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United States · North Carolina

Rainbow Falls (North Carolina)

Rainbow Falls is a waterfall in Western North Carolina, located near Brevard. The falls is located on the Horsepasture River.

Essentials guide

Facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia, compiled September 2026; season and access are our estimate, not a visit report. How we build these pages.

Rainbow Falls (North Carolina) drops over a series of steps on the Horsepasture River. It is a cascade-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is North Carolina, United States. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.

Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article (CC BY-SA 4.0).

As a cascade waterfall, water tumbles down a series of rock steps rather than falling free.

What you can do here

A walk-in-and-look waterfall

No commercial adventures run at Rainbow Falls (North Carolina) itself — the experience is the approach and the view. Guided day trips from North Carolina are the easiest way to combine it with the area around it.

Find guided tours

Also good forHikingPhotography

When to go

Spring rains make March to May the full-flow months in the South-east; summer thunderstorms bring short surges.

Getting there

  • Base town North Carolina, United States
  • Country United States
  • Region North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Access Moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail

How it compares

Height, drawn to scale
Victoria FallsEiffel TowerAngel Falls
Width of the crest, drawn to scale

We don't have a reliable crest width for Rainbow Falls (North Carolina) yet, so it is left off the width chart. Tallest · widest lists.

On the map

35.0907, -82.9661

Quick answers

Where is Rainbow Falls (North Carolina)?

Rainbow Falls (North Carolina) is in United States (North Carolina). The nearest base is North Carolina, United States. Its coordinates are 35.0907, -82.9661.

When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls (North Carolina)?

Peak flow is March to May. Spring rains make March to May the full-flow months in the South-east; summer thunderstorms bring short surges.

What can you do at Rainbow Falls (North Carolina)?

Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.

How do you get to Rainbow Falls (North Carolina)?

The usual base is North Carolina, United States. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there.

Tours & tickets Stays