A side creek on the Rainbow Falls Trail.
A local resident pausing for his photo. The trail was heavily affected by the 2016 wildfires, however, is currently thriving and becoming full of life again.
Pleasing fungus beetles munching on breakfast.
The Rainbow Falls trail has recently been restored by the NPS Trails Forever Crew, restoration will be completed at the upper end of the trail in November of 2018.
The Rainbow Falls trail is lush and full of life, including many types of fungi.
Rainbow Falls Trail
A tree that was burnt during the 2016 fires, is now surrounded with lushness and life.
A spring beauty wildflower blooming along the trail.
The Smokies are considered to be the Salamander Capital of the World, and you'll easily see why as you make your way up the Rainbow Falls Trail.
A small waterfall located just before Rainbow Falls. Many times when the flow is high, first time visitors assume that this is Rainbow Falls - it's definitely not... Keep going!
Rainbow Falls. Continue over the bridge to finish up your hike at the LeConte Lodge that sits 4.2 miles above the falls on the Smokies 3rd highest peak - Mount LeConte.
Blue Ridge Two-Lined Salamander, just one of 30 species located in the GSMNP.
Lunch time!
A Jack-in-the-pulpit. Gently lift the flap to see Jack sitting in his pulpit. To find a Jack-in-the-pulpit that is of maroon color means that the plant has been pollinated by local flies.
Rainbow Falls trail is filled with cascades and streams.
Take time along the trail to enjoy the tranquility of the water that flows through this area of the Smokies.
White violets are very common on the Rainbow Falls trail, as well as in other areas of the Smokies.
Rainbow Falls Trail
A stream running through the Rainbow Falls area of the Smokies.
Rainbow Falls Trail
Rainbow Falls Trail
New growth returning to the Rainbow Falls Trail in the Smokies. This area was heavily damaged in the 2016 fires, but is making a beautiful comeback. However, the Bullhead Trail near Rainbow Falls is still closed due to damage that occurred in the fire.
Rhododendrons are returning to the Rainbow Falls trail and they're absolutely stunning!
Wildflowers fill the trail in late spring and summer.
Follow the beauty of the Rainbow Falls trail all the way to Mount LeConte!
Make a reservation for the LeConte Lodge to enjoy a beautiful sunrise from high above the tourists spots of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
A smaller guest cabin at the LeConte Lodge.
One of the larger guest cabins at the LeConte Lodge.
Before leaving LeConte, be sure to take your photo in front of the LeConte Lodge dining hall!
Rocking chairs at one of the guest cabins of the lodge.
While visiting the LeConte Lodge, take a hike out to the Cliff Tops.
If you time your hike right, you can meet the LeConte Llamas. Hike up Trillium Gap trail to the lodge and then down Rainbow Falls Trail to make your hike even more beautiful. You'll see 2 of the Smokies waterfalls, the lodge and maybe even the llamas.
The LeConte Lodge is a wonderful reminder of how beautiful "The Simple Life" can be.
If you're looking for a longer and more challenging hike, continue on to Mount LeConte, after reaching Rainbow Falls.
Why stop at Rainbow Falls when cookies and hot chocolate are waiting for you on the LeConte Lodge?