Rainbow Falls Trail located in Gorges State Park, NC is a rally nice deep woods hike, that begins in Gorges State Park and ends in Pisgah National Forest at either Rainbow Falls or Turtleback Falls.   The hike is rated strenuous, not due to the length, but due to the hilly nature of the trail itself.

Rainbow Falls Hike

The hike begins at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, located at the very far end of the Grassy Ridge area of Gorges State Park.   Walk to the end of the main parking lot, and you’ll see numerous billboards with information about the trails and area.  The trail blazes are small metal circles colored blue and orange.

The trail begins with a gravel base and a gradual decent downwards and after a short time, splits.  Rainbow Falls trail goes to the right, and uses an orange trail blaze.

You’ll very soon hear the roar of the Horsepasture River as it echoes off of the gorge to your left.  The trail continues it’s decent downwards and becomes a bit steeper until it reaches a small stream crossing, then goes upwards for short period.

Entering Pisgah National Forest

Shortly after crossing the stream, you’ll see signs indicating your area leaving Gorges State Park.  The trail continues on the other side into Pisgah National Forest.  You’ll continue to decend and cross another creek. The gravel base stops shortly after leaving Gorges State Park, and becomes a dirt base, which can get a little slick and muddy after a rain.

The trail blazes also stop once you cross into Pisgah National Forest, but the trail is easy to follow.  There are a couple of small secondary trails that lead off in various directions, just continue on the wider more heavily walked trail.

As you continue to walk, you’ll pass through a campsite – You’ll see the campfire, continue through.  The trail at this point is very close to Horsepasture River and begins it’s climb upwards.   You’ll see a number of small and unofficial trails to the left towards the river.  These make for some great photo opportunities.

Rainbow Falls NC

Continue to walk for another 1/2 mile, and you’ll arrive at a clearing, with a long wooden fence on the left side.  You’ll see, hear and feel the mist from Rainbow Falls.   The view here is above and directly in front of the Falls, and it’s stunning.  Rainbow falls is a tall and majestic waterfall.  This perspective also provides the best opportunity to see the rainbow that is often visible in the mist during them morning light.

Continuing past the fence, the trail will split.  The trail to the left leads to an overlook that provides a close-up view of the falls.  The trail to the right and upwards continues on up to wards Turtleback Falls.  The trail continues a pretty steady climb upwards from here to Turtleback, and contains lots of stairs.

Shortly after passing the top of Rainbow Falls, you’ll pass through an open area with access to the river above Rainbow Falls.  This area provides a unique view of the top of the waterfall.  But be very very careful, the current is strong, and the falls are not far down.  The view is beautiful, but people have died here.

Turtleback Falls NC

You’ll arrive at Turtleback Falls after about a quarter of a mile.  You can continue up past Turtleback Falls to see Drift Falls, but much of the property around the falls is private, so we elected to not go up that far.

You return to the trailhead and parking lot by following the same path back.

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Rainbow Falls NC is an beautiful and majestic waterfall located deep inside Pisgah National Forest, near Sapphire, NC.  This waterfall will make an impression as it’s over 150 foot tall, and it’s flow is heavy, especially after a recent rain storm.

Rainbow Falls is clearly visible from a multiple overlooks located on a popular trail, and if you’re brave, you can even climb down to the base where there is also a nice swimming hole.

Rainbow Falls NC

Rainbow Falls is tall, and absolutely gorgeous.   As you hike up the Rainbow Falls Trail, at about 1.5 miles, you’ll see and hear this amazing waterfall to your left.  There is a heavy fence along the trail, where you can get very clear views of the falls, and the large rock cliffs the water falls down.  If you continue past the fence, a small trail leading the left will take you down to an observation deck.

The fall receives it’s name from the rainbow that can often be seen early in the morning as the sunrises, but depending on the conditions, can also be seen later in the morning as well.

The base of Rainbow Falls is accessible, but not by any formal trails.  There are a few unofficial trails both before and after the fence, and from the observation deck.  Be careful though, the trails are steep and slick.  At the base of the falls though, you’ll be rewarded with a unique view of the falls, spray from the water as it plummets down over the side of the cliff more than 150 feet, and lots of places to just sit, relax and enjoy the sites and sounds.

This areas is a popular swimming location, so they’ll generally be lots of people at the bottom during the summer.  The current can be a pretty strong in a few places, so only strong swimmers should swim.

If you’re feeling really brave, you can also continue hiking up past and above the falls.  There are again unofficial trails that lead to the top of the fall, that offer amazing views.

BUT the rocks can be very slippery, and if the water is high, it can be very dangerous.   We saw people right at the very top, on the edge – I had to look away.  There have been people killed here falling, so be smart.  We chose to not risk it.  But here’s a videographer that did:

Getting to Rainbow Falls

The trail up to Rainbow Falls is the Rainbow Falls trail.  The trail begins at the Grassy Ridge Parking lot of Gorges State Park.   Just look for the area at the end of the parking lot with all of the information boards.  The trail is blazed orange and blue to begin with.

You’ll begin a steady decline downward into the forest of Gorges State Park.   The trail splits after a short distance.  Continue right on Rainbow Falls trail, blazed orange.  There are a few smaller trails that branch off here and there, just continue onto the falls by following the main (wide) trail.  You’ll pass a marker indicating you are leaving Gorges State Park.  This is nothing to be concerned about, as you’ll continue your hike into Pisgah National Forest to the falls.

At the 1.5 mile mark, you’ll see the fence that provides a beautiful view of Rainbow Falls.   You can continue past here.  On up the trail another .25 miles (take the right trail that goes up past the fence) is Turtleback Falls, a popular sliding rock and swimming hole.

On your way back to the trailhead, after you come down the stairs past the fence at Rainbow Falls, you’ll see a trail go to the right out to some boulders.  If you walk out that trail, there is a really nice small waterfall to your right, and a great place to swim and enjoy the water below the falls.

Rainbow Falls NC Video:

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