Chasing Waterfalls: Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls & Drift Falls with Simba the Adventure Pup!

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today’s adventure is one for the books.

Simba (my golden retriever and fearless trail buddy) and I set out to explore the stunning Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Drift Falls near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina — and let me tell you, if you’re into waterfalls, forest hikes, and unforgettable views, this trail is an absolute must.

πŸ—Ί️ About the Hike

This ~4-mile roundtrip hike takes you deep into the lush beauty of Pisgah National Forest and Gorges State Park, following a moderately challenging trail alongside the Horsepasture River.

The payoff? Three epic waterfalls, each with its own unique charm:
πŸ’¦ Rainbow Falls — a powerful 150-foot cascade that creates magical rainbows on sunny days.
πŸ’¦ Turtleback Falls — known for its smooth rock “shell” and natural water slide (though swimming is not recommended due to strong currents!).
πŸ’¦ Drift Falls — a beautiful, tucked-away cascade viewable from the trail.

🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights

✔️ Leashed + dog-friendly — Simba loved every splashy step, sniffing along the river and cooling off near the falls.
✔️ Challenging but doable — the trail has some steep sections and muddy spots, but Simba handled it like a champ.
✔️ Water access — plenty of safe spots along the trail for dogs to dip their paws (though be cautious near the falls themselves — strong currents!).
✔️ Shady forest paths — great for keeping cool on a sunny day.

🚐 RV Traveler Tips

If you’re road-tripping in your RV, you’ll find several campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Toxaway and Gorges State Park, making this a perfect day hike destination. Just be sure to arrive early — this is a popular trail, and parking can fill up quickly on weekends.

πŸŽ₯ Watch Our Full Waterfall Adventure


In our latest video, Simba and I take you along the entire hike — sharing trail tips, the best waterfall views, and what it’s really like exploring this gem with your dog.

πŸ”” Subscribe for weekly videos on RV life, dog-friendly hikes, and golden retriever adventures!

πŸ“² Follow us everywhere → @lifeonpawsandwheels

Why We Recommend This Hike

✔️ Three breathtaking waterfalls in one moderate hike.
✔️ Dog-approved adventure — Simba gives it four wet, muddy paws up!
✔️ Lush forest beauty — classic North Carolina scenery at its best.
✔️ Perfect for RV travelers, hikers, and waterfall chasers alike.

Thanks for coming along on another adventure! Simba and I are traveling full-time across the U.S., searching for the best hikes, campgrounds, and dog-friendly destinations. Got a favorite waterfall hike we should check out? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, happy trails, safe travels, and wagging tails! πŸΎπŸŒ²πŸ’¦πŸš

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