Ramsey Cascade

by Nunweiler Photography

Title

Ramsey Cascade

Artist

Nunweiler Photography

Medium

Photograph - Digital Photography

Description

The morning started out like any other morning first arriving to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It ended up a little differently. My wife and I had stopped to get a breakfast sandwich at a popular fast food restaurant. Since we were near the Greenbriar area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we decided our photographic adventures would start there. We had been to this section several times in the past but never braved the 8 mile round-trip hike to Ramsey Cascades. The first mile and a half is like any other day hike you might go on with some roots and stones along a trail wide enough to drive a vehicle. Our promise was that if we felt good enough after the first mile and a half and broke off to the smaller trail, we were going all the way along the other 2 and a half miles. What we didn't realize is that the climb of more than 2100 feet in elevation occur in the last 2 and a half miles. After the 3rd mile that we accomplished, we were ready to give up, but decided it wasn't in us to do that. Every person we saw coming back down the mountain said It's about another mile and probably 45 minutes to the top. A full hour later, we started on the last half mile, which gains about 800 feet in elevation and navigates through rocks as big as cars and roots the size of large snakes. Finally, after the 5th hour of hiking (3 and a half of that included moving in a forward direction) we came across Ramsay Cascade.

I had seen photos before and none of them reflect the size of this enormous waterfall. My goal was to try to attempt to portray an accurate reflection of the height of this wonder. Although I captured a beautiful image, the mass of this waterfall can not be experienced in any accurate way except to be there in person. Good luck on the hike and be careful across the foot bridges, rapid water crossings and the rock climbing in the last half mile. While you're on the hike, also be extra aware of your surroundings. Black bears are active in the area. Also, I would recommend a nice driving tour of the park for the next two days. On the third day, you'll be ready for another fun adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains. Of course, if you are a hiker and are already in great shape, you will not experience these 4 miles in the same fashion that we did. For you, I say "It's really not that bad."

Uploaded

July 2nd, 2011

Colors

Embed

Share

Tags