Rainbow Falls Trail, Tennessee, United States
4.5 (449 reviews) Spent Ranking #18 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hiking Trails
Tough but Rewarding Hike
We walked this hike in about 4 hours. On your way to the falls it is all uphill and can be difficult. The way down is easier. It is definitely worth it when you get to the falls. The falls are beautiful and there are rocks to sit on and eat a mid hike snack. I would recommend going early in the morning to beat the crowds and for cooler weather in the summer.
Address
, Tennessee, United States.
Website
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/rainbow-falls-pyv.htm
Current local date and time now
Sunday, May 12, 2024, 15:45
User Ratings
4.5 based on (449 reviews)
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Reviews
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4TravelingSoccerLoon 5:00 PM Sep 30, 2021
Wildlife Encounter but Tough Hike
This a tough hike. 5.2 mile out and back and a steady ascent to the waterfall. At least moderately strenuous. Waterfall is nice but the reward of reaching it doesn’t match the effort and time required to reach it in my opinion. I found nearby Grotto Falls just if not more interesting and requiring half the time and effort. I would have only given this a rating of 3 but what made the experience worthwhile was seeing a black bear about halfway down along the trail when making my descent. Earlier, I also ran into a couple young bucks grazing along the trail not long after sunrise.
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4Vanessa S 5:00 PM Jul 22, 2022
Get here early, elevation gain 1800 feet
Get here early. We were at the trailhead on a Monday at 6:30 am and there were already 4 cars in the parking lot, which services Grotto Falls trailhead and Rainbow Falls trailhead. When we got back at 10:15 even the overflow lot and road parking were full. My apple watch showed that I completed 78 flights of stairs on this hike and that was the first 2.5 miles. All down hill back to the car for 5.2 mile finish. Very nice hike with water flowing first part of trail then with elevation gain you get more stellar views through the tree line. Neat waterfall that you are able to walk behind if you are careful. Look for Salamanders. Take plenty of water and be prepared to take multiple breaks if you are not in shape for this elevation gain of 1800 feet.
