Are dogs allowed on Rainbow Falls Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Rainbow Falls Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Rainbow Falls Trail?

No, Rainbow Falls Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Rainbow Falls Trail?

Rainbow Falls Trail is rated moderate. It is 5.6 miles long with 1,499 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Rainbow Falls Trail?

Rainbow Falls Trail is best hiked in spring, summer, and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Use caution — current conditions warrant extra care

Access road to Rainbow Falls (Roaring Fork) seasonal Nov-April. Trail itself has Mon-Thu maintenance closures through 2026 hiking season; accessible Fri-Sun and federal holidays. Treat as Caution (partial/seasonal access). Source: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm Quote: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail seasonal April 17 - November 29 in 2026; Rainbow Falls Trail closed Monday-Thursday weekly for maintenance from early May through mid-November. Check forecasts, dress for the conditions, and turn back if anything feels off.

Status updated 05/24/2026

ModerateOut and Back

Great Smoky Mountains National Park/Tennessee

Rainbow Falls Trail

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

5.6 mi

Distance

1,499 ft

Elev. Gain

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Generated from trail data

Climbs steadily and steeply from Cherokee Orchard Road alongside LeConte Creek to Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot cascade named for the misty rainbow that appears at its base on sunny afternoons. The well-maintained but rocky tread crosses log footbridges through old-growth forest and 2016 fire burn scars, gaining about 1,500 feet to the falls. The named trail continues beyond the falls toward Mt LeConte.

From Wikipedia

The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Sevier County, Tennessee. The trail ascends Mount Le Conte, the third tallest in the park mountain east of the Mississippi River, and passes Rainbow Falls before absorbing the Alum Cave Trail and terminating near the LeConte Lodge.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Caution

Updated May 24, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Steep, rocky, sustained climbSlick rocks and log bridges near the fallsFalling on wet rock at the baseBear activity in the corridor

Trail Details

No dogs

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Rock

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail