I've passed this state park many a time in pursuit of other hikes but it has always caught my eye. Recently my friend and Ellie's music teacher went hiking at Gorges state park to Rainbow Falls and it was the reminder I needed to put it on the calendar. Thanks, Mrs. Roz!
This hike is wonderful. The waterfalls are a massive payoff!
I would rate this hike as moderate due to a steady descent then ascent throughout. If you hike frequently, you know a steady descent can be difficult amongst gravel, roots, and rocks...it is actually easier to climb up with the exception of the energy exerted going upwards. My family prefers climbing up, and maybe that's just us. This trail has many roots, rocks, a couple creek crossings with stones and branches as your foot path, and lots of thick wet mud at the end.
Wear boots or waterproof shoes. The mist off the falls is intense. I wasn't soaked, but my shirt was obviously wet as was my hair. And if there is a good wind, you actually get splashed! The falls are huge and you can get pretty close to them so I suggest bringing a rain coat or wearing Dri-fit clothing to dry off quickly.
Dogs are allowed on this hike.
There is no entry fee.
Hike distance for both rainbow falls and turtleback falls is 3.9 total miles round trip. The trail is an out and back. Being a state park, the parking lot is excellent and right in front of the trail head which has excellent signage. The trail is well marked as well.
The trail begins from the parking lot. You follow the sign reading, "Rainbow Falls." You will see no signs for Turtleback falls, however at the map depot at the trailhead, you will see it listed on the trail map. Begin down the trail which starts at gravel and mostly descending. The blazes begin as two, one blue, one red. This represents two different trails to follow. These trails will dissect soon and you will follow only red to continue. It is marked very well.
At about .3 mi in, the trail junctions. Go right to continue to Rainbow Falls + Turtleback Falls. The blazes to continue this way are again, red. Blue goes to a campground area.
The hike is very beautiful as you make your way. Mountain laurel everywhere. There are many wooden and dirt built in stairs on this trail. At about .8 mi, you will see a sign declaring you are leaving the state park. That's fine. You are now entering the Nantahala National Forest. Just keep on.
You will climb many stairs towards the end of finding Rainbow Falls. When you approach that top step, "Bam!" WATERFALL! Awesome wonderful waterfall! And lots of mud. Please be smart and careful. Rainbow Falls is breathtaking. There is an overlook here and also access to a lower one where we had a pic-nic. Just follow the fencing/guard rails down.
Turtleback Falls is also right here, the trail to it is just after seeing Rainbow Falls, on the right. There is a path on the right that climbs up and takes you to Turtleback Falls. I actually missed this turn off as I was working my way down to the lower lookout for Rainbow Falls. However, I knew it was near, so I just back tracked and saw it. It's a short trek to Turtleback Falls, but it is up climbing and with a few sets of stairs. It is a bit more quiet and secluded there. I like that. In the picture below, you see the "Split" for turtleback falls on the right. Rainbow falls is on your left in this photo (not seen), look for this trail on the right to easily access turtleback falls.
After you are finished, you just start back the way you came.
Fun Note* I've read before there are actually 4 waterfalls here. One is called Hidden Falls and it would be found just before reaching Rainbow Falls. I never saw a turn off for anything. And the 4th falls would be beyond Turtleback Falls but per my research, is not worth pursuing as it is difficult to see and is on private property and you can be fined for accessing that one. So...dealer's choice if you're up for that. Ha! Have any of y'all seen them all? Do tell!
I'll look harder for Hidden Falls next time. Today, I was simply relishing the tantrum free hike and happiness of being with my little girl!
This hike and these two waterfalls are awesome. Go check it out!
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