Destination: Giant Trees on Ramsey Prong
What a treat when a grandchild agrees to spend time on a hike with the Grands! Early February has been unseasonably warm with spring-like weather offering the perfect opportunity to hike in the Smokies. Our daughter Emily, who is an avid hiker, runner and cyclist, suggested to her 5 that a mountain field trip would be a great way to spend the day.
With the temperatures expected to be in the upper 60s, Grand-Dad suggested that we head to Greenbrier to hike Ramsey Cascades Trail to the giant Tulip Trees.
For the first 1.7 miles, the trail follows the old road which the Park closed sometime in the 70s.
Who can miss an opportunity to perform on a giant rock?
Log lizards being silly on one of several blowdowns.
Thankfully for the Grands there were benches at the end of a hard pull up the mountain!
Jordan, our 5-year old grandson, never slowed down. He found lots of "swords" and "spears." I especially enjoy watching the wonder on the grandchildren's faces when they find rocks, sticks, bobcat scat, mushrooms and other interesting features on their adventures in the Smokies.
The former turn-around was the perfect spot to eat lunch.
At this point on the hike, the trail takes a left turn to follow the course of the Ramsey Prong. The trail begins a steep climb and becomes more rugged as the "gorge" narrows. We had to navigate rocks, roots, blowdowns and streams.
Birthday girl enjoying a moment beside the stream!
Griffin was fascinated by the lumpy growths he spotted on trees and rhododendron.
What little boy can resist climbing?
It takes a lot of strength to push over a massive tree.
Once we reached the foot bridge that crosses Ramsey Prong, we knew the trail was going to get very steep. I am thankful that the Park replaced the old washed-out bridge with a wide sturdy one. The old bridge, which washed out a couple of years ago, was a very narrow bridge perched high over the gorge downstream from the current one. The old bridge was scary to cross!
Our reward! The kids could not believe the size of the trees and were eager to wrap their arms around the solitary giant to see how many of us were required to touch finger tips. Six! A math lesson ensued and we determined that the tree was more than 22 feet in circumference and more than 7 feet in diameter.
Wonder of wonders! Two giants stood sentinel over the trail which passed between them.
During winter when the foliage does not block views, you can see other very large trees scattered up the Ramsey Prong watershed. They are often easy to spot because their huge branches not only dominate the forest canopy but their limbs are as big as mature trees. Awesome wonders!
This youngster never got tired of wandering and climbing. One would expect a 6-mile hike to weary a 5 year old!
What can beat a glorious day in the Smokies with grandkids who love hiking?
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