Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Trailhead

A nice hike down to a breathtaking waterfall.
When the sun hits the water spray just right,
a. rainbow arches up and over. The water is absolutely refreshing for a summer day. What better way to cool off from your hike than to jump in the water! I had such a great time playing around the fall, that I didn’t finish the hike up to turtleback. That just means I have to go back. The hike up and out will definitely take your breath away, and can be a endurance challenge. It is so worth it. This is one of my favorite waterfalls in NC. Great place to take a light picnic ♡ definitely take your water bottles. Please remember to carry out what you carry in! Plenty of parking at the trailhead!

Amazing views and a great trail! Nice an open! It has a few spots with some inclines but they have steps for you. Sometimes it might have a bigger than step than normal but not bad. It’s a hiking trail! Love the waterfalls and Turtle back falls was just a short walk past rainbow up to the right. Both of them are accessible for swimming but your do have to maneuver your way down and through some big rocks. But very enjoyable! Went with my wife and our dog! The hike was a great workout and well worth the drive! Definitely will be back

Ok, this hike is tough but worth it! I want to point out that their are signs ALL OVER that tell you to be careful, FOR A REASON! You can be in good shape and still get hurt on these trails! So please take it slow, watch your step and take in everything this the beautiful park has to offer. It was an overcast day, so we didn't get to see the rainbows that Rainbow Falls were named for, but it was still gorgeous!

Absolutely gorgeous 😍!!! An unforgettable experience! This place is simply magical ✨ So many little waterfalls , really good hiking, trails are well cut out. this for more experienced hikers. Take plenty of water, take a picnic, make sure to always take your trash , this place will revive your soul. Highly recommend!!!

This is a somewhat strenuous hike. Would not recommend it for anyone that starts wheezing after 10 minutes on the treadmill. It has a lot of up hill; and slippery and muddy steps. Once you get to the top, past the several great photo ops in the river on top of the rocks. You will be rewarded with an amazing view that makes the hike totally worth the effort. You can actually get in behind the waterfall from the top.

Amazing trail that has plenty to see. The waterfalls are beautiful. You can get close to them if you want and take some great pics and videos definitely worth your time.

Get there early. I went on a beautiful summer day around 9:15. 2 cars in the parking lot when I pulled in. Turtleback falls is nothing to write home about, but Rainbow Falls is great. I also went to the top of it. Rocks are flat and pretty safe as long as you don't act like a knucklehead. It is hard to believe the entire falls is fed by a 2' section on where at the top. When I got back to the parking lot, it was full. Again, go early. It's cooler and no crowds.

This is a moderate to strenuous trail. The first mile is all down hill at a slight decline then the incline is a mixture of rock and wood steps. I saw quite a few families with kids and older hikers. Seems like a good mixture of levels along the way. The hike to the falls is a little rough but if your up for it you’ll like the views.

Love this hike in Gorges State Park! There are 4 -5 waterfalls on the Horsepasture River that are short jaunts off the main trail. (Turtleback, Horsepasture and Drift).
Rainbow Falls is the most popular. Lots of parking and portable restrooms in the lot. We hiked past Rainbow to follow the trail to Drift Falls where it ends. RT was 5.07 miles. Steep climbs, some with steps. To see the rainbow, best to be there before noon. It wasn’t visible on the way back.

This was a beautiful falls and a nice hike. Well worth seeing

Beautiful waterfall! An out & back trail. Takes about 1 hour each way.

This was a nice hike. I would rate it moderate but may be strenuous depending on your fitness level. I saw all ages on the trail and dogs. Rainbow falls are about 1.5 miles in on the trail. About another mile up the trail is Turtleback Falls. You can continue up the trail further to the end of the property to view another falls. It is on private property so do not attempt to go to it. View from downstream. There is plenty of shade the majority of the trail. Enjoy!!

The trails are very well maintained and are clearly marked. Seeing the Falls is an amazing experience. There are a couple of littld creeks that you have to cross, but there are rocks that can be easily navigated over to keep your feet from getting wet.

Took the trail 2 days after a couple inches of rain. Trail a bit muddy in a few sections. Water flow over both falls was substantial. Spray off of Rainbow Falls was blowing hundreds of feet from the falls. It was a grand site. Water from the spray was running down the trail and running in torrents off the wooden railing below the falls. Everyone was wet from the spray. Turtleback falls at this time was more approachable, but no-one attempted to get in water as you would be dashed into the many rocks by the powerful currents.

Beautiful trail and water falls. Definitely worth the hike. I recommend extra water and snacks to replenish

This was a great hike and a gorgeous waterfall. The hike there was mostly downhill so the hike back was a little more strenuous but well worth the view. This is a must see if you are visiting the area. All in in its about a 3.4 mile round trip to Rainbow Falls. We did not make the last .5 mile trip to turtleback simply due to time constraints. Always next time!

P.S. photos were taken from my drone not actual view from the top. But just as beautiful in person.

One of my favorite trails! It’s got the reward of 2 falls and it’s about a 4 mile round trip hike, moderate, but you’ll be sweaty for sure! Enjoy swimming in the many pools, but be careful because the big falls are dangerous. Enter at your own risk *above* the falls, people have died here and the water is swifter than you think.

The trail is a moderate 1.5 mile hike in and out, with some steep inclines in places, to a spectacular view of Rainbow Falls. Turtleback Falls are just past them, up a steep trail. It was a beautiful walk and the falls are definitely worth visiting.

This is a difficult hike, unless you are in very good shape. I would not be worth the view, if you were going to stay on the observation deck. If you are willing to take the short steep path down to the Falls and swimming area then the hike is well worth it. the view from the bottom of the falls is spectacular

Very beautiful. Hiking was not hard at all. Hikers need to wear proper footwear. The spray from the falls creates a lot of mud around Rainbow Falls