Things to do nearRainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina is a stunning cascade known for its year-round mist, vibrant rainbows, and forested hiking trails.
Rainbow Falls sits within Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, reached by a roughly 2.7-mile trail that gains around 1,600 feet in elevation. The falls are among the tallest in the park, fed by Ramsey Prong as it drops off a wide granite face into a shaded basin.
The trail winds through second-growth and old-growth forest, passing rhododendron thickets and mossy boulders. In spring, trillium and wild geranium bloom along the path. By fall, the canopy turns amber and gold above the rushing water.
The falls earned their name from the rainbows that form in the rising mist when sunlight hits the spray at the right angle, typically in the early afternoon. The effect is most reliable on clear days and makes the waterfall a favorite subject for photographers.
Beyond the scenery, the hike itself rewards visitors with a genuine sense of backcountry immersion close to a busy gateway town. Rainbow Falls offers a compelling combination of accessible challenge and natural beauty that draws hikers back across every season.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Rainbow Falls
Visit in the morning on sunny days for the best chance of seeing a vivid rainbow in the mist near the base of the falls.
Wear waterproof footwear, as the trail crosses rocky creek beds and the area near the base stays persistently wet.
Try the hike in late spring when wildflowers line the path and water volume is at its seasonal peak.
Arrive early on weekends, as the trailhead parking area fills quickly during summer and fall foliage season.
Bring trekking poles for the return climb, which gains significant elevation and can be slippery after rain.
Top tours & experiences near Rainbow Falls
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Waterfalls Day Tour
Explore the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes and coast with a local perspective
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Day Tour
Explore volcanic landscapes, island history, and East Hawaiʻi scenery
Mauna Kea Solar Viewing & Stargazing Tour From Hilo
Solar viewing by day, stargazing by night on Maunakea from Hilo
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Kīlauea Guided Tour
Explore volcanic landscapes, local history, and island flavors on a guided Big Island day out
Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcanoes National Park
Explore Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and local culture with a private guide
ʻAkaka Falls & Sea Turtle Swim Tour From Hilo
Explore Hilo’s landscapes with local insight and time in the water
Guided Big Island Black Sand Beach & Volcanoes Tour
Black sand, volcanic landscapes and Hilo sights in one day
Hilo Cultural Tour with Rainbow & Akaka Falls
Discover Hilo’s history and Hawaiian stories with local hosts
Hilo Tropical Fruit Farm Tour with Rainbow Falls Views
Pair tropical flavors with a private view from the top of Rainbow Falls
Private Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo
Discover volcanic landscapes and Hilo’s coast with a guide just for your group
Full-Day Private Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Tour
Explore volcano landscapes and Hilo sights at your group’s own pace
Big Island Circle Tour to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Circle the Big Island in a day with coffee, black sand beach, and Volcanoes National Park
Hilo Shore Excursion to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore volcanic landscapes with an experienced Hilo guide
Private Custom Big Island Tour from Hilo
Create a guided Big Island itinerary around the places that interest you most
Big Island Circle Tour to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Circle the Big Island in a day, with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and coffee country
Kilauea Volcano, Waterfall & Black Sand Beach Tour from Hilo
Explore volcanic landscapes, rainforest, and Hilo’s coastline with a local guide
Hilo Hamakua Coast Waterfalls Guided Tour
Tour the Hamakua Coast with waterfalls, Waipio Valley views, and a BBQ lunch
ʻAkaka Falls & Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo
Explore ʻAkaka Falls, volcano landscapes, and historic Hilo in one day
Fissure 8 & Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo
Walk the 2018 lava landscape and explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Day Tour
Explore the Big Island with a local perspective and a day tailored to your private group
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Highlights Tour
Explore lava landscapes and Hilo's coast with a certified local guide