North CarolinaNC Waterfalls

I’m providing directions here for all the major waterfalls accessed from Rainbow Falls Trail except Stairway Falls and Sidepocket Falls. This includes Hidden Falls, Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Drift Falls.

Quick Glance

Hike the trail from the kiosks to a T-junction. Turn right and follow the trail to Rainbow Falls, then Turtleback Falls, then Drift Falls. Hidden Falls is accessed by a short side path downstream from Rainbow Falls.

Detailed Look

Begin at the kiosks at the far end of the parking area. At 0.3 miles you’ll reach a T-junction. Turn right on the orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail. Descend moderately for about 0.4 miles to an easy creek crossing. At about 0.1 miles from the creek, you’ll see trail signs indicating that you’re leaving Gorges State Park. The remainder of the hike will be in Pisgah National Forest.

At a quarter mile from the creek crossing, the trail makes a sharp right turn, with a side trail on the left. (This side trail descends to Stairway Falls and provides access to Sidepocket Falls.) A little over 0.1 miles farther you’ll come to another creek crossing. This one is larger and requires a rockhop (easy) or a shallow wade if the water’s up. A few yards beyond the creek is a campsite on the right. (Behind the campsite is an overgrown forest road leading to Waterfall on tributary 1 of Horsepasture River.)

Beyond the campsite, Horsepasture River becomes a close companion. You’ll make a short, steep ascent, then descend, then go on a long moderate ascent. At about 0.3 miles from the creek crossing, you’ll come to an obvious side path on the left. This path descends a short distance to the river with a view of Hidden Falls upstream. Stay on the main trail for a better view. In another 200 feet you’ll come to another side path. This one descends to a much better and closer view of the falls.

From this side path it’s a steep climb for a little over 0.1 miles to an open view of Rainbow Falls at a split-rail fence. The trail forks at the far end of the fence. The path to the left descends to a lower observation area for the falls. Take the right fork to continue the hike. You’ll reach a point near the top of Rainbow Falls in less than 0.1 miles. A fence is here, designed to keep you on the main trail and away from the top.

Continue about 400 feet to reach a point directly in front of Turtleback Falls. A side path here leads a few feet to a large rock with an open view of the falls.

From here, the trail swings around to the top of Turtleback Falls where the trail forks. The trail to the right ascends to NC 281. To see Drift Falls, take the left fork. You’ll come to a fence at a little under 0.2 miles from the top of Turtleback Falls.

The fence marks the boundary between Pisgah National Forest and private property that you do not want to cross into. Please, trust me on this. You can follow the path along the fence down to the river and get out in the riverbed for a decent view of Drift Falls, but if you walk up to the edge of the plunge pool, you’ll be trespassing. I recommend that you do not do this.