About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls plunges 80 feet off a ledge into LeConte Creek, and on sunny afternoons the mist at its base can show a rainbow, which is how it got its name. The Park Service lists the hike as 5.6 miles round trip through varied forest, with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain, so it is a real climb: steady, rocky and steep in places. You will see some old-growth trees along the way, plus burn scars from the 2016 fire.
The trail
The Rainbow Falls Trail starts at the trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road and follows LeConte Creek upstream, crossing the creek on footlog bridges. The trail is well maintained but rocky, and trekking poles help on the descent. Plan on three to four hours round trip. The same trail continues to Mount LeConte if you want a much longer day.
Parking and the road
The Park Service warns of extreme crowding and limited parking, and suggests a shuttle or an alternate hike. Arrive early, before 9 a.m., or visit on a weekday. Entry to the park is free, but any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual). Federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace it, and the tag must be displayed in your vehicle. The park has also posted a bear closure on part of Cherokee Orchard Road, so check the closures page before you drive up.
At the falls
The best light is the middle of a sunny afternoon, but that is also the most crowded time. In winter, ice can coat the rocks around the falls and make the final approach slick. Keep off the wet rock and do not climb above the drop.
When to go
- Spring: Full flow and wildflowers.
- Summer: Shaded and cooler; early start recommended.
- Fall: Good color and heavy crowds in October.
- Winter: Cold, quiet and icy; carry traction.
Dogs are not allowed. Carry water, a rain layer and an offline map.
Good to know
- How tall is Rainbow Falls?
- Rainbow Falls drops about 80 feet.
- How far is the hike to Rainbow Falls?
- It is about 2.8 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.
- Do I need a parking tag?
- 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.
