About Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount LeConte
Rainbow Falls earns its name from the mist and the rainbow that often shows at the base on sunny mornings. The National Park Service lists the hike at 5.6 miles round trip (2.8 each way) through varied forest on a well-maintained but fairly steep trail, with about 1,600 feet of climbing. Past the falls the same trail is one of five routes to Mount LeConte, 13 miles round trip.
The hike
From the trailhead above Gatlinburg, the trail climbs steadily along LeConte Creek, crossing it on footlogs and passing through hemlock and rhododendron. The grade picks up in the second half, and the last stretch is rocky and often wet. The falls are strongest after rain, and in a hard freeze they can ice over. Do not climb on the wet rocks at the base.
When to go
Spring and early summer have the heaviest flow. Fall brings color and the biggest crowds on the road, and parking fills by 8 a.m. on weekends. Winter hikers should carry traction and watch for ice on the upper section.
Getting there
From downtown Gatlinburg, follow Airport Road to Cherokee Orchard Road, then drive to the Rainbow Falls/Bullhead lot; NPS says it is crowded and suggests a shuttle. On the first stretch of Cherokee Orchard Road, from the park boundary to the Ogle Homesite, NPS currently asks drivers to stay in their vehicles because of bears.
Entry to the park is free, but a parking tag is required if you park more than 15 minutes: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year. America the Beautiful and other federal passes do not count, and the tag has to be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
Bring water and shoes with grip. Pets are not allowed on this trail. The Bullhead Trail, which starts at the same lot, is closed Monday through Thursday through Nov. 19, 2026, but Rainbow Falls Trail itself is not listed as closed. Check the closures page before you go.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Gatlinburg Trail: an easy 4-mile round trip that allows dogs and bikes
- Grotto Falls: a 2.6-mile round trip to a waterfall you can walk behind
- Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail: a paved half-mile loop
Planning and safety
Give yourself more time than the mileage suggests. Rocks, roots, stream crossings and short climbs all slow the pace, and most people stop often. An early start gives you the quietest trail and the best chance at a parking space.
Check conditions the morning you go. The park posts trail and road closures and cautions, and storms, ice and Hurricane Helene repairs can change access with little notice. Carry water, a rain layer and a map, keep a safe distance from bears and elk, and pack out everything you bring in.
Good to know
- How long is Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount LeConte?
- Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount LeConte is 2.8 miles one way (5.6 miles round trip), with about 1,600 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
