Wild Swim Atlas

    Rainbow Falls

    Gorges State Park, Highlands, North CarolinaWaterfall pool on Horsepasture RiverSwimming at own risk

    Directions
    Getting there

    Rainbow Falls is a waterfall on the Horsepasture River reached by trail from Gorges State Park.

    Water
    Waterfall pool, Horsepasture River
    Swim hours
    Open year-round
    Facilities
    Parking, visitor centre, restrooms
    Lifeguard
    No lifeguard
    Managed by
    Gorges State Park and Pisgah National Forest

    When you can swim

    Open to swimmersClosed to swimmers

    Getting there

    Enter Gorges State Park at the Grassy Ridge entrance and follow the Rainbow Falls Trail; Rainbow Falls is about 1.5 miles from the parking area.

    35.0909, -82.9660

    Get directions

    Rules to know before you go

    • Do not swim near the top of the falls.
    • Use caution when water flow is high.
    • Do not enter Drift Falls; it is private property.

    Swimming spots nearby

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