Rainbow Falls, Smoky Mountains National Park

Distance: 5.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,617 feet

Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

On an early Thursday morning earlier this summer we decided to take this 2.7 mile out and back trail in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee towards Rainbow Falls. Parking can get a bit busy in the summertime and overflow parking is offered about a quarter of a mile past the trailhead. This parking lot is where we began our hike.

This moderately challenging trail was divided into two main sections: first, a gradual and stable incline to get you warmed up, hugging the side of the Le Conte Creek for the vast majority of the section; the second section of the trail gets you up the hill at a bit more of a rapid pace, increasing the incline as you climb to a thinner tree line and up towards the falls.

The sun was just starting to peak its way through the tree tops as we made our way through the relatively quiet trail. Stair shaped rocks were prevalent on the opening leg of the hike.

As you make your way about halfway up the trail the switchbacks begin, taking you from a relatively dense forest to a thinner, sunny treescape.

Progressing onwards we began to notice the trail becoming a bit slippery. Early summer rains cause the trail to hold some wet pockets but we were hoping it meant the falls would be flowing beautifully.

There are two water crossings on the trail, both coming one switchback after one another. At the first, the water is moving slowly and six or seven large and stable rocks line a pathway for hikers to keep their feet dry. The second has a bit more of an infrastructure attached – a nice wooden bridge takes you just over the fresh creek below.

About two hours into the hike we reached Rainbow Falls and took a much needed cooldown in front of the falls while eating a quick bite.

All in all the Rainbow Falls trail was an easy, no-stress way to enjoy lots of what the Smoky Mountain National Park has to offer. If you have the time I recommend checking out this trail as well as Clingman's Dome where you can catch a breathtaking view from the highest point of the Smoky Mountains. Check out a few last photos from Rainbow Falls and a quick look at Clingman's Dome!