About Rainbow Falls (Gorges State Park, NC)
Rainbow Falls drops about 150 feet down the Horsepasture River in Gorges State Park, in the Blue Ridge escarpment of western North Carolina. It is a state park waterfall, far south of the Smokies, so it is not part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the park's parking tag does not apply. Most sources put the hike at about 1.5 miles each way from the Grassy Ridge access area.
The trail
The Rainbow Falls Trail starts at the Grassy Ridge Access and Visitor Center at 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, and descends toward the Horsepasture River. The trail is rocky and gets wetter near the river, and the climb back is the hard part. Allow two to three hours round trip. Hidden Falls and Turtleback Falls are farther along the same trail.
At the falls
The river drops in a long sheet, with mist that can show a rainbow in the afternoon. Rock near the falls is wet and slippery. The Horsepasture is swift and has taken lives; pools can look inviting but have strong currents. Stay on dry ground and do not climb to the top.
Getting there
From Gatlinburg, plan on about three hours via Cherokee and Cashiers. Gorges State Park hours apply, because the park gate is locked daily at posted closing hours. Check the state park page for current hours and closures; it notes backcountry campsites and Chestnut Mountain Road are closed until further notice. The visitor center phone is 828-556-6056.
When to go
- Spring: Highest flow and wildflowers.
- Summer: Popular; pools and slides draw crowds.
- Fall: Good color along the gorge.
- Winter: Quiet, with icy steps and rocks.
Pair it with
Turtleback Falls and Whitewater Falls are within a short drive, and the town of Cashiers has food and lodging.
Good to know
- How tall is Rainbow Falls (Gorges State Park, NC)?
- Rainbow Falls (Gorges State Park, NC) drops about 150 feet.
- How far is the hike to Rainbow Falls (Gorges State Park, NC)?
- It is about 1.5 miles each way, rated moderate.
- Can you swim or climb at the falls?
- Please don’t climb on or around waterfalls. Wet rock and algae are extremely slick, and falls from waterfalls are a leading cause of death in the Smokies. Enjoy the view from the trail.
