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Rainbow Falls (Rainbow Falls Trail)
Hiking Trail
Hard
5.36 mi
1,636 ft
The Rainbow Falls Trail is a challenging, yet rewarding hike to the highest waterfall in the Smokies!
Boasting the title of "Highest Single-Drop Waterfall in the Smokies," this hike to Rainbow Falls should top your bucket list during your next visit. Toppling over an 80' ledge, the mist from the waterfall produces a stunning rainbow visible on most sunny afternoons. Should you plan your visit during the winter, you'll be welcomed with an "impressive ice formation [built] around the falls," the NPS proclaims.
The trailhead is located in the Roaring Fork area, most often accessed from Gatlinburg. The parking area is clearly marked, and a secondary lot is located less than 1/10th of a mile ahead. There is no drinking water on the trail, so be sure to bring plenty along for the hike. On average, the route can take between 3 and 5 hours round-trip.
Though the NPS lists this as a *moderate* hike, novice hikers may find it more difficult due to a nearly 1,500' climb in just 2.7 miles. If you're up for the challenge, however, the view will surely take your mind away from the climb! The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, but sturdy hiking shoes are still recommended. Hiking in sandals is highly discouraged. As with most trails in the Smokies, neither dogs nor bicycles are allowed on the trail.
Should you be up for an even longer challenge, Rainbow Falls Trail continues pas the falls to the summit of Mount LeConte, one of the highest and most coveted peaks in the Smokies. If you have two vehicles, a popular option is to hike to LeConte the first day, spend the night at LeConte Lodge, then return down the Alum Cave Trail the following day.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Boasting the title of "Highest Single-Drop Waterfall in the Smokies," this hike to Rainbow Falls should top your bucket list during your next visit. Toppling over an 80' ledge, the mist from the waterfall produces a stunning rainbow visible on most sunny afternoons. Should you plan your visit during the winter, you'll be welcomed with an "impressive ice formation [built] around the falls," the NPS proclaims.
The trailhead is located in the Roaring Fork area, most often accessed from Gatlinburg. The parking area is clearly marked, and a secondary lot is located less than 1/10th of a mile ahead. There is no drinking water on the trail, so be sure to bring plenty along for the hike. On average, the route can take between 3 and 5 hours round-trip.
Though the NPS lists this as a *moderate* hike, novice hikers may find it more difficult due to a nearly 1,500' climb in just 2.7 miles. If you're up for the challenge, however, the view will surely take your mind away from the climb! The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, but sturdy hiking shoes are still recommended. Hiking in sandals is highly discouraged. As with most trails in the Smokies, neither dogs nor bicycles are allowed on the trail.
Should you be up for an even longer challenge, Rainbow Falls Trail continues pas the falls to the summit of Mount LeConte, one of the highest and most coveted peaks in the Smokies. If you have two vehicles, a popular option is to hike to LeConte the first day, spend the night at LeConte Lodge, then return down the Alum Cave Trail the following day.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roaring Fork Rd Climb | 1.54 mi | 1,037 ft | 12.7% |
| Rainbow falls up | 2.50 mi | 1,522 ft | 11.5% |
| Roaring Fork Rd Climb | 0.88 mi | 623 ft | 13.3% |
| Rainbow falls down | 2.52 mi | -1,562 ft | -11.7% |