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    Vacation » Hike to Rainbow Falls

    Hike to Rainbow Falls

    Posted: 05/18/2012 | Last updated: 07/15/2024 by Erin K. Browne 3 Comments
    Post may contain affiliate links via Amazon Associates or other programs. (Disclosure)

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    I'm so excited for the warm months, because that means lots and lots of hiking!!  Over Mother's Day weekend we trekked to Rainbow Falls, and this time we had along a couple of extras - Matt's mom and dad!

    Rainbow Falls:

    Roundtrip distance: 5.4 miles
    Elevation gain: 1,685ft
    Directions to Trailhead: From Light #8 in Gatlinburg, turn onto Airport Road. In less than a mile, stay to the right onto Cherokee Orchard Road.  In another ~2.2 miles, you'll enter the one way Cherokee Orchard Loop.  After another half mile or so , the trailhead will be on your right, with several parking options, as this is a popular trail and can be quite crowded.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    This was a really great hike.  Easy, short-ish, and a fantastic pay-off.  You can even use this trail to reach LeConte, but as you can see, it's nearly a 14 mile round trip!

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    We started hiking in the middle of the day, but thankfully it wasn't too hot.  The trail is heavily shaded, as are most of the trails in the Smokies.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    Good light was just not happening on the spotty path with the sun directly overhead.. but we made do.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    The mountain laurel is in bloom.  Before you know it, the park will be exploding with rhododendrons.  I can't wait!  The mountains are such a peaceful place to me.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls

    Hike to Rainbow Falls

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    Perfect weather - perfect day.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    Matt and his pops.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    There are a couple of bridged water crossings along the trail.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    Can anyone help me identify the flower on the right?  It's pretty!

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    There are a couple of small waterfalls before you reach the Big Boy at the end.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    Ahh.. we must be there.  It's the typical YOU WILL DIE sign!

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    The water hits the rocks below in such a fine mist that you can almost see a rainbow rise.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    Such a beautiful place.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    Curious lil' fella hanging out with us near our rest spot.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    So cute!

    Hike to Rainbow Falls

    Hike to Rainbow Falls
    Gotta take the requisite pictures.

    Hike to Rainbow Falls

    Hike to Rainbow Falls

    And that's all she wrote!  Can't wait to get to the mountains as often as we can this summer.  For all of my attempts at managing the stress and anxiety in my life, nothing brings me serenity more than stomping down some dirt in the middle of nowhere.  It calms the soul.

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    About Erin K. Browne

    Erin K. Browne is an author of a cookbook (The Unofficial Dollywood Cookbook, Simon & Schuster/Adams Media) and Dollywood guide (The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood, Simon & Schuster/Adams Media) She has over two decades experience with recipe development. Erin is a mom of two human babies and a sweet kitty named Biscuit Fingers ("Ketto"). She loves comfy clothes, sarcastic t-shirts, and reading thrillers. Make her day and toss her a like on Facebook or follow her on Instagram. Post may contain affiliate links including those via the Amazon Associates program

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    1. Billy Rayan

      October 05, 2012 at 12:54 am

      Outstanding pictures and mind blowing hiking place, any hiking lover will fall in love with such hiking conditions. Hiking is one of the best adventure it keeps you alive.

      Reply
    2. Kara Brown

      May 23, 2012 at 9:46 am

      So when I said this wasn't the easiest hike, I was thinking of the trail up to LeConte. Yeah...

      Reply
    3. Remi

      May 18, 2012 at 10:48 am

      Yes. Must hike soon. Like...real soon. 

      Reply

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