doable. mondays are a problem....

awwww....loud thunder.... help!!!!”

“Gemini: You can do it in two days.. if you only do the Ramseys.. and skip the Buck Fork.”

“Gemini - Thunder and Lightning here, too. A wave of storms going east should pass over in an hour or so. Melbourne Radar Picture

Getting too close. Going to shut down for a while. Have a great weekend, all of you.”

“Towndawg, I read one of your posts with the description of the route, and needed a clarification/confirmation.

Are you planning on going up the Ramsey cascade trail to the "cascades" and then up to the AT?

Or are you breaking off before the "cascades" and going up Buckfork/Chapman Prong and down Lost Prong and lower Chapman Prong? If you go this route, where will you end up on Saturday evening (I seen the the Sat/Sun/ Mon info) and Sunday Evening?

Will there be a back track to Tricorner Knob shelter?

What is planned for Monday?”

“I posted a map of the route from the Cascades to Tricorner and back down Buck Fork here:

http://www.geocities.com/brians_pictures/index.htm”

“I talked to Stix (GA) last night. He's in.

I talked to Skidder (NC) last night. He's in.

I'm in, and SwampTromp (FL) is in.

That's four.

I'll call Wednesday and ask for the park service for 8 at Tricorner for Saturday/Sunday nights.

I saw the map. We can do this. I've thought last night about several ways I can drop my packweight WAY down. (I might bring my hammock, and not even bring a stove.)

I am thinking I will be available to shuttle EARLY saturday morning (4am-ish) for anyone who wants to do Ramsey Cascade, but can't get off Monday -- so they could park a car at Cosby and I'd gladly run them over to Greenbrier. Just let me know.

SwampTromp: Thanks for marking up the route. I kinda thought that was what I saw when I was looking, and I know skidder was looking at Topozone last night too. You made it nice and clear, and I appreciate it.

Skidder: I already printed out the map here at work, but I agree -- let's purchase a couple of the USGS maps. Shoot, I need to brush up on my orienteering skills anyway. This would be a great trip to get totally lost! ;) I'm glad you are going. You're better at this than I am.

SmokyGirl: Good to talk last night. Come do the first day with us if you can. You can always go out Cosby to your car. Gabby mentioned going too. Maybe the two of you can do the same -- hike the Cascades to the AT, and then take your favorite route out of the park on Sunday.”

“Trip page is updated.

http://www.thebackpacker.com/trips/trip.php?id=457”

“http://www.thebackpacker.com/trips/trip.php?id=457"> Ramsey Cascades Trip

One question, because I'm not familiar with how to do something.

Since the GSMNP has some rules? Do I present my bushwhacking plan to them? Or just ask for two nights at the shelter, and not say anything else?”

“MadMudMan says he is definitely in. If you think you will be entertained by spastic rockhopping exhibitions and/or physics lectures you won't want to miss this trip.

I think 7:00 AM sharp would be a good start time. If we do the 4 trail miles at a leisurely pace, take an hour for lunch somewhere, and average a moderate .5 miles per hour off trail that will put us at the AT with two hours' daylight to spare. We can meet at 6:45, so if you are coming from Knoxville you would leave about 5:15-5:30. Whoever wants to volunteer to set up the shuttle with TownDawg would need to meet him about 6:00 at Cosby. We only need one shuttle car and whoever leaves it can probably key swap if they decide to do Buck Fork after all.”

“Fantastic.. looking forward to it!

I will be calling wednesday.”

“Hope you'uns have fun. I'll be interested to read the TR from this one. You may already have an answer to your question about offtrail camping. I'd request the shelter nights, but as a backup... request the cross country camping permit as a contingency. That way if you'd be forced to do it... no one could say a thing. You'll be fine. Secondly... above Ramseys Cascade.... once you get above the main falls.....the one the tourists usually go to.. stay in the creek or as close to it as possible til you get above Upper Ramseys. Beyond that I've not been so I don't know. There is a horrible boulder field camouflaged by moss on the left (heading Upstream). Avoid that if at all possible. Thats when you should best be in the creek anyhow. That sucker is a good place to break an ankle or a leg.
{{{{{Hugs to you}}}}}}}

Don't make me come up there hunting you to tote you out. ;-)”

“Called up the reservation office a few minutes ago. Shelter is reserved for Saturday night (18th).

Working on off-trail permit.”

“NOTE: Persons for this trip is limited by park regulations. Sorry, this trip is FULL.”

“oh man, so even if I would make it...I couldn't go huh? I really wanted to go, that sucks!”

“TownDawg, Stix, MudManMan, SwampTromp, and Skidder.

Reservations at TriCorner is for six.

There's room only for one partially-clad good looking blonde.

(ya right.)”

“Gemini: You'd be the last one... but I'd only make this exception for you... We'd enjoy your uMm.. assets.”

“I had no idea you can get an off-trail permit. I'd imagine it's limited to short time frames and small groups?”

“Let me get it approved, and I'll tell you all about it John.”

“towndawg, count me in. I just will have to figure out what to do about that monday. really want to go on this one.”

“You got mail, Gem.”

“Read the escape route, Gem. There's a way you can do the Ramsey with us, and still be out on Sunday.

You'd have to meet me at Cosby so you can drop your car, and we'd ride over to GreenBrier.”

“okay, sounds good. did i get an email from you saying "call me"?? lol... i guess I can call huh? had no clue who send it to me.
I am busy right now...have to help my friend leave her husband. LOL

i'll call tomorrow though”

“Gemini: yeah, that was me. I'm not at my desk all that much, so I was trying to make sure I was there.”

“Thanks Chris, I'll be interested to hear how this works.”

“John -- you still at work??”

“Call me. (615.325.7311, ext 245)”

“Kinda been bored with the lack of challenges left in the Smokies, but came across this joint and thought hey man I might just smoke this fatty. I tell ya dude, after K2 there aint much left…”

“That is my favorite hike in the Smokies... I have done in every season and the snow it the best. Try it then you love it.
And it does kick your rump....”

“This is my first time of course. We have five confirmed, permit for six at TriCorner.

Excited to get a chance to bushwhack in the Smokies. Trying to go light -- and trying to work around and through all the obstacles this trip presents. I'm bringing my GPS, and maybe my Cobra walkies. Talked to Stix on the cell last night, and Skidder a few days or a week ago. Rock Shelter (per Broome and Wise) has been confirmed by Tombone as well as SwampTwomp and MudManMan.

Don't have a LeConte topo yet, but have a download with the route marked (Thanks SwampTromp)that works for now.

Who's Gunslinger? I don't have a clue.

CgHiker? I didn't know you had done this route. 1st hand experience is always good. Danahikes has passed along some valuable info as well.

Gemini thought about coming, but have not heard any more.”

“Yupp, I am still planning on going on the Ramsey C Manway trip. So far so good....”

“Picked up a Gregory Denali Pro today. Im stoked dude.”

“Excuse me.. but please.. who is Gunslinger?”

“Labor Day September 6, 2004. We had been planning this trip for a couple of weeks. It seems to be a annual thing for us. Hiking on Labor Day. Joe Fleming arrived at my house at 4:55, and Nathan Officer got there about 5:05. They both drove pick ups, so we took my car. We got to Cracker Barrel in Pigeon Forge just as they were unlocking the door. I couldn’t believe it the manager told us where the non smoking section was located, and then he said grab you some silver ware, menu, and have a seat. Anyway I loaded up on too much gravy and I did not know I would pay for it later. Our hike started in Greenbrier at the Ramsay Cascade Trailhead. Ramsay was just the starting point, however I did step on a yellow jackets nest, Nathan and I got stung once, luckily we were not allergic to bees. We wasted no time in getting to the falls. After some pictures of the falls we worke! d our way through the rhododendron to the top. The view from the there was excellent. You could see Myrtle Point. This is where the real adventure starts. We put on our “water shoes” strap the boots on our packs and head up stream. Almost immediately we see a pink ribbon blowing in the wind. I think these were placed by our friend Randy from Florida. Our destination was to be Drinkwater Pool, and then a half mile above that was going to be a cascade much larger than Ramsay Cascades. It was reported to be over 200ft high. The ribbons are fairly easy to follow. You are basically in the creek for most of the time. Sometimes knee deep. Joe took the lead looking for ribbons. He’s the man when it comes to thick under brush. The confusion started after the first water fall we came too. It had a descent sized pool, was 6 to 8 feet t! all, but it was missing the huge boulder that was the shape of a coffin. So this must not be it. After scrambling over slick rocks we came to a huge cascade. It had to be over 200 ft. It was situated in a gorge like setting that a picture could not be taken. Maybe our original instructions were wrong, maybe Drink Water Pool is above the upper cascades, as they are referred too. There was a ribbon tied at the top of these falls. Heck we made good time so we decided to keep following the ribbons. As we continued climbing over huge boulders Nathan was bringing up the rear at this time. I couldn’t get my camera out fast enough, but Joe was climbing a slick boulder when he lost his grip. He slid on hands and knees until his toes got a grip and he did a backwards flip into a small pool of water, landing on his hands and knees. If only I had my camera out. Unfortunately his camera wa! s in the water, and it did not work the rest of the day. In a short time we came upon a 3rd falls these maybe 10 ft high, dropping into a large pool. Standing almost on its end beside the falls was a boulder shaped like a coffin. It was 12:00, and lunch time. After lunch Joe pulled a diving mask out of his pack. Couldn’t believe it, I just knew we would be there an hour waiting for him to get comfortable in the water. He just jumped in to 58 degree water. Man he’s tough it takes me 30 minutes to get in the ocean. He he he! It was over his head in the back. The day was still young so we headed above the falls thinking this was Drinkwater and another falls awaited us. More ribbons, however these ribbons were orange and much older than the others, and the person who tied these were not a generous these were much smaller and farther apart. A decision was made at 1:30 that we would! turn around at 2:30 and hike back to vehicle. We made good time, and I don’t know what kept us climbing over blow downs and through rhododendron on past the 2:30 deadline, but we kept finding those darn ribbons. A joint decision was made at 2:30 that we could not find our way back to the falls in a timely matter, so the best way was to keep going up stream. We all thought we would be on the AT by 3:30 or 4:00. I did place 5 or 6 rock cairns along the creek where we entered and exited the forest. Travel was getting tougher. It was already 4:45 and no end in sight. The rhododendron was too thick to walk on land so we were in the creek most of the time. The farther we climbed the mountain the more blow downs we encountered. These are not your typical downed trees. These lye from bank to bank meaning we had to work our way through limbs to get past them. By 5:45 the creek was much narrower, and it was clogged with blown down trees. No choice but to make our way through thick spruce ! trees, scratching our legs with every step. We came to a fork in the creek. That was the last two ribbons we saw, they were tied to a tree that had fallen across the creek. We took the left fork, and began climbing out of the creek. It was now that some relief was in sight, because we knew we had to be climbing Mt. Guyot near the AT. At 6:00 Joe and Nathan were far enough ahead of me that I could not see them. Joe would yell back, “are you still there Ronnie.” I would confirm and keep walking. It was then that I yelled for them to stop, because I had to take a break. Tired, exhausted, and out of water. I had been drinking water from the stream as it flowed over moss covered rocks, but there was no more water. Over to my right I could see a level ridge, it was more inviting than the 45 degree angle we were climbing now. A short break and I head toward the ridge. I did yell and tell them I was moving again. I came to them from the side, and we changed out of our water shoes and put ! on our hiking boots. It was 6:20 when we started up the hill, 6:30 Joe steps on the AT in the swag between Mt. Guyot and Old Black. It was our plan to call Nathan’s dad and have him meet us in Cosby Campground. My phone would not get out at that point. We had about 7 more miles of hiking. I got phone service at Deer Creek Gap, Nathan’s dad was going to meet us. As we hiked below Inadu Knob parts of a plane could still be seen from a crash that happened many years ago. By 7:20 we had made it to Snake Den Ridge Trail. We could hear wind from Hurricane Francis blowing in the tree tops and light rain had began to fall. Each of us had headlamps, and we had to put them on by 8:15. The orange and white reflective gate was a welcome sight, from there just a 10 minute walk to Cosby Campground. It was 9:30 when we stepped onto the asphalt streets of the campground. What was more of a welcome sight was seeing headlights blink on and off at us. It was Nathan’s dad. Our total hike was approximately 15 miles, and it took us 14 hours to complete. Whew! I’m glad it over.”

“That's a great trip report. I hate that I missed it.”