Rainbow Falls earns its name. The 150-foot free-fall on the Horsepasture River (in Gorges State Park, Transylvania County) catches afternoon sunlight and refracts it into brilliant rainbows in the mist — a phenomenon visible for much of the day in summer. At 150 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in Transylvania County and among the most impressive in western North Carolina. Reaching it requires a demanding 5.2-mile round trip with substantial elevation loss and gain.

Trail Overview

The Horsepasture Trail begins at the Gorges State Park visitor area on US-64. The trail descends steeply into the Horsepasture River gorge through dense rhododendron and old-growth hemlock, crossing several small tributaries before reaching the base of Rainbow Falls at the 2.6-mile mark. The descent is relentless — nearly 750 feet over 2.5 miles — and every foot of it must be climbed on the return. This is not a casual hike.

The Waterfall

Rainbow Falls launches off a cliff edge and falls as a narrow, powerful jet that fans slightly before hitting the plunge pool. The volume on a spring day is extraordinary — the roar is audible from a quarter mile away. The rainbow effect is most reliable from late morning through early afternoon when sunlight penetrates the gorge. Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses enhance the experience.

Tips for Your Visit

  • This is a hard hike: The return climb is extremely strenuous — bring plenty of water, food, and start early
  • Gorges State Park fee: Day-use fee required; NC residents discounted
  • Nearby cascades: Stairway Falls and Turtleback Falls are accessible via nearby trails on the Horsepasture
  • Wildlife: The Horsepasture gorge is a designated National Wild and Scenic River — watch for river otters

Getting There

From Brevard, take US-64 west to the Gorges State Park visitor center on the right. GPS: 35.092°N, 82.923°W.