Rainbow Falls
North Carolina • 150 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.9 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
700 ft
About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a stunning 150-foot waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers, North Carolina. The waterfall is named for the rainbows that often appear in its mist on sunny days. It is part of the Horsepasture River and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Rainbow Falls sits at 2,641 feet within Nantahala National Forest, fed by the French Broad River, in the hills of North Carolina. At 150 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in North Carolina.
Height: 150 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Whitewater Falls, the tallest waterfall in North Carolina at 411 feet, lies 4.7 miles to the east.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Rainbow Falls (#TR499), a 3.9-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 700 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
RAINBOW FALLS #TR499
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
1.14 miTrail Description
The trail to Rainbow Falls is a well-maintained path that follows the Horsepasture River. It features moderate elevation gain and some rocky sections. Along the way, hikers will pass smaller cascades and scenic river views before reaching the main waterfall.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 150 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rainbow Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Rainbow Falls is during spring and early summer when the water flow is strongest, or in the fall for beautiful foliage. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Nantahala National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The rocks near the waterfall are extremely slippery, and the currents in the river are strong. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
84 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 91 years of record
2.00 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge FRENCH BROAD RIVER AT ROSMAN, NC (14 km away).
Today
Low
84 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
86 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
85 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
85 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
93 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
91 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
88 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early May, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Cashiers hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 291 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 150 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,710 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 209 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 77 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,710 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 291 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Rainbow Falls is located in the Nantahala National Forest, with the trailhead accessible from Gorges State Park. The trailhead is approximately 6.3 miles from Cashiers, 8.9 miles from Rosman, and 10.3 miles from Salem. Use the Grassy Ridge parking area in Gorges State Park to access the trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Grassy Ridge parking area in Gorges State Park. The lot can fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
2,641 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.090651° N, -82.965974° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be rocky and slippery near the falls. Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Avoid getting too close to the waterfall, as the rocks can be very slippery and dangerous.
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With 3.9 miles and 700 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley
Fairway Forest
The Wells Cashiers
Spectacular Mountain Views With Your Own Private Hot Tub!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
BALSAM LAKE LODGE
12.6 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Balsam Lake Lodge is nestled in the center of the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest within the Nantahala National Forest. The lodge overlooks Balsam Lake and offers spectacular mountain views.The lodge opened its doors to the public when the Forest Service acquired the dwelling and lake in 1982. Since then groups have rented the lodge for meetings, recreation and environmental activities. NOTE: Balsam Lake Lodge is not a campground and has no campsites available for sewer, water, or electric
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Turtleback Falls, which is a short hike upstream from Rainbow Falls, and other trails within Gorges State Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and avoid disturbing any wildlife you encounter.
Cities near Rainbow Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
CC
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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