The first Ramp Tramp was held April 13, 1958 on Big Frog Mountain, with Tom Beckler and Letcher Goforth hauling food and supplies in a jeep while participants hiked up the mountain. The idea took hold and has continued to evolve, earning an article in Southern Living magazine in 1976. Through the years, guest speakers have included congressmen, state tourism officials, TVA officials, and state senators and representatives.

For years, jeeps were used to bring food and supplies to the mountaintop. Organizers would dig and clean the ramps, beginning the cooking as hikers arrived. When Big Frog became a Wilderness area, jeeps were no longer allowed. Sponsors tried dividing the supplies among hikers but there were too many heavy items like pots and pans. Then a helicopter was used, which worked fine except for the year they ended up dangling from a tree.

The year 1978 brought tragedy to the Ramp Tramp when Don Becker of Chattanooga died of a heart attack on top of Big Frog.  In 1984, it was moved to Sylco Campground, where it was rained out, so the committee decided to move the festival to the 4-H camp in 1985, where it continues to be held.

Volunteers provide the manpower, from digging and cleaning ramps to serving them. Proceeds benefit the 4-H Camp