Updated July 2026
Rainbow Falls
A 150-foot waterfall on the Horsepasture River in Gorges State Park, often producing rainbows in its heavy mist on sunny days. Reached by a moderate trail with stream crossings, wooden steps, and rocky, root-laced footing.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check NC State Parks - Gorges State Park for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Rainbow Falls drops about 150 feet. That makes it the 117th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 83% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Rainbow Falls Trail reaches it about 3.1 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 770 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Sapphire. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with NC State Parks - Gorges State Park for closures and current conditions.
spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More North Carolina waterfalls
- Bridal Veil Falls · 120 ft
- Catawba Falls · 100 ft
- Courthouse Falls · 45 ft
- Crabtree Falls · 70 ft
- Cullasaja Falls · 200 ft
- Daniel Ridge Falls · 150 ft
- Dill Falls · 50 ft
- Douglas Falls · 60 ft
Sources
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