Hiking Project Logo

gem icon Rainbow Falls [Suggest Edits]

54 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

Rainbow Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a visit to the falls is certainly a worthwhile outing! The falls are named for the rainbow that can be seen in the mist on a sunny afternoon as the 80-foot tall waterfall cascades to the ground. If you aren't lucky enough to visit the falls on a sunny day, don't despair, as the falls are still equally impressive on a cloudy afternoon. Even in the winter, they are spectacular as during longer cold spells, a beautiful ice formation will build around the falls, sculpted by the still falling water.

Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate shoes, and do not climb on the rocks near the waterfalls as they tend to be slippery.

Half-Day Hike: From the Rainbow Falls parking area, head out on the Rainbow Falls Trail. Come prepared for a moderately difficult 5.4 mile out and back hike to the falls as the Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500 feet in elevation.

Family Friendly: While the trail to the falls is probably too difficult for younger kids, older kids will enjoy the challenge of this hike to explore the falls.

Gem Type: Waterfall

Shared by:
Kristen Arendt

You & This Gem

Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 17, 2023
Bobby Bobby
fun hike. Worth doing again
Jul 27, 2023
Nick Pierce
Mar 20, 2023
Baylon Watts
Aug 4, 2022
Doreen Matthes
Jun 23, 2022
Esmeralda Sivirian
Jun 13, 2022
Vasugi Thinakaran
We are visiting rainbow falls trail
Jun 13, 2022
Bethany Girtler
Jun 1, 2022
cassie Curl
Did Anakeesta in the morning in rainbow Falls in the afternoon had a 6yr - 12yr and 16 year old with me all of them did well

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite Alum Cave in the fog

Alum Cave Bluffs

(84) Gatlinburg, TN
gem Favorite Plenty of mountains to view from Clingman's Dome.

Clingmans Dome

(141) Gatlinburg, TN
gem Favorite Hike the popular 2.3 mile roundtrip trail to reach the 80 foot Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The falls is broken up in an upper and lower section with a narrow bridge cutting across. This photo is shot at the bottom of the lower section of the falls.

Laurel Falls

(111) Gatlinburg, TN
gem Favorite Mount LeConte after a winter storm on the AT. Clouds hug the ridges and hoarfrost covers the trees.

Charlies Bunion

(60) Gatlinburg, TN
gem Favorite Andrews Bald.

Andrews Bald

(32) Bryson…, NC
gem Favorite Mingus Mill

Mingus Mill

(28) Cherokee, NC
gem Favorite Log bridge before Arch Rock

Arch Rock

(21) Gatlinburg, TN

Nearby Trails

10.7 mi 17.3 km Alum Cave - Cliff Top Out and Back
Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry
63 days ago
269 
8.0 mi 12.8 km Charlies Bunion Out and Back
Intermediate/Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate/Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
All Clear
Update
Some Mud
64 days ago
130 
4.2 mi 6.7 km Chimney Tops Trail
Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Unknown
Update
149 
2.6 mi 4.2 km Grotto Falls
Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry, Some Mud
50 days ago
86 
5.4 mi 8.7 km Rainbow Falls
Intermediate/Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate/Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
All Clear
Update
6 days ago
78 
8.0 mi 12.8 km Ramsey Cascades Trail
Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
All Clear
Update
Some Mud
64 days ago
72 
0.8 mi 1.3 km Clingmans Dome Trail
Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
All Clear
Update
Some Mud
58 days ago
86 
3.6 mi 5.8 km Andrews Bald Out and Back
Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
All Clear
Update
Some Mud
58 days ago
65 
4.1 mi 6.6 km Laurel Falls Trail
Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
Minor Issues
Update
Some Mud
14 days ago
44 
16.0 mi 25.7 km Mount Le Conte Loop
Difficult
Bryson City, NC
Difficult
Bryson City, NC
All Clear
Update
Some Mud
66 days ago
32 
Shared by Kristen Arendt on Aug 4, 2016. All Page Views: 3,947. Last Month: 12.