Rainbow Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
We found no published public access for this waterfall. Confirm who owns the land and get permission before visiting.
Photo Credits (5)
About Rainbow Falls
This Rainbow Falls is a small named waterfall in eastern Cannon County, Tennessee, about 6 miles east-southeast of Woodbury near the Center Hill and Bluewing communities, shown on the USGS Short Mountain quadrangle. It is not the Rainbow Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We could not find a public trail, park or published access information for it.
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Rocks near waterfalls are slippery, especially after rain.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Collins River, 14.8 miles away, not on Rainbow Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
83 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 102 years of record
1.40 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 COLLINS RIVER NEAR MCMINNVILLE, TN (24 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
83 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
83 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
83 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
86 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
86 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
89 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to mid 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 Woodbury hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Rainbow Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Rainbow Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 89 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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 bare-earth surface loses about 42 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,155 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 14 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 38 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,155 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 42 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Elevation
1,155 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.797013° N, -85.972766° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
Wingate by Wyndham Murfreesboro-NEAR MTSU
Embassy Suites Murfreesboro - Hotel & Conference Center
Hampton Inn Mcminnville, Tn
Holiday Inn Murfreesboro by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
RAGLAND BOTTOM
18.8 miles away · 57 sites
Overview Ragland Bottom Campground is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim. The lake stretches 64 miles up the Caney Fork River, where visitors come to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports. The 415 miles of forested shoreline provide excellent hiking, hunting and camping opportunities. 2025 Events: The annual Halloween event will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025. Recreation Boating, waterskiing, canoeing and fishing are popular activities
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Cities near Rainbow Falls
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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