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 plunges roughly 150 feet in a dramatic curtain of water, earning its name when sunlight catches the mist and throws shimmering rainbows across the gorge. The falls sit within Chimney Rock State Park (land unit: Chimney Rock State Park; designation: SP), on property listed to SPR; management is recorded as UNK in the available data. The scene is both powerful and photogenic, making it a favorite for hikers looking for a classic waterfall experience in western North Carolina. Access is along a moderately challenging out-and-back route that rewards hikers with close-up views of the falls and the spray-lit rainbows at the lip. The trail is a good half-day outing for most hikers—plan for steady but manageable climbing, sturdy footwear, and enough time to enjoy the viewpoint and return safely.
The Setting
Rainbow Falls sits at 2,241 feet within Chimney Rock State Park, fed by the Cove Creek, in the hills of North Carolina. At 150 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in North Carolina.
Height: 150 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.9-mile out-and-back trail gains 700 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail length: 3.9 miles round trip (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 700 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. Available agency trail specifications for surface, grade, and trail class/number are not provided in the supplied data; plan for typical mixed terrain and moderate climbing given the stated elevation gain and difficulty.
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?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring or early summer when the water flow is strong, and the weather is pleasant. Fall is also a great time to visit due to the vibrant foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be extremely slippery, so stay on designated trails and viewing areas. Avoid swimming or wading near the falls due to strong currents. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
68 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 75 years of record
2.13 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average 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 COVE CREEK NEAR LAKE LURE, NC (13 km away).
Today
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
74 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
77 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
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 Chimney Rock Village 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.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 401 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. 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 2,241 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 208 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 212 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,241 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 401 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Rainbow Falls is accessed via the Gorges State Park. Visitors typically park at the Grassy Ridge parking area and follow the Rainbow Falls Trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Grassy Ridge parking area in Gorges State Park. The lot can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
2,241 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.449060° N, -82.256252° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and slippery near the falls. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.
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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
1850s Settlers Cabin at Wethero Ridge
Lake Lure Inn and Spa
Fox Run at Lake Lure
The Chimney Rock Inn & Cottages
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
CURTIS CREEK CAMPGROUND (NC)
16 miles away · 24 sites
Overview Curtis Creek Campground is nestled in the mountains at the base of the Blue Ridge just minutes from the quaint town of Old Fort and less than an hour from the popular city of Asheville. Located in the first tract of National Forest land in the eastern US at the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) camp, the campground is surrounded by old growth forests and roaring trout streams. The gravel road through the campground ascends to the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing easy access to
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Tryon, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Tryon, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Turtleback Falls, which is a short hike upstream from Rainbow Falls, and Whitewater Falls, another impressive waterfall in the area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and avoid disturbing the natural habitat.
Cities near Rainbow Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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