This is the view of the top of the Cascades, where the manway, such as it is, that leads up the Ramsey Prong drainage enters from the dense rhododendron on the right side of the photo. This is one of the few points on this hike/crawl that offers a long range view. There is an open area at the top of the falls that allows the hiker to see a wide swath of the Greenbrier valley, weather permitting. It's a dangerous spot and many would-be mountaineers have been killed or seriously injured after attempting to climb on falls. I'm assuming that the folks that read this description of the upper drainage know better than to walk in front of a speeding truck - or to try climbing a slick, very dangerous waterfall. For those who don't, this ain't no place to play. For those who are willing to take the necessary precautions and that are in sufficient good health to keep moving through rugged terrain for hours on end without a break, these pages are for you. Celebrate wild places!

From this point on, the path up Ramsey Prong is nearly non-existent. There are a few scattered pieces of ribbon marking what might or might not be the easiest route up the stream, but one good storm might take them all away. For the most part, the route upstream simply follows the streambed, occasionally slabbing up the hillside to avoid the rougher climbs. I hate to over-emphasize this, but please take your time and plan each move carefully. One slip or mis-step can sure put a damper on what would otherwise be an exceptional experience.