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 Reporter |
Summary: This is one of the most popular hikes in the park and will be crowded in the summer time but can be enjoyed year round. Spring offers many varieties of wildflowers, summer is a great place to cool off at over 4000' at the falls, fall brings many colors and the winter you will usually find snow on the trail. The trail served the basic route to Mt LeConte for a group of hikers that wanted to establish a national park in the Smoky Mountains. The trail is rocky but manageable with care for young and old. It follows LeConte Creek for peaceful hiking for about a mile. When the trail climbs away from the creek you feel the elevation gain of 2200' you will achieve by the time you reach the falls. There are many photo opportunities along the way and several cascades and a small fall just below reaching Rainbow Falls. Enjoy lunch on one of the many flat rocks and return the same way for an easy hike back down to the car. Trailhead: I-40 Exit 407 follow Hwy 66 South 8 miles to 441 South to Gatlinburg;turn left at traffic light #8, take Historic Nature Trail Dr. The road becomes one-way, turn right into Rainbow Falls Parking area. The trailhead is a path a few yards south into the woods, oppisite the paved road. (Lat:35.6757 Lon:-83.48676) Trail Guides for Rainbow Falls: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: GSMNP 865-436-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by KB on 6/25/2008 Although it is nothing spectacular, this hike is a nice one. The falls are more like a trickle, but something about them is so refreshing. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Sevier County Hiking, Sevier County Trails, Sevier County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||