Is swimming allowed at Rainbow Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls.

Live Conditions · 88 ft³/s · About average

Rainbow Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Rainbow Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Rainbow Falls.

Tennessee • 80 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Also For 31 other waterfalls also named Rainbow Falls, see below

Dry Creek Wildlife Management Area SCA · PVT

Photo Credits (5)

Frank Kehren CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Tim Lumley CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

praline3001 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Don Ski CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Dave Edens CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a striking 80-foot cascade in Tennessee, tucked into the Dry Creek Wildlife Management Area. The falls earn their name on sunny days when mist catches the light and produces frequent rainbows. The site sits within a designated SCA land unit and is managed by SFW; the parcel is noted as privately owned (PVT), so visitors should be respectful of posted rules and access guidelines. The setting is a lovely mix of forest and creekside rock, making Rainbow Falls a rewarding destination for hikers and photographers. The approach is moderate and approachable for most fit day-hikers: the out-and-back route covers a compact distance with enough elevation change to feel like a true mountain stroll without committing to a long backcountry trip.

The Setting

Rainbow Falls sits at 518 feet within Dry Creek Wildlife Management Area, fed by the Horse Creek, in the foothills of Tennessee. The falls drop 80 feet.

Height: 80 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail length: 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The Rainbow Falls Trail climbs steadily to the waterfall, with a moderate grade over the route. Expect a rocky, uneven surface with roots and natural tread—comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended. The short but steady ascent makes this a good half-day hike; the trail is not listed with a USFS trail number in the provided data, so check local signage and the Dry Creek Wildlife Management Area guidance (managed by SFW) before you go.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 80 feet.

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 not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is in the spring or after rainfall when the waterfall is at its fullest. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides lush greenery. Winter visits may feature icy formations but can be more challenging due to trail conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Watch for loose rocks and roots. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife. Check weather conditions before your hike.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 38 minutes ago Barely Flowing

88 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

39 59 104 806

Based on 13 years of record

0.87 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.

HORSE CREEK NEAR SAVANNAH, TN (TVA)

USGS 03593800

11.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 104 sq mi

Altitude: 397 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge HORSE CREEK NEAR SAVANNAH, TN (TVA) (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

90 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Low

103 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

109 cfs

3/10

Fri

Low

106 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

102 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

119 cfs

3/10

Mon

Low

126 cfs

3/10

Tue

Low

117 cfs

3/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny then slight chance showers and thunderstorms (trip score 3/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to late April, peaking in February.

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 Counce hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Rainbow Falls is accessed via the Rainbow Falls Trail, which begins at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead located off Cherokee Orchard Road near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

518 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.031809° N, -88.132029° W

Land Management

Dry Creek Wildlife Management Area SCA

Managed by SFW

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky and slippery in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 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.