Rainbow Falls (Horsepasture River) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rainbow Falls |
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Rainbow Falls on the Horsepasture River
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| Location | Horsepasture River, Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge Mountains, Transylvania County, North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35°05′27″N 82°57′57″W / 35.0907°N 82.9659°W |
| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 125 ft (38.1 m) |
Rainbow Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Western North Carolina. You can find it close to the town of Brevard. This amazing waterfall is part of the Horsepasture River. It sits on land that belongs to Pisgah National Forest, right next to Gorges State Park.
Protecting Rainbow Falls
In the 1980s, there was a plan to change the river's path. This plan was for building a power plant that uses water to make electricity. Many people did not like this idea. They spoke up to protect the waterfall.
Because of this public support, the plan was stopped. On October 27, 1986, the Horsepasture River became a national Wild and Scenic River. This special title helps protect the river and the falls. It means they will stay natural and beautiful for a long time.
How Rainbow Falls Got Its Name
The rock where the water flows is not straight down. Instead, the river's large amount of water jumps out from the rock. This creates a deep pool at the bottom of the falls.
The powerful water also makes a lot of wind and mist. This mist blows up the hillside across from the falls. If the sun is in just the right spot, you can often see a bright rainbow in the mist. This is how Rainbow Falls got its colorful name!
Other Waterfalls Nearby
There are several other waterfalls close to Rainbow Falls. Some of these are on private land, while others are open to visitors.
- Little Falls - This waterfall is upstream from Drift Falls. It is on private property.
- Narrows Falls - You can find this waterfall upstream from Drift Falls. It is located inside a gated community.
- Rock House Falls - This is a 55-foot waterfall. It is on private property along Burlingame Creek. This creek flows into the Horsepasture River.
- Turtleback Falls
- Drift Falls
- Stairway Falls
- Sidepocket Falls
- Windy Falls
