Accessibility – Moderate
Height – 25′
Distance – 3.6 miles (out and back)
Beauty – 6
Photo rating – 7
Solitude – 4
GPS Info: LAT 35.63862 LONG -83.55148
Last Updated – 12-23-2024
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Note: The parking for the Baskins Creek trail can be a bit of a nightmare since it is the same parking area as Rainbow Falls Trail and Trillium Gap Trail. Check at the visitor center before heading to the trailhead or visit the park website for a current list of closed trails and roads at: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
Where to park: The Rainbow Falls parking area is at 35.67747, -83.48177 but the lot will likely be full unless you get there very early. At that point, you’re going to have to find a place to jam your vehicle into a spot along the road. There is a little bit of parking at the actual trailhead but not much.
The hike: Due to the parking issues in this area, my hike directions and distances start at the Baskins Creek Trailhead on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. When you walk up the road, the trail will be on your left. Follow the Baskins Creek Trail for 1.4 miles to the spur trail to the falls. Like everything in the Smokies, there is a sign marking the intersection. Make a left on the spur and follow it to the base of the falls. The last section of the 0.3 mile spur trail is steep and rocky with some challenging terrain. There isn’t much to the hike other than the scramble at the end and the parking at the start. It would probably look better with more water and less clutter.
