On these trails you can also find 5 waterfalls: Falls Creek Falls, Jones Gap Falls, Rainbow Falls, Dargans Cascades and Silver Steps Falls. Walk on the footpath from the parking lot and cross the footbridge over the Middle Saluda. The trail is uphill and there are rocks, tree roots, stairs and narrow parts with steep drop offs. For a round-trip hike of 2.6 miles (1.3 each way), it has a lot to offer! Best hike this weekend...love hiking next to water! Ranger told us that the hike from information center to the Jones Gap Falls was “easy”. You can expect rocky trails similar to old creek beds. This means now, as trails go, it's wide and very reluctant … Waterfalls a pretty sight narrow entrance to the waterfall. At approximately 1 mile you will cross the Middle Saluda River on the John Reid Clonts Memorial Bridge and the trail will bear left.6. 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. It is easy to follow and is marked with blue blazes. 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 features a ranger station with public restrooms, a parking lot, and picnic tables. It cost $5.30. 1. The Foothills Trail is an 80-mile foot trail running along the Blue Ridge Escarpment from Oconee State Park north of Walhalla, SC to Table Rock State Park north of Pickens, SC. The trailhead to Rainbow Falls starts just past the visitors center on the other side of the Middle Saluda River. Jones Gap Trail #1 will follow the river for the most part and is kind of wide and rocky with a few larger rocks scattered about. At about the three-quarter-mile mark, you'll hit the junction to the Rainbow Falls Trail. However, it is rocky and this part of Jones Gap is typically wet from crossing creeks and heavy shade that slows drying time after rain. Beautiful, not a bad incline at all, just technical when it comes to it being rocky. Great trail. The trail was repaired years ago and is in good shape. The falls were nice. The trail to the falls follows the boulder-strewn Rough rocky terrain that runs along the river with campsites. (A convenience store is at this intersection.)3. Jones Gap State Park: Rainbow Falls is Excellent - See 115 traveler reviews, 175 candid photos, and great deals for Marietta, SC, at Tripadvisor. There is not a number parking spot. I like to continue on the fairly short distance to this waterfall after completing the Rainbow Falls Trail. You navigate boulders and it is very muddy. With attractions like Rainbow Falls and the Rim-of-the-Gap Trail within its boundaries, its understandable that I had yet to visit this lesser-known natural wonder of Jones Gap State Park. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/south-carolina/jones-gap-state-park Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. One of my favorite trails! Lots of rocks and wet, but not too challenging and still fun. Jones Gap Trail Hiking Trail, Slater-Marietta, South Carolina We took the Jones Gap Trail (blue blazes) to the Rainbow Falls Trail (red blazes). The Middle Saluda River runs through the heart of the park. Fill out a registration form before you start your hike.5. The terrain is gradually uphill to the falls, with large rocks and stream crossings studding the path the entire way. saw half a dozen people coming back from rainbow falls, and had Jones gap falls to ourselves for the 20 minutes we stopped at the falls, Lake Wattacoo Via Mountain Bridge Passage Trail, Ashmore Heritage Preserve Trail (Chandler Rock), Jones Gap and Coldspring Branch to Bill Kimball Trail, Mine Mountain, Cart Trail, and Laurel Ridge Loop, Bridal Veil Falls via Mine Mountain, Cart Trail, Corn Mill Shoals, Pretty Place and Rainbow Falls via Hospital Rock and Jones Gap Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY], Oil Creek, Pinnacle Pass, Rim of the Gap Loop, Gum Gap Trail - Foothills Trail Extension: Jones Gap to Sassafras Mountain. Jones Gap Falls is a 3.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Slater-Marietta, South Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The Hike -- Jones Gap Trail to Rainbow Falls Trail and back Jones Gap State Park -- South Carolina -- December 26th, 2011 I went to Jones Gap State Park today, intending to do part of the Jones Gap trail and return; however upon my arrival and looking at the park map, I noticed Rainbow Falls Trail which was the perfect distance for a short hike. Cross on the stepping stones of the tributary just past Campsite 11 and immediately turn right onto the short spur trail to the falls. A small waterfall. Had to constantly look down so couldn’t really take in scenery. It’s an easy, scenic pathway alongside the Middle Saluda River and is child- and pet-friendly. Buckeye Falls is a picturesque 60-70 foot waterfall just off the Hospital Rock Trail in Jones Gap State Park. From here, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a distance of 1.6 miles to the base of Rainbow Falls. 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. There is roadside parking for maybe 7 or 8 cars, so get there early before it fills up. Both hikers over 55. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and fishing. Jones Gap State Park | 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC 29661 | (864) 836-3647 | Email. When it comes to angling-especially trout fishing-South Carolina really shines. 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. At about 1 mile the trail crosses the river over a very nicely constructed bridge that provides a great view of the Middle Saluda River. 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 It was such a fun day! The waterfall is located in Jones Gap State Park, part of the Middle Bridge Wilderness area. It's still the easiest trail of the loop with a moderate climb. Jones Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the rocky and scenic Middle Saluda River. Cross the sturdy footbridge over the river and you're on your way. Jones Gap Falls is a delightful 40 Foot cascade tucked away in Jones Gap State Park. 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. Camping: Call 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make your reservations today! Departing Jones Gap, travel approximately .75 miles along the blue blazed Jones Gap Trail, then veer to the right onto the red blazed Rainbow Falls Trail. If you stay straight on the trail, you'll end up at another waterfall: Jones Gap Falls. Therefore, it is not recommended for … Jones Gap Falls The 5.3-mile Jones Gap Trail follows an old toll road that was built by Solomon Jones in 1840 and was in use until 1910. Several small streams to step over, nice creek side hike to the waterfall. Jones Gap Trail -- 2,020' The Jones Gap Trail was once a major 'road' which climbed into the mountains. Turn left onto the service road and cross a bridge. Several pools in the river provide wading opportunities and salamander hunts. Its easternmost terminus is Jones Gap State Park and the 5.3-mile long trail meanders through lush woodlands towards Caesars Head State Park. Make sure you pack it in and pack it out. If you are following the JFT on Google maps, it is intermittently identified as the Jones Falls Trail and East Coast Greenway. At 1.5 miles, the Jones Gap Falls Trail goes back about 150 feet to your right where you'll find the falls in a shallow pool. To get to Rainbow falls you will initially follow the blue blazed Jones Gap Trail for … You have to make a reservation online before you can enter the park. 1-1-16 - Cindy and I chose Jones Gap State Park for our first hike of the New Year and as I was updating my blog, I looked at this page on my site and saw that I hadn't updated it since 2006 when part of the trail was closed. Jones Gap Falls. We will likely try the Rainbow Falls next time. The hike to Jones Gap Falls is about 2.6 miles round trip and is a moderately strenuous hike. Turn RIGHT onto River Falls Road (S-97). it follows the river pretty closely with a couple very small streams crossing the trail, nothing you couldn't easily cross. We will add a better more recent map as soon… Jones Gap Trail to Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap State Park. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and fishing. It's a great walk along the side of the river it can be a little muddy in spots I recommend it to everybody. 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. There is a nice trout hatchery the you can see some baby trout and little bit bigger size trout. Drive 4 miles to the main gate of Jones Gap State Park, and turn RIGHT into the designated parking area.3. The trail to the falls follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River, which is in sight most of the way. Nice trail. Excellent bird watching can be enjoyed on this trail. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Jones Falls Trail Green Map link. Passing the pond, the trail dives into the woods, leading to a group of primitive camp sites. © 2021 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. A 19-mile spur trail connects to Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks north of Greenville, SC. Gap State Park. The hike to the 50' Jones Gap Falls is along a section of the Jones Gap Trail. Our 2.2 mile hike to Rainbow Falls begins at Jones Gap State Park. Pretty hike with the trail following the Middle Tyger most of the way leading to the base of a nice and unique waterfall at the end. The Jones Gap Trail continues west on a moderate grade for another 3 miles to its western (upper) terminus at US 276 near the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. Going to try Caesar’s Head next time. Jones Gap Trail follows the river as it courses its way down through Jones Gap. The trail to Jones Gap Falls is very pleasant as it follows the river the majority of the hike. In a half-dozen previous visits I had yet to enjoy this pretty little gem. The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. A big portion of the hike seems like an old creek bed. Jones Gap State Park Hiking: There are over 60 miles of hiking trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, connecting Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks. Creating community through people, parks and programs.Visit a local or state park near you. All rights reserved. Backcountry campsites 10-13 are located fairly close to the falls and river. There’s a lot of easy parts but just enough rocks, streams to cross and roots to make it interesting. There are numbered slots on the website. The linked map is best viewed online or picked up at locations identified on website. The trail, a spur of the 80-mile long Foothills Trail, runs from US 276 above Caesars Head in the west to Jones Gap State Park in the east. Jones Gap Falls is a pretty waterfall on a tributary to Middle Saluda River in Greenville County. Not true—-It was extremely rocky and uneven. The Coldspring Branch Trail can be combined with either the Bill Kimball Trail or the Tom Miller Trail to form long and difficult lollipop loops of 8 or 10 miles, respectively. From the parking lot follow the signs to the visitors center and then follow the signs to Jones Gap Trail. Take a moment to look at the kiosk and fill out the registration info. I had read somewhere it was a dry creek bed and I think that’s an accurate description of the trail. It’s pretty easy with little elevation gain. It’s relatively flat on the floor of the gap although there are some rocky areas that you’ll want to be careful about. This section of trail will remain closed until spring temperatures are consistently warm enough for the ice to melt and the trail to become safely passable. The start of the Jones Gap Trail is located to left of the wooden bridge that crosses to the Ranger Station from the upper parking area. The trail begins alongside the rock-walled trout pond left over from the Cleveland Fish Hatchery built in that location in 1931. The Jones Gap Trail follows the Middle Saluda River from the park visitor center along an old roadway built by Solomon Jones in the 1850s. The trail is part of an old toll road that was constructed by Solomon Jones in 1840 and was in use until 1910. You have to travel through the Palmetto Bible Camp to find it. 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. Continue on US 276 for 1.4 miles. Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. Dog enjoyed it. Jones Gap Falls is a 5.6 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Slater-Marietta, South Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. To the right just past the bridge is the bulletin board that marks the beginning of Jones Gap Trail. Two young children had a great time on the hike as well. From there, the trail winds mostly downhill through forest for the next 1.8 miles until you reach a wooden sign for Jones Falls, with a short, 0.1 mile trail marked with blue blazes that takes you straight to the waterfall, for a total one-way distance of 5.3 miles. Short Run: Parking in Jones Gap Park, follow Jones Gap Trail for about 1.5 miles, about a 3-mile round trip or add in Rainbow Falls Trail for a longer run to both falls… Cold temperatures and ice have forced the seasonal closure of the yellow-blazed, western section of the Rim of the Gap Trail (between junction with trails 15-Frank Coggins, and 21-John Sloan). Both Jones Gap Falls and Rainbow Falls are two amazing hikes through the back country of the park. This trail is a small portion of the Jones Gap Trail and it leads to Jones Gap Falls. In this cove backcountry the river is quite wild with many waterfalls and rapids that add exciting sights and sounds to a pristine mountain woodland. It is rocky and leads to some scrambling, but manageable. From Greenville, NORTH on US 276 past junction with SC 11 at Cleveland2. At about the halfway point, the trail turns to the right to head up to Rainbow Falls. trail was clear, very rocky. Boulders are strewn about the moderate trail which has always proved very entertaining for my kiddos – … The other two popular falls in the area are Falls Creek Falls and Raven Cliff Falls but require an extended run or drive to reach them. Start off on the Jones Gap Trail, a pleasant walk along the Middle Saluda River. Continue on an asphalt path past the picnic area and the Park Headquarters.4. The 2.4-mile hike begins in Jones Gap State Park. Although the out-and-back Jones Gap Trail is a moderately difficult trail, it delves into some of the Upstate’s most scenic country. 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