Ok, You Caught Me
I guess for all of those who have been calling me a tree-hugger you’re right and here’s the picture to prove it (I’m the in the pink on the right).
This photo was taken a few years ago at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We saw this tree while hiking up to Ramsey Cascades and were amazed at how huge it was. We decided this would be the best way to display the size of this tree.
Ramsey Cascades is the highest waterfall accessible by trail in the park. We ate our lunch at the top and while we were sitting, huge chunks of ice kept falling off the waterfall into the river below, awesome! Worth the hike through snow and ice (at least to me, I think the others in my group were less than humored by the snow/ice).
For those of you who are hikers out there and live in the midwest, I would highly recommend this trail. Mr Chiots and I have hiked it twice (although once we got rained out by big thunderstorms).
RAMSEY CASCADES
Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most spectacular. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and collects in a small pool where numerous well-camouflaged salamanders can be found.
The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000′ in elevation over its 4 mile course and the 8-mile roundtrip hike is considered strenuous in difficulty. It follows rushing rivers and streams for much of its length. The last 2 miles pass through old-growth cove hardwood forest with large tuliptrees, basswoods, silverbells, and yellow birches.
Anyone else made the hike up the Ramsey Cascades? Or any other great waterfalls? (I know Joe always has great photos of waterfalls on his blog).
What gorgeous photos!! I miss having a good place to hike!
to Emily@remodelingthislife's comment
Beautiful! Although, I’m not so sure about wearing those shorts in the snow! ;)
to farm mom's comment
When you’re hiking it gets hot.
to Susy's comment
We were wearing the shorts because there was no snow at the bottom of the hill. It was 65 or 70 degrees (I’m in the gray sweatshirt). The snow was a surprise to us too! Especially me! This was one of those iconic moments in our friendship with Brian and Susy. Ah….memories.
to Missy's comment