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.

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.

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

We don't publish a description for Rainbow Falls Trail unless we can point you at the agency it came from. We don't have one yet. The planning figures above — distance, elevation gain, estimated time, route type — come from the source listed on this trail.

National Park Service manages this trail and is the authority for conditions, closures and route notes. See official sources below. Spot something we should add?

Trail Conditions

Unknown

Updated Today

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

Hazards & Warnings

Very steep and rocky trail

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.
Pets in the Smokies
NPS Great Smoky Mountains
National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Where it is

Nearest town:: Gatlinburg, TN · about 2 mi away
County:: Sevier County, TN
Jurisdiction:: Great Smoky Mountains National Park · National Park Service

Nearest town and county from U.S. Census Bureau place records and county boundaries.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:865-436-1200
Address:107 Park Headquarters Road · Gatlinburg, TN · 37738

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Highlights

Rainbow Falls (80 ft)Old growth treesLeConte Creek

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Rainbow Falls Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

Trillium Gap Trail

Noah 'Bud' Ogle Place Nature Trail

Twin Creeks Trail

Grassy Branch Concession Horse Trail

Painter Ridge Concession Horse Trail

Chimney Tops Trail

Other trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte

Laurel Falls Trail

Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail

Kuwohi Trail

Chimney Tops Trail

Abrams Falls Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion

Great Smokies - Mt. LeConte Lodge Area

Mountain Laurel Chalets

Twin Creek RV Resort

LECONTE CAMPGROUND

Absolute Bearadise

Similar trails in Tennessee

Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail

Chimney Tops Trail

Abrams Falls Trail

Ramsey Cascades Trail

Mossy Ridge Trail

Virgin Falls Trail