Subscribe to my weekly round-up of new posts? Often referred to as real-life Middle earth, Jones Gap State Park in Marietta, South Carolina is a unique landscape full of waterfalls and thick lush green vegetation. Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls, Jones Gap State Park. Jones Gap is just 1 of 47 State Parks in South Carolina. Your email address will not be published. We recommend bringing A LOT of water, especially during the summer. Your email address will not be published. Amazon Associates disclosure. Starts off easy when you enter the trailhead, but will quickly get steep as you walk up a lot of stairs. DIRECTIONS. This route can done as either a point-to-point or an out-and-back. in C.C. I should add that the trail crosses the creek and continues on the other side. After that, it levels out and is mostly hilly until the next big climb. I hiked almost to the top of the falls before I realized I was off-trail and had to backtrack. If you know where the trail continues to go, please let me know in the comments. Jones Gap State Park features a variety of trails, and one of the best leads to Jones Gap Falls – a 50-foot cascade over a staircase of stones. The intermittent climbs are mostly moderate except for a few technical areas, including the climb down to the base of the waterfall. An alternative to hiking the strenuous Rainbow Falls trail, this in-and-out hike follows Jones Gap Trail and then the 0.1mi Jones Gap Falls Trail to a 50ft waterfall on a tributary to the Middle Saluda for a 2.6mi round trip. The trek to the falls is strenuous but moderately short, and can be doable with kids if you plan ahead. Explore the most popular waterfall trails in Jones Gap State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The Bill Kimball Trail (pink) is what makes this loop hard. Raven Cliff Falls - the highest in South Carolina! Learn more. It's a 2.5 mile hike to the base of the waterfall and the hike gains over 1200' in elevation which could make this a strenuous hike for I only recommend products that I have personally bought, tested, and endorse. The Coldspring Branch Trail (orange) crosses the creek several times. Plan your own trip to Jones Gap. You have to travel through the Palmetto Bible Camp to find it. Rainbow falls - 100ft waterfall that hits the ground with such force as to create a fine mist, which creates a rainbow. The unforgettable peace and repose of a deep mountain cove. The trail to the falls follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River, which is in sight most of the way. The park features a ranger station with public restrooms, a parking lot, and picnic tables. A moderate one mile hike from near the Jones Gap State Park Headquarters leads to this 50-foot falls descending over a rugged stone staircase. It’s all at Jones Gap State Park. Once back to the Saluda, the return is easy! Gap State Park. The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. You can use my travelog to discover fun places to visit and then use my interactive map to navigate there. Rainbow Falls, located in Jones Gap State Park, is a moderately difficult hike but offers incredible views of the 100 ft waterfall. It’s very similar to nearby Rainbow Falls Trail, except this trail has no switchbacks to help you manage the elevation. #7 - Gum Gap Trail - Foothills Trail Extension: Jones Gap to Sassafras Mountain, #8 - Pretty Place and Rainbow Falls via Hospital Rock and Jones Gap Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY], Jones Gap and Coldspring Branch to Bill Kimball Trail, Gum Gap Trail - Foothills Trail Extension: Jones Gap to Sassafras Mountain, Pretty Place and Rainbow Falls via Hospital Rock and Jones Gap Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY]. Required fields are marked *. Drive 5.4 miles and the road ends at Jones Gap State Park. I'm not sure if the waterfall is on Camp Greenville property or is now part of Jones Gap State Park, but this is now the official trail to the waterfall. Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Park closes at 6 p.m. during daylight savings time. Hospital Rock to Falls Creek Falls Trail. The purple blazing is good on the first 2/3 of the trail and then seems to disappear when the trail gets steeper. There is a great waterfall about a mile in, and many smaller cascades along the way. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. Falls Creek Falls, a 100 ft cascade - but you definitely climb for that one. Or browse through the categories to find something you like. Like most waterfalls in South Carolina, the falls are at … An alternative to hiking the strenuous Rainbow Falls trail, this in-and-out hike follows Jones Gap Trail and then the 0.1mi Jones Gap Falls Trail to a 50ft waterfall on a tributary to the Middle Saluda for a 2.6mi round trip.Show more At about .6 miles (1km) the Rainbow Falls Trail starts off to the right (which is moderate to hard and about 1 1/2 miles long.) Jones Gap State Park is a South Carolina state park in northern Greenville County, near Marietta.The 3,964-acre (1,604 ha) park, which includes the headwaters of the Middle Saluda River, is, with Caesars Head State Park, administered by the state Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism as part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness. Hikes. One of the great attractions in the green sanctuary of Jones Gap State Park is Rainbow Falls. Posted by Jeff on Feb 20, 2020 @ 9:55 am in Hiking, Hiking Blog, Mountain Bridge Wilderness, Rated Easy Hikes, South Carolina, Water Hikes | 0 comments | Last modified: February 20, 2020 . Located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area of upstate South Carolina, Jones Gap State Park is a jewel among the South Carolina State Parks. Jones Gap State Park Visitor Center Starting from the visitor center, blue-blazed Jones Gap Trail gentle rises upstream alongside the Middle Saluda River. Continue approximately 1.5 miles and turn right onto River Falls Road (Greenville County S-23-97), which changes to Jones Gap Road, and continue to Jones Gap State Park. Enjoy!!! Water: Restroom facilities and a water fountain at Jones Gap State Park. The 4,246-acre park is located in Cleveland, S.C., near the North Carolina-South Carolina border, and attracts 60,000 visitors every year. The trail actually starts with an unforgiving uphill climb. The trail is 1.9 miles from the trailhead to the falls, making it a nearly 4-mile out-and-back hike. It’s an easy, scenic pathway alongside the Middle Saluda River and is child- and pet-friendly. There is roadside parking for maybe 7 or 8 cars, so get there early before it fills up. Rainbow Falls (Jones Gap State Park) (Rating: 5 /5, 3 Votes) Most people who visit Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls. Picture a glistening ribbon of water plunging 80-100 feet over a granite ledge into a pool below which beckons rock-hopping, wading, and endless photo ops. Trekking poles will help with the ascents and descents. Rim of … © 2021 C.C. Continue on 276/11 for about 4.5 miles and turn left at the F-Mart on to River Falls Road. Having reached the highest point of the hike, there are several areas on the way down where one might just have to be on all fours (around the rock walls which are beautiful!) The Jones Gap Trail (blue) is an easy to moderate trail following the Saluda river. #6 - Oil Camp Creek to Pinnacle Pass Trail. Parking is just a couple of hundred yards up on the right. Rim of the Gap is beautiful but strenuous, and can be icy in the winter. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: waterfall - Check out Tripadvisor members' 213 candid photos and videos. Wrapped around the Middle Saluda River, Jones Gap State Park is a wonderful forest of beautiful creeks and waterfalls that supports a number of outdoor and recreational activities including hiking, camping, and fishing. It's a steady ascent which gets quite rocky/rooty at times. I built this site to log my travels to interesting parks, trails, and roadside attractions. There’s no swimming hole at the falls and no flat ground to really enjoy the view. Note that if there has been recent rainfall and the ground is muddy, the hike will be much more difficult. Several pools in the river provide wading opportunities and salamander hunts. Dogs are also able to use this trail. #hiking, A post shared by Chad Chandler (@chad.chandler) on Apr 28, 2018 at 10:07am PDT. This parking fee is in addition to the visiting fee. Located in the Upstate of South Carolina in the 4,000 acre pristine woodlands of Jones Gap State Park, is the namesake waterfall of the park - Jones Gap Falls. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: waterfall - Check out Tripadvisor members' 206 candid photos and videos. #Outdoors #Waterfall #SCStateParks #Nature #Waterfall #Photography #Mountains #Hiking #ComeOutAndPlay Hospital Rock - Falls Creek Falls Loop by Jack Thyen (SCJack33) Your Online Guide. The trail follows the Middle Saluda River, making for a beautiful hike along the way. If you are coming from the Asheville area, you can get on I-26 east and head towards South Carolina. Several thousand different plant and animal species. Parking spot reservations may be made here: https://reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/mountain-bridge I'm the C.C. From the parking lot, hike toward the park buildings on a short trail that crosses the Middle Saluda River. Aug 14, 2019 - Jones Gap State Park Waterfall taken by @troyvlee on #Instagram. NOTE: If you want to visit Jones Gap before 2 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, you need to pay $5 and reserve one of the 30 parking spots available the day before your visit. Plenty of streams, creeks, and waterfalls throughout the hike. 303 Jones Gap Road Marietta, SC Visit their website. When it comes to angling-especially trout fishing-South Carolina really shines. Rainbow Falls: Located in Jones Gap State Park and one of the first Upcountry waterfalls found along SC 11 from the east, Rainbow Falls is the most popular waterfall accessed in the park. More Jones Gap and Rainbow Falls Trail is a 11.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Cleveland, South Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Turn on to the road from US276/Hwy 11 (Geer … Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. The Jones Gap State Park trails allow hikers to traverse between the two parks, as well as connect to a portion of the Foothills Trail and Palmetto Trail South Carolina hikers know and love. Wild trout, including the rare, native brookie. It is a little steeper (moderate) leading up through forested areas. More than 60 miles of hiking trails traverse the vast Mountain Bridge Wilderness area of upstate South Carolina. J ones Gap State Park sits on the Blue Ridge Escarpment in upstate South Carolina very near the state line with its neighbor to the north. Jones Gap Falls - a 50 ft cascade. Date of experience: November 2019 Ask Becky S about Jones Gap State Park The 50-foot cascade at Falls Creek Falls in Jones Gap State Park. There are several trails, the Jones Gap trail goes along the River, up to a waterfall and beyond. Eventually the water from Rainbow Falls makes its way all the way down the mountain to join the Middle Saluda River as it runs through Jones Gap State Park. The trail starts on Oil Camp Creek Road, which is paved all the way, but it becomes narrow and one-lane near the end. Jones Gap is spectacular The most beautiful place I know! This 50ft beauty is an easy waterfall to visit as the trail is only about 1 mile one-way, has minimal elevation change, and parallels the gorgeous boulder strewn Middle Saluda River almost the entire hike. There are several nice spots by the river to take a break! Jones Gap State Park . Reserved parking spaces will be held until 2 p.m. Nov 13, 2019 - Explore South Carolina State Parks's board "Waterfalls in SC State Parks", followed by 2032 people on Pinterest. Much of the hike to Rainbow Falls, which begins at Jones Gap State Park (seen here at the start of the trail on the right side of the map), follows along the Middle Saluda River. I'm a digital marketing specialist by trade and an avid weekend explorer. All rights reserved. See more ideas about state parks, sc state parks, waterfall. There is roadside parking for … #4 - Hospital Rock to Falls Creek Falls Trail, #5 - Jones Gap and Coldspring Branch to Bill Kimball Trail. Jones Gap State Park What a rush. Jones Gap State Park Three other Greenville County waterfalls can be accessed from Jones Gap State Park (southcarolinaparks.com) near Marietta. Jones Gap State Park: Camping, Hiking, & Waterfalls (a Review) Wild Child Box: Subscription Box Review (& Discount Code) Exploring the Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area Trails at the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge; How to Shower While Camping: A Complete (& Ridiculous but True) Guide to Campground Showers Admission: $5/adult, $3/child, Free for kids 5 and under. Plunging 100 feet over a jagged wall of granite glittering with mica schist, Rainbow Falls ranks among the most spectacular waterfalls at Jones Gap State Park in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Naturaland Trust, a land conservancy started by environmentalist Thomas Wyche, acquired the land to form Jones Gap State Park in 1979. I would rate this hike a moderate-to-difficult. Jones Gap State Park is located in northern Greenville County, SC at the end of Jones Gap Road (also labeled as River Falls Road or County Road 97 on various maps). It's a 2.3-mile hike (one way and relatively strenuous) to the waterfall, but the reward is a 125-foot waterfall and frequent rainbow colors when the sun hits the cascading water. This is a hike in, get your photo, and hike out kind of attraction. After about a mile, I turned right onto red-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail, crossed the Middle Saluda, and got a workout with a … If you shop through any Amazon link on this website, you support me at no cost to yourself. You have to travel through the Palmetto Bible Camp to find it. It's just a couple of hundred feet long and worth taking a look. Would your family be up for a hike up to Rainbow Falls? One of my favorite South Carolina Waterfall Hikes is the Rainbow Falls Trail in Jones Gap State Park. Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. Zero spam. Another .6 miles down and the trail to the Jones Gap Falls will be on the right. That said, it’s not too bad if you’re in shape and don’t mind a little climbing. Hikes. I had a 4-month old puppy with me, so I couldn’t cross the water with him. If you'd like to do a point-to-point, leave a car or get a ride from the end at Geer Highway. The view of the falls are BEAUTIFUL! There are several trails, the Jones Gap trail goes along the River, up to a waterfall and beyond. It can be hard to take in the scope of the cascade because it’s so steep and the canopy is so dense. This beautiful trail takes you through forested areas along Oil Camp Creek, eventually reaching Pinnacle Pass. The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. Beautiful hike along the way it can be accessed from Jones Gap State.. 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