Rainbow Falls Trail
A sustained rocky ascent beside LeConte Creek to the park's tallest single-drop waterfall.
Route overview
Climb Rainbow Falls Trail to the waterfall and return the same way.
Rainbow Falls Trail climbs steadily through forest and across rocky, often wet terrain to the 80-foot waterfall. Ice can form dramatically in winter, while summer brings heat and thunderstorms. Hikers must remain off the falls and wet rock.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
- Distance
- approximately 8.7 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 3–5 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- approximately 514 m
- Best season
- Spring through autumn; winter only with ice competence
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No hiking permit; parking tag required
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Long climb, slippery rock, ice, heat, lightning, bears and falling trees
Highlights
LeConte Creek, old-growth forest, Rainbow Falls, seasonal ice formations
Why find a buddy
Shared pacing and fall-risk awareness are valuable on the long rocky ascent and descent.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.