The Most Amazing Adventure Day Hiking to Rainbow Falls, North Carolina

My wife and I wanted to go see Rainbow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park nestled next to Gorges State Park and just east of the Nantahala National Forest.  Our first day hiking to rainbow falls North Carolina was in September of 2017.  In North Carolina the weather pretty much stays warm until November (give or take a few weeks) then we get that cold blast from the north then hiking frequency slacks off for a few months.  That means that ideally one could go on a day hike any time of year.  The area just east of the forest has been a treasure trove of trails, fishing spots, ski resorts and wilderness area experiences for decades.  They all join together in one glorious collection of trails and adventures that cover the vast majority of western North Carolina.  I had been to Pisgah a few times and visited the Great Smoky Mountains a few times too, so an adventure was calling.

First, We consulted the ever powerful apps and down the rabbit hole we went.  Most digital assets give us accurate information for travel time to get there as well as maps and features along the way.  For us it was just over 2 hours to get there with a couple of stops along the way.  I40 West has been a great road to travel, but beware.  After exit 86 the rest stops and the population density drops dramatically.  You are sandwiched between peaks and valleys for and hour or so on the climb up through the mountains headed toward Asheville.  Aside from the pull off spots for the runaway trucks the drive through the mountains is breathtaking every single time.  The fog will fool you into thinking that you haven’t gained any elevation, then your ears start to pop and you wonder if you’ll ever reach the top.  

Once you see signs for Asheville then you know you are close.  I26 will turn you onto Highway 64 and you can follow the signs in.  If using GPS, check your map before you go and be able to recognize landmarks on the way in.  If you lose signal for driving directions, don’t panic.  Just slow down and take your time.  The roads in and out can be congested at times, especially during peak camping and fall foliage seasons.  Parking is ample, but be courteous and realize that there are people of all skill levels looking to travel to and enjoy this natural wonder in the southwest part of our state.  We arrived and took a few minutes to gather ourselves and our day gear.  Speaking of gear, don't forget to check out Carolina inspired gear on our site.

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We took some customary pictures of the trailhead.  The signs weren’t ominous at all:

Trailhead sign for the hike up to Rainbow Falls, NC

Now that we were prepared to risk life and limb to see this glorious waterfall, away we went into the forest.  The hike was moderately strenuous in several spots with plenty of loose gravel for the unsuspecting trekker to slip on.  It was relatively dry during our hike and the up and down and around was no problem in our hiking boots.  The flora and fauna is lovely at the end of the summer.  All of the wildlife is drinking in the last bit of heat and moisture it can before the leaves turn and the landscape changes again until spring.  There are several bridges in varying size that traverse a number of creeks and streams with the occasional scramble staircase of rocks and boulders.  It’s a super fun hike and I recommend it to anyone wanting to go chase waterfalls.  

Trail section leading up to Rainbow Falls North Carolina

When you approach the falls, the first thing you notice is the sound.  The roaring water coming off the mountain sounds like a hurricane ripping through the woods.  Then the mist from the falls appears in the air.  And there it is.  

View from the trail leading to upper and lower falls.

The main trail veers to the right and lead to an upper and lower falls access.  The lower takes you down into the pit where spectators can stand on giant boulders and immerse themselves in the powerful spray rushing over the cliff and down into the basin.  The upper takes you to an even higher vantage point where you can look back at yet another amazing view of the falls.  We lingered for a while before we had to hike back down and drive home.  We snapped our pictures and began our 2 hour trek back to the parking area.

We plan on returning very soon, as the fate of the trails in western North Carolina since hurricane Helene is still being addressed.  Many of the places that we love are just now re-opening.  The warmer weather will hasten recovery efforts, but there is still a lot to do.  We have made countless memories traveling all over our state and encourage everyone of all ages living here to do the same.  Head over to our web store and grab some gear for your next adventure!