I Crossed this Tennessee Waterfall Hike off of my Bucket List and it’s now one of my Favorites

The Rainbow Falls Trail in the Smokies is now one of my new favorite hikes in Tennessee. I would even go as far as to say this is one of the best hikes near Gatlinburg, which is a bold claim as there are so many great Tennessee hikes in this area. I had so much fun on this trail that I would now recommend this hike as one of the must-see locations when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains. So what makes this trail such an adventure? Let me explain...

Rainbow Falls has been on our bucket list for a long time. The very first time we visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park we had planned to do this hike, but there were repairs being done on the trail so we were unable to go. We tried to plan it many different times and after three years of trying to make it work, we recently set our feet to the path and started heading towards this waterfall.

Words can't describe the feeling of euphoria of finally getting to hike this trail. Part of the anticipation and the expectation waiting for this trail made this hike that much more exciting.

From the very start of the hike, the trail gradually goes up over 1,600 feet of elevation gain to the falls. The total mileage clocks in at just under 5.5 miles, so this isn’t a simple walk in the woods. I wouldn’t say it is an "easy" hike, but that didn't deter us from loving this trail. The forest you get to walk through is quiet and very peaceful; gurgling streams, mountain views, and a variety of plant life all greet you as you hike.

I especially love the iconic footbridges found in the Smokies and large sections of verdant ferns. There are a couple of smaller waterfalls before you reach your destination, which are beautiful, too. I have heard a few people who made the mistake and thought that was the end of the trail, so make sure you don’t fall for these tricky trickles; Rainbow Falls is so much bigger!

Soon enough, we arrived at the foot of this jaw-dropping waterfall. There are plenty of rocks to rest and enjoy the scenery which is exactly what we did. We took off our heavy packs munched on a snack and watched in awe as the water gracefully plunged 80 feet down the cliffside.

I couldn’t sit still for very long because I just had to get a closer look at the waterfall. Part of the magic of Rainbow Falls is that you can actually walk behind the flowing water! So I climbed up top carefully maneuvering the wet rocks and made it behind the curtain of water. There is just something so enchanting about getting a chance to hike on the other side of a waterfall... wow.

We stayed around the base of the falls for a while and I was glad we did because we were treated to a shift in scenery. The fog started to roll in and covered the area in an eerie mist. As the swirling murkiness whisked through, the whole forest seemed to change. What was once bright with sunshine faded into the fog and we got the chance to witness a whole new dimension of this scenic spot.

I felt like we got the rare chance of getting to see this waterfall in multiple ways. The flowing droplets as they fell from behind the waterfall was among my favorites. When the sun was shining we even got to see the effects of the flowing plunge fall with a rainbow hidden in the mist. Then we witnessed a complete shift in scenery as the fog rolled in and blanketed the forest in an ominous gray-hued glow. It was a full-rounded experience and well worth the three-year wait.

After going I can say this is one of the best waterfall hikes in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Of course, I still love Laurel Falls, and forever will, but the Rainbow Falls Trail in the Smokies is now one of my favorites. I have always said the best hike in the park is Alum Cave but this trail might just sneak its way into first place for me. One piece of advice I would give before you go is to download the map of the Rainbow Falls Trail on AllTrails. That way you won’t be fooled by the first few waterfalls and can enjoy the wonderful privilege it is to walk behind this stunning waterfall. We made a video of this trail which showcases all there is to love about Rainbow Falls, watch, and enjoy!