Rainbow Falls (Rutherford County) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rainbow Falls |
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| Location | Chimney Rock, Blue Ridge Mountains, Rutherford County, North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35°26′57″N 82°15′23″W / 35.449148°N 82.256289°W |
| Type | Horsetail, Cascade |
| Total height | 160 ft (49 m) |
Rainbow Falls is a beautiful waterfall found in Chimney Rock, Rutherford County, North Carolina. It's a natural wonder located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. This impressive waterfall drops about 160 feet (49 meters) and is known for its stunning views.
A Bit of History
For many years, Rainbow Falls was privately owned. This changed in 2003 when The Nature Conservancy bought the land. The Nature Conservancy is a group that works to protect important natural areas.
Many people hope that parts of this area, including the nearby Chimney Rock Park, will become a state park. This would allow more people to visit and enjoy the natural beauty. However, plans to open Rainbow Falls to the public are still being decided.
How to See Rainbow Falls
Right now, you cannot visit Rainbow Falls up close. Access to the waterfall itself is not allowed.
However, you can still catch a glimpse of the falls from a distance! During spring and winter, you might be able to see Rainbow Falls from a spot on the Hickory Nut Falls trail. This trail is located inside Chimney Rock Park.
It can be harder to see the falls in summer and fall. This is because the trees have more leaves, which can block the view. If you want to try and spot the falls, bringing binoculars will make it much easier!
Other Waterfalls Nearby
The area around Rainbow Falls is full of other amazing waterfalls. Some of these are located above the main drop of Hickory Nut Falls. Here are a few other waterfalls you might find in the region:
- Hickory Nut Falls – This is another well-known waterfall in the area.
- Camp Minnehaha Falls – This waterfall is a cascade on Grassy Creek. You can sometimes see it from the roadside in winter. To find it, go 0.8 miles north from the intersection of US 74A and NC 9. Look for a pullout on the left side, just before a guardrail.
- The Cascades – This waterfall is also on Grassy Creek, located upstream from Camp Minnehaha Falls. However, it is on private property.
- Pool Creek Falls – This is a slide waterfall. It is currently in an area that the public cannot access. But it is planned to be part of the new State Park in the future.
- Wolf Creek Falls – This is another beautiful waterfall found in the same restricted area as Pool Creek Falls.
