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    Rainbow Falls

    4.3 (60 reviews)

    Rainbow Falls Photos

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    David M.

    Rainbow Falls is a great hike in the Smokey mountains it took us about 3.5 hours and a total of 6.5 miles. It is a lot of uphill hiking so if you don't have much experience hiking I wouldn't recommend it. There isn't much parking but they do have a couple of different parking lots. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. It is a very scenic hike and the day we went it was very foggy and rainy. One of the best hikes you can go on while you are in the Smokeys.

    Trail
    Jacob D.

    It's a long hard hike but if you can get past this you will see a very beautiful waterfall with a background of multi-colored rock. It is uphill the entirety of the hike and there are a lot of rocks and roots in the path that make it difficult to walk easily but the view makes it all worth it.

    Tyler M.

    Rainbow Falls Trailhead - 1 Tyler - 0 This. trail. kicked. my. ass. All the people talking about this trail being "moderately difficult" are liars and shouldn't be trusted. Having said that, it was a great hike. Your hike back will be much more pleasant than the hike to the falls as the first leg is ENTIRELY uphill. My feet hurt, my thighs hurt, my legs hurt, it all hurt, I hated everything. While the trail claims to be 2.7 miles long (each way), it felt like a very steep 2.7 miles and my apple watched clocked it at over 3 miles each way. The trip back down was MUCH easier/pleasant as it was all downhill. The views and the falls were beautiful. If you're planning on doing this trailhead, here's a few tips: 1) This is not a beginners trail. If you're looking for something more leisurely, this is not the trail for you. You will sweat, it will hurt, you'll begin to debate whether or not the falls are worth it. 2) Bring plenty of water/snacks. We passed lots of people who clearly came unprepared/without water/boots/backpacks. I had a bag with water and a snack and wished that I had more water halfway through. 3) Arrive early. This is not a trail that you would want to hike in the dark. Make sure that you allow for plenty of time to complete the trail before the sun sets. While the trail destroyed me, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt great to take a shower after, relax, and unwind. Would definitely recommend this trail to others if you're up for a bit of a challenge!

    Rainbow falls
    Yashwin N.

    Great hike, very strenuous due to terrain and inclines. Board at the entrance is very misleading and states the hike is 2.6 miles. I tracked an 8 mile round trip and another hiker I met tracked an 8.2mile round trip. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots for this, bring plenty of water, and snacks too so you can relax and energize before heading back. If you are able to make it, the top is well worth it. PS: there will be a sign that says rainbow falls when you make it. A lot of people climb all the way up just to turn around at the small falls which is only 5 minutes from the top.

    Rainbow Falls
    Sarah M.

    **5.2 mile round trip** Well-maintained trail, no water or restrooms as you are walking through the forest. Go slow and take your time and the various waterfalls were worth it. There are roots, stumps, and rocks so watch your ankles. We hiked with a 46 year old, a 44 year old, 15 and 12 year old and it took us four hours total. Pictures and the falls were great! When sun was out it was hot so also recommend hats and plenty of water.

    Trail Etiquette
    Carly M.

    Beautiful hike. Just a side note to runners - I'm a runner too -but not that day-please follow trail etiquette. Yield to walkers, pass on the left , announce yourself when passing, let hikers going up have the right away. Hiked this with my husband and visually impaired sister and her husband. We were hiking single file and was passed by a runner on the right side and almost knocked us down. Then when he was coming down and tried to pass again on the inside. When confronted he said there's no rules on the trail. Eek he looked to be in his late forties and continued to argue with us. Just be mindful of trail etiquette. Such a beautiful hike though and my sister did great !!! Saw some deer and the falls were flowing.

    So many beautiful trees
    Luke W.

    Gorgeous hike, tho busy even in mid week September, wasn't overly crowded at the top with the massive waterfall offering and well earned misty vista. A few parts are tricky and a good energy is needed to move along at some speed but most will easily do a moderate pace without a problem, well made trail running shoes are an ideal. There's lots of nice spots to relax too with large boulders alongside the very well kept trail.

    Gorgeous falls!
    Annie M.

    What a fun hike! I have heard about Rainbow Falls forever and for some reason, in my 11 years living in Asheville had never been until last weekend. A trip I had planned to go to Panthertown Valley didn't go as expected and I had remembered driving past a sign on the way there that said "Gorges State Park 1 mile." My friend and I decided to go see what that was and I was so pleased to find out that it was actually the Rainbow Falls Trailhead! There is a parking lot and the trail is easy to find and is clearly marked the entire hike. Upon entering the trail, you'll see many signs warning you to stay on the trail with a danger of death. I have heard of many deaths happenings here over the years and I am both a rule-follower and a scaredy cat, so you better believe I stayed on the trails! The hike is 1.5 miles in to Rainbow falls and another 1.5 back to the parking lot (aka 3 miles total). I hear that if you keep hiking, you'll come to Stairway Falls just another 1/2 mile up but my friend and I didn't do that. The sound as you arrive at the Rainbow falls was magical! Glorious, gigantic, rambling Rainbow Falls! It is 150 foot of water rushing beauty! I was actually surprised at how huge it was. Lucky for us, it had been raining a lot lately and the waterfall was rushing. We found a spot to sit and just stared at it in wonder and awe for about 20 minutes before heading back. The hike itself is medium difficulty. If you're out of shape like me, you will definitely be breathing heavy and struggling to keep conversation going for a few parts but if you're like my exercise-crazy friend, you'll be hiking up the trails like a rockstar. It is an odd trail because you're actually going downhill for a majority of the hike in. You know what that means--hiking upward for most of the way back to the car. It is a well-maintained hiking trail. This was a great hike and I'll definitely be back again!

    Amanda N.

    What a challenging and rewarding hike! It is a very difficult hike to the falls as it is a steep relentless grade for almost 3 mi. nonstop. Be sure to pack plenty of water. I saw other reviews ahead of time stating the distance was 8+ mi. although the signs state 2.7 mi each way. That almost deterred me from going and boy am I glad I went! My Apple Watch was spot on with the posted signs. It does take a little longer then you would expect due to the difficulty. Once at the top we took time to climb around the falls and take a dip in the cold mountain top water. The way back down was less than half the time climbing up. I would probably do it again just to play in the falls at the top!

    Reilly H.

    TIP: this isn't a trail for people that occasionally hike. We are avid walkers and this KILLED our legs the next day. It was nothing but rocky terrain all uphill. We had to stop nearly every 100 feet to catch our breath. But the waterfall was worth it and was a rewarding experience. On the way down be careful it is very rocky and We nearly rolled our ankles 10 times. Overall good hike but start early. We started at 3 and didn't get back to our truck until 7. Also keep in mind parking is VERY L

    1/2 way point
    Kirsten E.

    Let me start out by saying I am not an outdoorsy person. My expectation for this trail head was very low. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The trail is well laid out and well signed. Going up was all uphill and coming down was all downhill. It is 5 1/2 miles total, but takes a little longer to get through than anticipated. There are several bridges and quite a few nice picture points. I actually really enjoyed the trail. The falls once you get to them, you can go up to the top with the falls are, but I did not do this and just admired them from below. The hike was also very nice when it came to the temperature of the outdoors since it is well shaded. During our hike we saw several families with small young children doing the hike. I do not recommend this since it is a very long hike and can be strenuous at times. However, for everyone else I highly recommend this trail! This is a definite must try if you are in the Smokies. One family also saw there's while on the trail, though we did not.

    Kaitlyn R.

    Ngl the waterfall was not worth the trek compared to the scenery leading up to it. If your group gets tired a mile or mile and a half in, just turn around. I repeat DO NOT think that you should stick it out because the waterfall will make it worth it. Pack it up. Go home. The sights unseen will not haunt you.

    First part of hike
    Emma S.

    It is very miss leading length of trail! About 6 miles to top but there is about three falls along the way! Got to see wildlife and get a great workout in!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Rainbow Falls

    Review Highlights - Rainbow Falls

    If you're planning on doing this trailhead, here's a few tips: 1) This is not a beginners trail.

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    The Sinks - The Sinks in its glory.

    The Sinks

    4.9(37 reviews)
    9.9 mi

    I never met a waterfall that I didn't like. We did a driving tour along Little River in Great Smoky…read moreMountains National Park to see if we could spot some wildlife. The Sinks is a lovely waterfall along the river. There is a small parking lot with about a dozen spaces where we found parking. An observation area is a short walk from parking. A sign describes the area and that the falls were manmade. During the late 1800's the river was used to transport logs/timber to the nearby town of Elkmont. After a storm, flood waters caused a jam in the river. Dynamite was used to restore water flow. The blast resulted in a twist in the river and creation of the waterfall. A set of stone steps leads up a hill, offering lovey views of the falls. There are dozens of waterfalls in the Park. Sinks is one of the few that is drivable, which is great for people that cannot hike. I picked up a Waterfalls map at the visitor center that I found interesting and informative. Parking passes are required to park in the lot. There are no amenities at the falls. Plan 15-30 minutes for a stop and photos.

    The Sinks is such a fun outdoor experience! Our boys, ages 11 & 13, loved it! The parking is not…read moregreat though, with only about 15 spots in the parking lot and nowhere else to go. It's super busy in the summer, so just be prepared for that. We had to wait about 15 minutes for someone to leave so we could park. That wouldn't keep us from going back, though.

    Photos
    The Sinks
    The Sinks - Observation patio

    Observation patio

    The Sinks - View from path to the platform.

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    View from path to the platform.

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Mushroom

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    4.7(429 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    Great Smoky Mountain National Park has been on my bucket list for many years. I was hoping that…read morespring break would be down season at the Park, but the Park was busy!!! We had a fabulous visit to this vast natural wonder. We learned that Park is the largest natural habitat in the continental U.S. The signature "smoky" appearance of the mountains is caused by an evaporation of organic rich moisture released by the vegetation within the Park. We started our visit by stopping at the visitors center to pick up a parking permit ($5/day) and maps ($1). I was glad we picked up maps because there is very little internet connectivity in the park, so we lost our navigation tools. The leaves were not on the trees yet (April) so we had magnificent uninterrupted views of the mountains and skylines. Spring wild flowers were in bloom. And we actually saw a mother bear with two cubs crossing the road. Each day during our visit we explored a different part of the park. We hiked to waterfalls and enjoyed scenic overlooks. We enjoyed exploring historic cabins and cemeteries. Popular sites were crowded and sometimes we had to wait for parking. Plan to arrive early. The park is filled with parking areas to pull off and enjoy the views or hike. Rest areas are available at many of the major sites. Leased dogs are only allowed in camping and parking areas and on two of the many trails. Bring good walking shoes, a hiking stick is helpful, water and sun glasses. You probably need to bring snacks, but keep those secure from wildlife.

    ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!…read more This is my first time coming to the park and it was an amazing sight to see. It is something that I think everyone should experience. I am already wanting to go back to spend a little more time than what I did. We came by here on our way to another place. We were supposed to come back by here but didn't get the chance. So another trip it is!

    Photos
    Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Babbling brooks

    Babbling brooks

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Sugarlands Visitor Center

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    Sugarlands Visitor Center

    Alum Cave Trail - Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Alum Cave Trail

    4.9(41 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    Today was our second time back to Alum Cave Trail, and we did the 2.3 miles to Alum Cave Bluff and…read morethen turned back, for a total of 4.6 miles. You can go on for a total of five miles to reach Mt. Leconte, but since the weather was turning and it was starting to rain we cut our hike short. Like others, I suggest getting to this trail head early, as at 7:30 am half the parking lot was full!! We love this trail in particular for its endless water features, lots of scenic spots to take pictures, unique bridges, and the breathtaking view from the top. Even with the bad weather today, it was something spectacular watching the fog lift above the golden trees. If you haven't been, this trail is definitely worth your time and attention. You will want to wear some sturdy walking shoes for this one and maybe even bring a walking stick!!

    Gorgeous trail with diverse beauty. We did the medium length hike to the bluff and loved it. Once…read moreyou pass the cave the whole hike is pretty much going uphill so come prepared to get a workout in and wear proper shoes and bring some water. The views are great from the bluff and totally worth it. We came during the week around noon and parking lot was full so we had to park further out and walk about a half mile or so to the trail so be prepared for that or plan your time. Totally worth it! One of my favorite hikes that we did in the area. Loved being by the creek, the log crossings, the cave, the moss, the trees, and the Mountain Views. the scenery was so pretty. There is a bathroom on-site at the start of the trail in case you are wondering.

    Photos
    Alum Cave Trail - Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Alum Cave Trail
    Alum Cave Trail - Perfect day for an autumn scenery hike.

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    Perfect day for an autumn scenery hike.

    Gatlinburg Trail

    Gatlinburg Trail

    4.6(14 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    The Gatlinburg Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is wide, mostly level, and…read morestunning. Flanked by forest and the river, the trail is lushly green with the sound of water flowing over rocks as you meander. When we were there, there in April we passed by several people on the trail so it doesn't feel too remote. If it's your first day at the park, this trail is a great way to begin your adventures. It will take you to the national park visitor's center where you can get more info (and souvenirs). We didn't take the full trail but what we did, we loved. Get to it!

    Today was our 3rd time walking the Gatlinburg Trail (April, 2025; Sept, 2023; and some earlier…read moredate!) It's a wide, two-mile trail along the Pigeon River, that connects the Great Smokies Sugarland Visitors Center with the town of Gatlinburg. In each case, we walked both directions to make it about a 4.0 mile "hike." It's more-or-less flat, with a total elevation change of about 180', with one hill in the middle. The trail is mostly, but not completely, shaded. The trail is very popular, so you'll see quite a few people, which also makes it impossible to get lost. There are families with strollers and young kids; people walking dogs on leashes; older couples (like us)! It seems that we see something new every time. In Sept, 2023, we saw a bear on the riverbank on the side across the river near the footbridge. Today, we saw an eastern garten snake (nonvenomous) on the trail. We also discovered an old cemetery that was in plain sight but we had somehow missed during earlier visits. Two recommendations to make the trail even better: (1) more benches. There is one bench that was relatively close to the Gatlinburg entrance, but only rocks or tree stumps to sit on until you reach the Visitors Center. (2) more mileage marker signs. And, a TIP. Parking can be a challenge. You can park at the large lot at the National Park Service (NPS) Sugarland Visitors Center or in one of the few parking spaces near the Gatlinburg entrance to the trail. In either case, you need to display a NPS parking pass ($5). Most recently, in April 2025, when we arrived around 11 am on a Monday, these areas were packed with dozens of cars circling and looking for a spot. We ended up parking in an expensive private lot near the Gatlinburg entrance to the trail -- $20 for parking until 2 am. Shorter durations were not available.

    Photos
    Gatlinburg Trail - Trail views

    Trail views

    Gatlinburg Trail - Views from the trail

    Views from the trail

    Gatlinburg Trail - 3 hour hike so worth it!

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    3 hour hike so worth it!

    Rainbow Falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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