Rainbow Falls trail is a unique trail filled with an abundance of jaw-dropping views throughout the hike. Falls. Get the App. If conditions are just right, a rainbow can be seen over the falls. So know this going in…this isn’t exactly just a walk in the woods. If you choose to hike the additional 4 miles to the Mt. Trail Conditions: Elevation change of 1,700 feet; trail contains switchbacks and is rocky in sections. It has a total elevation gain from trailhead to summit … https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/chimneys-alternative-rainbow-falls.htm The trail can be challenging, but also offers an intermediate reward in that it affords the hiker a rest at the beautiful Rainbow Falls. The name will change to Cherokee Orchard Road. thx,junktruck Great Smoky Mountains National Park This beautiful Smoky Mountain waterfall is mesmerizing with cascading waters and rainbows. Lakeshore Trail | Hazel Creek Trail | Bone Valley Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: My Smoky Mountain Guide. Driving to the Trailhead: Take Historic Nature Trail Drive (traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg) into the park. Showing results 1 - 90 of 2926. Show more photos. AWESOME! 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. Starting from Light 8 in Gatlinburg, turn onto Historic Nature Trail / Airport Road. Rainbow Falls Trail, Parc national des Great Smoky Mountains : consultez 416 avis, articles et 457 photos de Rainbow Falls Trail, classée n°20 sur 102 activités à Parc national des Great Smoky Mountains … Rainbow Falls Trail | Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Featuring the tallest waterfall of the Smoky Mountains, Rainbow Falls Trail gets you close to nature. IMPORTANT: Rainbow Falls Trail is an extremely popular trail. Rainbow Falls Trail | Restrooms | Photo: Marc Bowman. The National Park Service indicates that black bears frequent the Rainbow Falls area. Join us as we hike the Great Smoky Mountains to see a beautiful waterfall called Rainbow Falls. LeConte summit, expect an even more difficult hike. The trail gains about 1,500 feet in elevation between the trailhead and the falls, but the gorgeous sight of Rainbow Falls is well worth every step. The wildflowers on Rainbow Falls Trail are amazing in the spring. After dri… You have been warned. Le Conte. At mile 3.4, just after the road becomes one-way, turn right into the Rainbow Falls Parking Area. - Wear appropriate footwear - Wear appropriate clothing - Bring fresh water - Bring a snack - Manage time wisely - Stay on the trail - Obey backcountry toilet rules - DO NOT approach wildlife - Tell someone your plans - Leave no trace! Okay the Rainbow Falls Trail is popular, but it’s also pretty intense. The trailhead is located inside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, off Cherokee Orchard Road, 3.4 miles (5.5 km) from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Hen Wallow Falls via Gabes Mountain Trail, 30. Learn more about. 2351 Reviews. PLEASE buy a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with ankle support before hiking this trail. The waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are perhaps the most memorable destinations, and one of the most popular waterfalls is Rainbow Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in the national park. The trail head for Rainbow falls trail starts here. The only two trails in the park that allow pets are the, near the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the, near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. When the parking spaces are full, many hikers park next to the narrow road, sometimes in the road. 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. Posted July 28, 2017 by Tony Perez. Once you reach the LeConte Lodge at the top, you have two options. The trail is one of several that will take you to the top of Mt. In addition to the elevation change, the trail is exceptionally rocky. On a recent drive we took the above photo. Rainbow Falls Trail is one of the 6 trails leading to Mount LeConte; it's also one of the most popular. At the 6.6 mile mark is the Alum Cave Trail junction take this to the left 0.1 mile to the LeConte Lodge. The trail continues past the falls for a total of 6.7 miles up to the summit of Mt. › Great Smoky Mountains National Park › Rainbow Falls Trail › Photos Photos of Rainbow Falls Trail Rainbow Falls Trail. Heintooga Picnic Area at Balsam Mountain, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – Auto Tour, Three Big Reasons You Should Not Feed Bears, 38. Le Conte, but most day hikers turn around once they reach the falls. After another two bridges, the falls appear, named for the rainbows seen in the mist that are caused by the afternoon sun. NOTE: Pets are not allowed on this trail. The hike to the top features panoramic views, steep drop offs, and beautiful Smoky Mountain wildlife. Rainbow Falls is also the highest single-drop waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rainbow Falls Trail is a popular, but challenging trail that ascends Mount LeConte, passing by the highest single-drop waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. just out side Gatlinburg Tennessee is a great waterfall Rainbow Falls is a moderate 5.4 mile round trip hike located just outside Gatlinburg off of the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. Great Smoky Mountains National Park will temporarily close the popular Alum Cave Trail weekdays in February to replace log bridges. Trail Features. Gatlinburg, TN Rainbow Falls is also the highest single-drop waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The waterfall is located about 2.7 miles from the trailhead. There are numerous parking spaces at the trailhead, but it is crowded. The name symbolizes the result of rainbows being produced by the misty surroundings of the waterfall that become visible when sunshine is present. Drive half a mile and merge onto Cherokee Orchard Road. If you see a black bear while on the trail, you need to be prepared. LeConte and is also the oldest or earliest route to LeConte. The trail is located in Smoky Mountain National Park near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Named after the rainbow formed in the mist of the waterfall during sunny days, Rainbow Falls boasts the tallest single drop waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. Illegally Parked Cars | Rainbow Falls Trailhead | Photo: Marc Bowman. Directions: Turn at light #8 in Gatlinburg and follow Historic Nature Trail 1 mile into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 80 foot fall occasionally freezes into an hourglass shape in the winter. Rainbow Falls Trail is most likely the rockiest of all the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the 2.8 mile mark you arrive at Rainbow Falls. Old Settlers Trail via Maddron Bald Trail, 28. If you choose to hike this trail in tennis shoes, sandals, or flip flops, you might not be able to walk afterwards. The elevation change and the rocky nature of the trail make this a “strenuous” hike. The trail leads to the Mount LeConte summit. The 80 foot fall occasionally freezes into an hourglass shape in the winter. RELATED: What to Do If You Encounter a Black Bear. One hundred twenty-five yards from the trailhead, Trillium Gap Trail crosses Rainbow Falls Trail. The trail continues past the falls for a total of 6.7 miles up to the summit of Mt. The 80’ tall waterfall is spectacular after a long, steady rain. The Rainbow Falls Trail begins near the southeast corner of the parking lot. For details, please read our Front Page News post. IMPORTANT: Hiking enthusiasts know the importance of  proper footwear, especially on a rocky trail. However, parking outside the designated areas is illegal and it blocks traffic. Please be considerate of others and do not park in a way that blocks this very narrow road. Gatlinburg is a great place to explore mountain city life. The National Park Service announced that the park will re-open in phases beginning May 9, 2020. The Rainbow Falls Trail begins along the stream, and 1 … 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. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Rainbow Falls Trail can be challenging, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear to walk over rocks and tree roots. 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. Pink lady's slippers have also been found here. Hiking Distance: 2.7 miles one way to Rainbow Falls. The Rainbow Falls Trail is approximately the same as the route taken by Paul Adams as he led the first Park Commission trip to LeConte, which helped lead to the formation of the national park. Rainbow Falls derives its name from the rainbow sometimes visible in its mist on sunny days. Mouse Creek Falls via Big Creek Trail, 35. Rainbow Falls Trail. Trail: Rainbow Falls Trail Type: Out & Back Surface: Mountain Trail, Extremely Rocky Distance: 5.4 miles Time: 4 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Foot Traffic: Crowded Restrooms: Rainbow Falls Trail Parking Area (backcountry regulations) Highlights: Waterfall, Streams, Footbridges, Scenic Views. We encourage all of our guests to enjoy the stunning natural beauty, scenic mountain views and rushing mountain waterfalls … Rainbow Falls was one of the trails that suffered greatly from the Gatlinburg fires. A log foot bridge crosses the creek about 2 miles from the trailhead, and and the trail then crosses a tributary of LeConte Creek without the help of a bridge. Rainbow Falls is the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and one of the most popular trails in the entire park. Mount LeConte is one of the most popular hikes in the Smoky Mountains, so you may want to arrive early to beat the crowd. Rainbow Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Smoky Mountains. Rainbow Falls is considered one of the most beautiful falls in the Smoky Mountains National Park. At this point, the trail begins a steady ascent up the mountain next to LeConte Creek. Restrooms are located at the Rainbow Falls Trail parking area. The trailhead is on the right side of the parking lot. The Rainbow Falls Trail is one of several that will take you to the top of Mt. Boogerman Loop via Caldwell Fork Trail, 36. Le Conte. LeConte is … Length 5.5 miElevation gain 1640 ftRoute type Out & back The Rainbow Falls Trail is not for the faint of heart. Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans over 500,000 acres and offers over 800 miles of hiking trails. Over the course of the first two-thirds of a mile you'll climb steadily across a boulder-strewn pathway, while LeConte Creek cascades down the mountain on your right. The elevation change over the next 2.7 miles is more than 1,500 feet and this can be a challenge for inexperienced hikers. LeConte and is … Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is just a few hundred yards further up Cherokee Orchard Road. Explore. The hike to the waterfall is approximately 2.7 miles. If the parking area is full, keep driving to the next parking area and walk back. It’s 2.7 miles uphill to the falls. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism; Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels; Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals; Great Smoky Mountains … 107 Park Headquarters Road Nearly everyone hiking the Rainbow Falls Trail is heading to the waterfall 2.6 miles away, but the trail actually continues another 4.1 miles to the top of Mount LeConte, the third highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,600 feet in elevation. It is a 5.4-mile hike that is considered moderate in difficulty. The falls hike is very popular by itself, but for the more adventurous, passing the beautiful falls and continuing on to the summit of Mt. Learn more about pet restrictions in the park. Rocky at the beginning, but becomes more packed down after about 1.7 miles. After driving another 2.2 miles you'll enter the one-way Cherokee Orchard Loop Road. The trail itself keeps going to the top of Mt. Answer 1 of 4: I will be in the smokies first of next week and plan on doing several hikes.Can someone tell me if the road to the rainbow falls trailhead is open? From this point, drive 2.7 miles to the Rainbow Falls Trail parking area. Stay right at the split in the road and follow the sign toward Motor Nature Trail. Rainbow Falls Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Rainbow Falls derives its name from the rainbow sometimes visible in its mist on sunny days. There are many opportunities for some great picnic sites along this portion of the route. From Gatlinburg: At traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg, turn onto Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road. Metcalf Bottoms Trail & Little Brier Gap Trail, 8. The … The hike to Rainbow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains begins from the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, located just outside of Gatlinburg. 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