alltrails.com At about the halfway point, the trail turns to the right to head up to Rainbow Falls. Let the hordes crowd the Appalachians up north. The trail starts on Oil Camp Creek Road, which is paved all the way, but it becomes narrow and one-lane near the end. The trail starts on Oil Camp Creek Road, which is paved all the way, but it becomes narrow and one-lane near the end. The hike: Tucked in a deep and tight east-west valley at the foot of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, 3946 acre Jones Gap State Park lies directly east of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, one of South Carolina ’s top hiking destinations. The park's trail system connects with Caesars Head in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. It's a steady ascent which gets quite rocky/rooty at times. Jones Gap State Park: Great hiking-super workout - See 116 traveler reviews, 175 candid photos, and great deals for Marietta, SC, at Tripadvisor. We started out on the Jones Gap Trail, then made the climb up to Rainbow Falls. What a great place! It is a little steeper (moderate) leading up through forested areas. The Best Day Hikes in America: Rim of the Gap Trail to Jones Gap. Widely regarded as the most challenging hike in SC. 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.) If you enjoy creek side trails, you’ll really enjoy it. 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. The Coldspring Branch Trail (orange) crosses the creek several times. This parking fee is in addition to the visiting fee. Hikers can take a number of loop and traverse hiking trails that connect the parks, and trailside camping is available for those who choose the longer routes. Like most waterfalls in South Carolina, the falls are at … #4 - Hospital Rock to Falls Creek Falls Trail, #5 - Jones Gap and Coldspring Branch to Bill Kimball Trail. It's a steady ascent which gets quite rocky/rooty at times. Once back to the Saluda, the return is easy! Looking for a great trail in Jones Gap State Park, South Carolina? Admission: $6 adults; $3.75 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3.50 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under, free. It's just a … 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. It basically follows the river and descends gradually as you make your way toward Jones Gap State Park. The Trailhead: Located at Jones Gap State Park in Marietta, SC of northern Greenville County. There is no RV camping. It's a steady ascent which gets quite rocky/rooty at times. Date of experience: July 2013. There is also access to the 80-mile Foothills Trail. The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, comprised of Caesars Head State Park and Jones Gap State Park, has always been known for some of the most beautiful and rugged trails in South Carolina. It's a steady ascent which gets quite rocky/rooty at times. Hiking Trails: A network of easy to strenuous hiking trails in the Mountain Bridge Recreation Area links Caesars Head and Jones Gap state parks. 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. We recommend bringing A LOT of water, especially during the summer. Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks, South Carolina. 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. This route can done as either a point-to-point or an out-and-back. Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park make up the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. 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.) It's just a couple of hundred feet long and worth taking a look. #6 - Oil Camp Creek to Pinnacle Pass Trail. The overall area is real secluded, gas stations are available but don’t hesitate to top off your tank. Another .6 miles down and the trail to the Jones Gap Falls will be on the right. #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]. Author: Ted Alvarez Updated: Aug 11, 2020 Original: Aug 23, 2017. Starts off easy when you enter the trailhead, but will quickly get steep as you walk up a lot of stairs. Enjoy!!! Starts off easy when you enter the trailhead, but will quickly get steep as you walk up a lot of stairs. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. The trail for 100' high Rainbow Falls starts about 0.25 miles down Jones Gap Trail. My son (4 years) absolutely loves having access to the river. One of my favorite South Carolina Waterfall Hikes is the Rainbow Falls Trail in Jones Gap State Park. 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!) Flickr/Brenda Wiley. Notes: The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is 40,000 acres of wilderness containing over 50 miles of the best hiking trails in the State of South Carolina. There are several nice spots by the river to take a break! 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.) Camping by the river is a must. Jones Gap is a 3,964-acre state park in northern Greenville County near the town of Marietta. There are several nice spots by the river to take a break! The view of the falls are BEAUTIFUL! It has beautiful hiking trails for the entire family to enjoy. Primitive camping but still have access to showers with a short hike. Enjoy!!! Pam and I did a loop hike in Jones Gap State Park. #6 - Oil Camp Creek to Pinnacle Pass Trail. South Carolina Representative J. Cleveland donated 20 acres here to start the state's first fish hatchery (aka The … Reserved parking spaces will be held until 2 p.m. Hike Name: Jones Gap State Park - Middle Saluda River: Country: United States: State: South Carolina: Nearby Town: Walhalla : Rating: Directions: (US 276 – Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area): From the Caesar’s Head State Park store and visitor’s center, drive north on US 276 for 1.1 miles to the Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area (which is on your right.) 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. Parking spot reservations may be made here: https://reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/mountain-bridge Visitors can choose from a multitude of trails, including the popular Foothills Trail and Palmetto Trail. 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. Posted by Jeff on Jan 16, 2012 @ 5:12 pm in Best Hike, Hiking, Hiking Blog, Mountain Bridge Wilderness, Rated Difficult Hikes, South Carolina, Water Hikes | 9 comments | Last modified: February 20, 2020 . If you'd like to do a point-to-point, leave a car or get a ride from the end at Geer Highway. Waterfall hikes are amazing especially after large rains. The Jones Gap Trail (blue) is an easy to moderate trail following the Saluda river. AllTrails has 8 great hiking trails, forest trails, views trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. 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!) Explore the most popular views 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. Follow the trail across an iron bridge that crosses the Middle Saluda River, and be sure to register at the Ranger’s Station/Gift Shop on the far side of the gap. Parking spot reservations may be made here: https://reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/mountain-bridge There is a great waterfall about a mile in, and many smaller cascades along the way. 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. Jones Gap State Park is located in northern Greenville County near Marietta, South Carolina. Registering with the park before using these trails is mandatory. The trails can be accessed via either Jones Gap State Park or Caesars Head State Park. Jones Gap State Park 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta 864.836.3647. It's just a … #4 - Hospital Rock to Falls Creek Falls Trail, #5 - Jones Gap and Coldspring Branch to Bill Kimball Trail. This beautiful trail takes you through forested areas along Oil Camp Creek, eventually reaching Pinnacle Pass. The park's trail system connects with Caesars Head in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Another .6 miles down and the trail to the Jones Gap Falls will be on the right. #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]. $5 for adults; $3 kids 6 – 15; kids 5 and under are free. You can also expect to cross streams and view many waterfalls. This 3,964 acre state park is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Thank brookballiet . Hike on Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park, South Carolina. Jones Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the rocky and scenic Middle Saluda River. 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. Another .6 miles down and the trail to the Jones Gap Falls will be on the right. Share what you know about this area! The deep mountain cove of Jones Gap State Park offers miles of great hiking trails and thousands of acres of beautiful woodlands. 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. This parking fee is in addition to the visiting fee. The chilly water in the Jones Gap area provided a great spot for raising trout fish, which were imported from Montana to help restock the local river systems. Ready for some activity? Caesars Head connects to Jones Gap State Park in what is known as the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, an 13,000-acre area of pristine southern mountain forest. The trail follows the Middle Saluda River, making for a beautiful hike along the way. Dogs are also able to use this trail. You'll find more than 30 miles of gorgeous, and often challenging, trails in Jones Gap State Park. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! I visited Jones Gap Falls. Reserved parking spaces will be held until 2 p.m. Jones Gap State Park: Interesting Hike - See 114 traveller reviews, 168 candid photos, and great deals for Marietta, SC, at Tripadvisor. It closely follows the Middle Saluda River, occasionally crossing the rushing water on narrow logs. There are several nice spots by the river to take a break! If you'd like to do a point-to-point, leave a car or get a ride from the end at Geer Highway. Trails and 13,000 acres of pristine mountain woodlands join the park with Caesars Head in what is known as the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Jones Gap State Park. The view of the falls are BEAUTIFUL! It is one of the most amazing places in the southeast if you love rugged terrain, killer tough hikes, waterfalls, and primitive camping. The trails in these areas are mostly popular day hikes with designated overnight camping sites. Jones Gap Trail and Coldspring Branch Trail Loop, Jones Gap State Park, SC. Wrapped around the Middle Saluda River, Jones Gap State Park … The Coldspring Branch Trail (orange) crosses the creek several times. The Jones Gap Trail (blue) is an easy to moderate trail following the Saluda river. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. Jones Gap State Park in South Carolina is one of the best South Carolina State Parks. There are 5 moderate trails in Jones Gap State Park ranging from 5.6 to 17.4 km and from 365 to 954 meters above sea level. The deep mountain cove of Jones Gap State Park offers miles of great hiking trails and thousands of acres of beautiful woodlands. Once back to the Saluda, the return is easy! There are several nice spots by the river to take a break! The Bill Kimball Trail (pink) is what makes this loop hard. Camping: Call 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to … Trailside camp sites are available. Jones Gap State Park: Lota hiking - See 116 traveler reviews, 175 candid photos, and great deals for Marietta, SC, at Tripadvisor. In the Caesars Head section, the best-known destination is 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls. The Jones Gap Trail (blue) is an easy to moderate trail following the Saluda river. The Middle Saluda River was the state of South Carolina's first designated scenic river and offers some of the best trout fishing in SC. Since it’s located between two mountains, count on the temperature being about 10 degrees colder than the … Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park are part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area in the upper part of South Carolina and the border of North Carolina. Tell us in the comments? From this point its 1.6 miles one way. There is a great waterfall about a mile in, and many smaller cascades along the way. The Bill Kimball Trail (pink) is what makes this loop hard. Its easternmost terminus is Jones Gap State Park and the 5.3-mile long trail meanders through lush woodlands towards Caesars Head State Park. Visitors can choose from a multitude of trails, including the popular Foothills Trail and Palmetto Trail. The Jones Gap Trail is one of the easiest trails in the Wilderness. The Middle Saluda River is great for trout fishing. Rainbow Falls Trail Hike in Jones Gap State Park - YouTube. We recommend bringing A LOT of water, especially during the summer. The park’s location places it on the southern edge of the Eastern Continental Divide. Jones Gap State Park in the Upstate of South Carolina is one of the most beautiful parks in the state offering a good range of moderate and challenging hiking and backpacking trails through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Jones Gap / Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is for the hiker and waterfall enthusiast. My nine year old son and I went here in March 2009, backpacked to campsite 13 and spent two days hiking the trails. Jones Gap is the best camping and hiking in the Greenville area. Another .6 miles down and the trail to the Jones Gap Falls will be on the right. Note: The hours listed in the Park Info section are extended to 9pm during Daylight Savings Time. Many come for a day hike … flickr/Scott Oves. You can make camping reservations here. 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. The park, along with adjoining Caesars Head State Park, is administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism as the Middle Bridge Wilderness. This route can done as either a point-to-point or an out-and-back. Google Maps . Ask brookballiet about Jones Gap State Park. Where is your favorite place to hike with your family? Located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area of upstate South Carolina, Jones Gap State Park is a jewel among the South Carolina State Parks. Trails and 13,000 acres of pristine mountain woodlands join the park with Caesars Head in what is known as the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. This beautiful trail takes you through forested areas along Oil Camp Creek, eventually reaching Pinnacle Pass. 9 am – 9 pm during daylight savings time, 9 am to 6 pm during the rest of the year. The Jones Gap Trail (blue) is an easy to moderate trail following the Saluda river. 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.) Detailed trail maps are available for sale at the park headquarters. It is a little steeper (moderate) leading up through forested areas. It's just a couple of hundred feet long and worth taking a look. Once back to the Jones Gap State Park and the Trail for 100 ' high Rainbow Falls America! Fee is in addition to the right to Head up to Rainbow Falls Aug 11, 2020:. Known as the most challenging hike in Jones Gap State Park and Head. 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