Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a major waterfall on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, reached from Cherokee Orchard by a steep out-and-back hike. The trip to the falls is 5.6 miles round trip with about 1,500 feet of climbing. Plan for a substantial half day; this is a hike, not a quick stop from the road.

The trailhead has upper and lower parking lots, but spaces are limited and the approach is known for heavy crowding. Arrive early and give yourself time to find a legal space. A Smokies parking tag is required when you park for more than 15 minutes. Pit toilets are at the trailhead.

The route passes through varied forest. Hikers often mention the smaller cascades, streams and bridges along the way, and the park notes old-growth trees and scars left by the 2016 fire. The trail is steep and rocky, so expect a sustained climb underfoot rather than an easy woodland stroll.

The falls are named for the rainbow that often appears in the mist at their base on sunny afternoons. It is a possibility, not a guarantee. For a photo, include the spray and the base of the falls, where the rainbow forms, instead of framing only the rock face.

The same route also leads toward Mount LeConte; its summit is 6.7 miles from the Rainbow Falls trailhead. Pets are not allowed on this trail. The falls make a substantial destination on their own, while the continuing route is a much longer mountain outing.