facebook
menuStylized Timber Tops Cabin Rentals wordmark in gray
mountain landscape

Popular Smoky Mountain Hiking Trail Closes

aerial view of downtown Gatlinburg
March 7, 2014

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park officially have announced a temporary closing of a popular Smoky Mountain hiking trail. Ramsey Cascades is a familiar trail to many Smoky Mountain visitors because of the gorgeous waterfall.

(See Related: 3 Ways to Save Money on a Vacation to the Smokies)

According to local news source, Knox News, the 60-foot footbridge over Ramsey Prong was damaged when high winds toppled a large hemlock tree. The tree destroyed the handrail, making it unsafe for hikers who are crossing the river. The bridge itself was also cracked.

The trail is expected to reopen sometime in late April, after all repairs can be made. For a full list of trail closures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take a look at the National Park Service’s page dedicated to closed roads and trails.

About Ramsey Cascades

Many hikers enjoy this trail because it offers a beautiful Smoky Mountain experience. If you only have one day to hike, this is definitely a trail to choose. The trail is moderate in difficulty, and has a few steep sections. Ramsey Cascades is among the highest of the park’s major waterfalls and many people note it as the prettiest waterfall in the national park. Unfortunately, the trail will be closed during its best season–spring. There are so many wildflowers during the spring months along this part of the trail, so make sure to take the hike to Ramsey Cascades when the Smoky Mountain hiking trail reopens at the end of April!

If you’re planning on spending some time hiking in the Smoky Mountains, take a look at Timber Tops Cabin Rentals, where we have a variety of cabins with outdoor views, bubbling hot tubs and spacious living areas. When you’re looking for a relaxing home away from home, our Gatlinburg cabins are a perfect retreat. To start planning your vacation to the Smokies, give our friendly reservationists a call at (877) 549-6775.

Related Blog Posts

hiker sitting on rock admiring mountain view from Charlies Bunion Trail
April 23, 2026
6 Types of Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
firefly village at anakeesta
January 10, 2020
6 New Smoky Mountain Attractions Opening in 2020 You Can’t Miss
abandoned cabin in the Elkmont section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
February 18, 2014
3 Places You Didn’t Know Existed in the Smoky Mountains
New Year's fireworks
November 25, 2025
4 Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains to Celebrate the New Year
expand_less