Waterfall Hero Hikes: Rainbow Falls (Horsepasture)

Rainbow Falls is a spectacular 100-foot waterfall on Horsepasture River in Transylvania County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. However, the only legal access to the waterfall is through Gorges State Park.

Hike Length: 3.2 miles
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Horsepasture River (Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Only if on a ≤ 6 foot leash
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery. Don't attempt to go to the top of the falls. Use caution if swimming below the falls.
Trailhead GPS: 35.08947,-82.95181
Waterfall GPS: 35.09071, -82.96587

Directions:

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about 18 miles, passing Lake Toxaway, and turn left on NC-281. In just under a mile, turn left into Grassy Ridge section of Gorges State Park and drive through to the Rainbow Falls Trailhead parking.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, follow the orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail to an intersection and turn right to stay on the trail. In about 3/4 of a mile, the trail leaves the state park enters Pisgah National Forest. A side trail here goes to Stairway Falls. At 1.4, the trail gets a little steeper as it heads up to Rainbow Falls. A short path leads down to the river at Hidden Falls. In 1.5 miles from the trailhead, Rainbow Falls is visible from the trail.