Rainbow Falls (NC)

photo taken 5/14/2004

Location: North Carolina
Directions: Travel south on SR281 from Saphire about 1/2 mile to the Gorges State Park parking area on the left. Park here and walk back to the road turning left and walking a short distance to the trailhead. This hike is through the Horsepasture River area. You'll pass a gate and numerous warning signs and after about 10 minutes you'll be out of Gorges State Park and into the Nantahala National Forest. You'll pass Turtleback Falls after about a mile into the hike. The trail is moderate/easy and rocky in places. Total of 3.5 miles RT from the parking area to Rainbow Falls.
GPS: 35.091154,-82.966003 (approx.)