The 80-foot waterfall is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the national park, cascading dramatically over a jutting cliff face … Pets, motorized vehicles, and bicycles are not permitted on backcountry trails in GSMNP. After driving another 2.2 miles you'll enter the one-way Cherokee Orchard Loop Road. Looking for a scenic drive back to Gatlinburg? Lace up your sturdy hiking boots and head out to discover the famed Rainbow Falls waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Glamping in the Smoky Mountains Trailhead Latitude: 35.67567, Longitude: 83.48567. The access trail leading to the falls is the Rainbow Falls Trail in the Roaring Fork area. Even still, we managed to get two solid hikes in: the Alum Cave Trail and Rainbow Falls. With many switchbacks, it has… The Rainbow Falls Trail continues for approximately 4 miles beyond the falls to the summit of Mount Le Conte. You will pass a number of mini-falls, boulder fields, scenic bridges, and creeks during your journey to Rainbow Falls. This 5.4-mile round-trip hike features breathtaking views of an 80-foot-high waterfall. Show more photos. The trail ascends Mount Le Conte, the third tallest in the park (and sixth-highest) mountain east of the Mississippi River, and passes Rainbow Falls before absorbing the Alum Cave Trail and terminating near the LeConte Lodge. This 80-foot waterfall gets its name from the constant mist enveloping it, which forms rainbows on sunny days. Gradual elevation gain until the waterfalls. Rainbow Falls – Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous, 80-foot-high waterfall. A long slog is finally rewarded by the sight of the misty Rainbow Falls, one of the park's prettiest and most delicate waterfalls. Details about taking this hike: Trail: Rainbow Falls Trail. After 2.7 miles you'll reach this beautiful 80 foot waterfall. The hike to the waterfall is approximately 2.7 miles. Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosted a … Rainbow Falls Gatlinburg was one of the trails that suffered greatly from the Gatlinburg fires. Horses and stock are not permitted on the Rainbow Falls Trail to Rainbow Falls and Mount Le Conte. This beautiful Smoky Mountain waterfall is mesmerizing with cascading waters and rainbows. You should explore Linville Falls in Linville, NC. Le Conte. The hike to Rainbow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains begins from the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, located just outside of Gatlinburg. After driving 0.7 miles veer right onto Cherokee Orchard Road, upon which you'll enter into Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The trail head for Rainbow falls trail starts here. It’s the tallest waterfall in the park. 37738. . Plan about three to five hours to hike to the waterfall and back to the parking area. Although the waterfall is amazing, the actual trail itself has plenty of amazing views and scenery that should not be missed. Rainbow Falls Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Address, Rainbow Falls Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 Showing results 1 - 90 of 2721. My husband, friends and I had the opportunity to hike the Rainbow Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountain en route to Mount Leconte last week. Adobe Stock. It’s the tallest waterfall in the park. Grotto Falls. This makes climbing a steep mountain much easier. It’s popular for a reason. Head out on the Pigeon Creek Trail off of Big Cove Road to see Mingo Falls. 7. Point of Departure. The 80-foot waterfall is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the national park, cascading dramatically over a jutting cliff face and then rushing over rock formations at the cliff’s base. Elevation: 6,593', Net Gain: 4,043' Range: Smoky Mountain National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-1200. Rainbow Falls Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: See 416 reviews, articles, and 457 photos of Rainbow Falls Trail, ranked No.21 on Tripadvisor among 102 attractions in Great Smoky Mountains … After … The guide will familiarize you with the Rainbow Falls Trail and Mount Le Conte and help you on your climb. Insider Tips: If the first parking lot is full, there is additional parking one-tenth of a mile past the primary parking area. The Rainbow Falls Trail is fairly challenging if completed all the way to Mt LeConte. just out side Gatlinburg Tennessee is a great waterfall REF USNPS and GSMNP The first mile of this popular but strenuous trail follows LeConte Creek, later passing through an area full of rosebay rhododendron, teaberry, and mountain pepper-bush grow. However, if you’re looking for a longer, more challenging hike, take the trail past the falls for about four miles to reach the summit of Mount Le Conte, which is only recommend for expert-level hikers. Although the Rainbow Falls Trail is difficult and will take 3-5 hours to hike, this is one of the most enjoyable and scenic hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. Rainbow Falls Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Address, Rainbow Falls Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 Summary. Rainbow Falls is also the highest single-drop waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains … LeConte. This trail features beautiful scenery of old growth forests along the 5.4 miles hike that rises to a total elevation of 1,685 feet. However, like most people, I was only interested in getting to the namesake waterfall that is located just a little over 2.5 miles from the start, still a 5-mile trek when you factor in the return trip. The trail to Rainbow Falls is one of the oldest in the park and very well-traveled. Rainbow Falls. Trail Features. Get the App. It’s well worth the effort though, and the waterfall payoff is an excellent introduction to the park. Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle supports and your knees and ankles will thank you. Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas and along roads, but are not allowed on park trails. One of the best Smoky Mountain hikes to go on in the summer is Grotto Falls. Dec 19, 2020 - 2 BR Cabin in Sevierville is perfect for your vacation. - See 416 traveller reviews, 457 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. If you're looking to get out in the great outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountains, a hike to Rainbow Falls delivers! Rainbow Falls. The Rainbow Falls Trail is fairly challenging if completed all the way to Mt LeConte. On sunny afternoons, a rainbow produced by the mist of the falls can be seen. NOTE: Pets are not allowed on this trail. Rainbow Falls derives its name from the rainbow sometimes visible in its mist on sunny days. 5 thoughts on “Hiking Alum Cave + Rainbow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains” Pingback: The Complete List of US National Parks & Info on Each One. Rainbow Falls was one of the trails that suffered greatly from the Gatlinburg fires. There is lots of wildlife out in this area and I have even seen a bear out there as well. The only two trails in the park that allow pets are the Gatlinburg Trail near the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Oconaluftee River Trail near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. As if that isn’t normally hard enough, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is home to some of the best hikes on the east coast!. This trail features beautiful scenery of old growth forests along the 5.4 miles hike that rises to a total elevation of 1,685 feet. Gatlinburg, TN Driving to the Trailhead: Take Historic Nature Trail Drive (traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg) into the park.At mile 3.4, just after the road becomes one-way, turn right into the Rainbow Falls Parking Area. Due to the rapid elevation gain, this trail is not recommended for young children. Sandals, flip-flops and shoes without good treads are not recommended. There is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 80 foot fall occasionally freezes into an hourglass shape in the winter. Of all the waterfalls, the most popular one in the park is Rainbow Falls. This single drop falls drops it’s water over 80 feet into LeConte Creek. After 2.7 miles you'll reach this beautiful 80 foot waterfall. It is a beautiful and lush trail that goes along the creek most of the way, but that gains a lot of elevation and has a tough uphill grind. The Rainbow Falls Trail begins along the stream, and 1 mile from the beginning splits off across a ridge. LeConte has been closed Monday through Thursday to accomplish much-needed rehabilitation. The Rainbow Falls Trail begins near the southeast corner of the parking lot. It’s a great hike to see Smoky Mountain wildflowers too! Carrie Clark-Mustin. The trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked trail head that leads to the falls. Access Trail: Rainbow Falls Trail in the Roaring Fork area. To reach the trailhead from the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rainbow Falls. Directions: At the Space Needle (Traffic Light #8 in Gatlinburg), turn onto Historic Nature Trail Road. If a gorgeous view of a waterfall is what you have in mind, Rainbow Falls is one of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains! Rainbow Falls At Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rainbow Falls was our second hike with Wren coming along with us. You can see nature at its finest while touring the park by car, horseback, or on foot via countless hiking trails. The SmokyMountains.com Local Experts Team. All Rights Reserved. Mingo Falls is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Rainbow Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Smoky Mountains. Do not bring young children, but it highly recommended for those who are capable of hiking a moderately difficult 5+ mile trail. There is also Linville Caverns. Another popular Smoky Mountain hiking trail with a waterfall is Rainbow Falls. I think the Rainbow Falls – Rainbow Falls Cherokee Orchard Road, which! Is be more difficult than it looks— stay on the Trail, beware it is a 5.5 mile heavily Trail. In 2017 and 2018, the most popular one in the Smoky Mountains National Park but becomes more packed after. Of rainbows being produced by the afternoon sun length of 5.4 miles and scenery that should not be.. 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