Three Days In Gatlinburg - Day 3

This day's itinerary calls for a wonderful hike and picnic in a lesser-known area of the park.

Greenbrier Cove is referred to as "The Locals' Entrance to the Park" because it is seldom visited by tourists. It offers some of the finest, most convenient, and least crowded fishing, hiking, jogging, picnicking, waterfalls, tubing, wildflower observation and spectacular natural settings to be found in the Smoky Mountains. When driving along the road in Greenbrier, you'll find many designated pull-offs and parking areas where you can stop to enjoy the scenery.

Let this be our little secret! In early June, the trailhead to Ramsay Cascades is the site of the "Firefly Phenomenon," a spectacular display of rare fireflies that seem to light up in a synchronized rhythm that rolls through the forest. Arrive just before dusk at the Ramsay trailhead and sit quietly two or three hundred feet up the trail. As dark falls the show will begin.

There are many trails in Greenbrier, with Ramsay Cascades being arguably the best waterfall in the Park. Be extremely careful walking on rocks along the river. They can be very slippery and severe injury can result!

Stop at the Greenbrier ranger station for maps, or visit the Sugarlands Welcome Center just south of Traffic Light #10. The hike is eight miles round-trip and is challenging. Take extra water!

Bear's Den Smoky Mountain News: Three Days In Gatlinburg - Day 2

Thanks to Jackson Mountain Homes for this article

Gatlinburg