Is swimming allowed at Rainbow Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls.

Live Conditions · 41 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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

5.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

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

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 about 2 hours ago Low

41 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

31 38 87 101

Based on 12 years of record

0.51 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

Low right now

41 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

41 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

41 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

41 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

44 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

46 cfs

4/10

Sun

Moderate

42 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

40 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, 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 Counce 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 121 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 80 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 506 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 128 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 67 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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Rainbow Falls near Counce, Tennessee, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Rainbow Falls near Counce, Tennessee, showing about 121 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 506 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 121 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.

Ground profile through the falls

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 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.