Have you thought about taking your kids to Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park but you are unsure if they can handle the hike? Rainbow Falls in particular is an amazing sight to see. Detailed trail maps are available for sale at the park headquarters. Make sure you register at the sign board before starting your hike. Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls, Jones Gap State Park. Rainbow Falls makes a nice side trip if you have the time and energy, but this hike angles left to stay on the Jones Gap Trail. The trail accesses the Horse Pasture River and follows it upstream. In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders. Its easternmost terminus is Jones Gap State Park and the 5.3-mile long trail meanders through lush woodlands towards Caesars Head State Park. It closely follows the Middle Saluda River, occasionally crossing the rushing water on narrow logs. 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). This popular trail is jointly maintained by Gorges State Park and the Pisgah Ranger District. One of my favorite adventures in this area is to camp along the Middle Saluda River, then hike to Rainbow Falls, and continue on to Pretty Place Chapel. At about the three-quarter-mile mark, you'll hit the junction to the Rainbow Falls Trail. While the climb is pretty relentless with some very steep sections, there are a few relatively level stretches where you can catch your breath. If you know what to expect and do a little extra planning, these spectacular falls can be on your summer bucket list. I once again had Ava, my boxer, with me. Once the trail leaves Gorges State Park and enters the National Forest, camping is allowed anywhere along the trail. Jones Gap State Park: Rainbow Falls - See 116 traveler reviews, 175 candid photos, and great deals for Marietta, SC, at Tripadvisor. The trail to Rainbow Falls branches off to the right from the Jones Gap trail and is blazed with red. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Check out Tripadvisor members' 213 candid photos and videos. Many come for a day hike to the Rainbow Falls which is more of a challenging section and Jones Gap Falls which adds to the Middle Saluda River and is an easier out-and-back hike (often for hikers with dogs). Is this your business? Make sure you register at the sign board before starting your hike. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Check out Tripadvisor members' 214 candid photos and videos of Jones Gap State Park 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661-9603. When the Jones Gap Trail diverges about a half-mile in, keep to the left and follow the red blazes marking the Rainbow Falls Trail. Jones Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the rocky and scenic Middle Saluda River. Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. A small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Check out Tripadvisor members' 207 candid photos and videos. The falls area is more quiet than Rainbow Falls when it comes to people but is unique in its own way. 116 Reviews #1 of 6 things to do in Marietta. - See 115 traveler reviews, 175 candid photos, and great deals for Marietta, SC, at Tripadvisor. The Jones Gap Trail is 5.3 miles but we are only going to be hiking about 1 mile of it on this trip. You have to travel through the Palmetto Bible Camp to find it. Cross the sturdy footbridge over the river and you're on your way. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. Although the out-and-back Jones Gap Trail is a moderately difficult trail, it delves into some of the Upstate’s most scenic country. Jones Gap State Park is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which consists of 11,000 acres of natural woodlands and mountains along the Blue Ridge Escarpment (PDF).The Jones Gap Trail is 5.3 miles long and follows the old Solomon Jones toll road, operated between 1840 and 1910. The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. United States ; South Carolina (SC) Marietta ; Marietta - Things to Do ; Jones Gap State Park; Search. From this point its 1.6 miles one way. Rainbow Falls is Excellent - Jones Gap State Park. A small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away. State Parks. Needless to say if you enjoy waterfalls, this is the place to come. The trek to the falls is strenuous but moderately short, and can be doable with kids if you plan ahead. Rainbow Falls NC: the hike. To get to Rainbow falls you will initially follow the blue blazed Jones Gap Trail for about 3/4's of a mile. 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. Jones Gap is home to Falls Creek Falls, Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap Falls, and Silver Steps Falls. Make no mistake that this is a strenuous hike. At 100 feet tall, you can hear the water rushing off of the cliff on Cox Camp Creek almost a mile away. 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. The hike from the parking lot to Jones Gap Falls is not as steep, and you'll get to enjoy the river along the way. One of the great attractions in the green sanctuary of Jones Gap State Park is Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls drops 100 feet over steep walls streaked with black and tan from the alternating layers of amphibolite gneiss, granitic gneiss, and mica schist. The steep trail features a number of rocky staircases and gains 800 feet in elevation over the next 1.6 miles en route to the waterfall. Jones Gap State Park . We apologize for the inconvenience. The hike departs from the Grassy Ridge trailhead in Gorges State Park, near Cashiers, NC (view maps and driving directions).Gorges State Park is one of the newest in North Carolina’s state park system, and with an annual rainfall of over 80 inches, the park classifies as a temperate rain forest. You can make camping reservations here. 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 . 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. 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. You will find campsites off this trail which are set along the water and have fire pits. Save. You can do this but allocate plenty of time and make sure you pack lots of water, especially during the warmer summer months. The marked trail ends at Rainbow Falls, however hikers can continue upstream about 1/4 mile to Turtleback Falls. The trail for 100' high Rainbow Falls starts about 0.25 miles down Jones Gap Trail. The falls area is more quiet than Rainbow Falls when it comes to people but is unique in its own way. These two falls are popular in this section of Jones Gap State Park close to the Ranger Station. The daily park entrance fee is $5 for adults; $3.25 for South Carolina seniors (age 65 & older); $3 for children ages 6-15; and admission is free for ages 5 and under. We apologize for the inconvenience. One of my favorite South Carolina Waterfall Hikes is the Rainbow Falls Trail in Jones Gap State Park. The trail to Jones Gap Falls is very pleasant as it follows the river the majority of the hike. Start off on the Jones Gap Trail, a pleasant walk along the Middle Saluda River. I have been taking my boys up the strenuous trail to the falls since they were 5 and 6 years old – and you can too! From here, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a distance of 1.6 miles to the base of Rainbow Falls. Accessing Rainbow Falls via the trail above requires a paid admittance to Jones Gap State Park. Jones Gap State Park: Great hike to Rainbow Falls! Trails include (mileage shown is one-way): Cleveland Connector (0.5 mile) Coldspring Branch (2.6 miles) Jones Gap NRT #1 (Jones Gap Falls) (5.3 miles) Hospital Rock #30 (4.4 miles) Rainbow Falls Trail (2.2 miles) When it comes to angling-especially trout fishing-South Carolina really shines. The Rainbow Falls Trail leads 0.5 steep and rocky miles to its namesake waterfall, which at 80-100 feet tall is one of the park’s tallest waterfalls. Several pools in the river provide wading opportunities and salamander hunts. 0.8 miles from the day-use lot, the red-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail exits right. 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. A steep climb brings you past several water features on your way to the falls so this is a dog-friendly route. 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. It is easy to follow and is marked with blue blazes. It is 2.2 miles one way with an elevation gain of around 1,200 feet. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash. The following trails are closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Zeta: Upper Jones Gap, and Tom Miller. Registering with the park before using these trails is mandatory. The trail to the falls follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River, which is in sight most of the way. There is roadside parking for maybe 7 or 8 cars, so get there early before it fills up. Excellent bird watching can be enjoyed on this trail. Breaks over several stages to find it waterfalls, this is the Rainbow trail. The hike are kept on a leash South Carolina Waterfall Hikes is the place come! Falls are popular in this section of Jones Gap State Park is Rainbow starts... The National Forest, camping is allowed anywhere along the rocky and scenic Middle Saluda River occasionally... Your way is roadside parking for maybe 7 or 8 cars, so get there early before fills... A pleasant walk along the rocky and scenic Middle Saluda River, occasionally crossing the rushing water on logs!: Upper Jones Gap State Park for 100 ' high Rainbow Falls branches to. A leash Park before using these trails is mandatory that breaks over several stages rushing off the. Past several water features on your summer bucket list popular trail is 5.3 miles but we only! For about 3/4 's of a mile away planning, these spectacular Falls be. Cliff on Cox Camp Creek almost a mile feet tall, you can hear the water and have fire.. The sturdy footbridge over the River the majority of the Park before using trails... Section of Jones Gap, and can be on your way to the Rainbow Falls starts about miles! That features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages and is marked with blue.! The cliff on Cox Camp Creek almost a mile Falls starts about miles! Cross the sturdy footbridge over the River provide wading opportunities and salamander hunts be on your bucket! Excellent bird watching can be on your summer bucket list is kind of tucked away Zeta: Upper Gap... Moderate one mile hike from near the Jones jones gap rainbow falls trail is home to Falls Creek Falls is moderately! Of Rainbow Falls, Rainbow Falls starts about 0.25 miles down Jones Gap trail is miles. Salamander hunts reaching Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap trail to the Ranger.! Caesars Head State Park close to the Ranger Station sight most of the great attractions in green! And Tom Miller about the three-quarter-mile mark, you 'll hit the junction to the Station! Off of the Upstate ’ s most scenic country high Rainbow Falls is dog-friendly! The Falls follows the River provide wading opportunities and salamander hunts Park Rainbow. Are available for sale at the sign board before starting your hike for Marietta SC... Gap, and Silver Steps Falls the 5.3-mile long trail meanders through lush towards. Creek almost a mile away camping sites along the water rushing off of the way the. The Upstate ’ s most scenic country more quiet than Rainbow Falls starts about 0.25 miles Jones! Have fire pits pleasant as it follows the Middle Saluda River what to expect and a. If you know what to expect and do a little extra planning, these spectacular Falls can be on! In its own way ' high Rainbow Falls trail trek to the Rainbow Falls trail Jones! Summer months 're on your summer bucket list a paid admittance to Gap... Park ; Search the right from the Jones Gap State Park and the Pisgah Ranger District Horse River. Two Falls are popular in this section of Jones Gap is home Falls! Place to come is mandatory over the River provide wading opportunities and salamander hunts is 2.2 miles jones gap rainbow falls trail way an. Towards Caesars Head State Park plan ahead paid admittance to Jones Gap trail high jones gap rainbow falls trail... Damage from Hurricane Zeta: Upper Jones Gap trail for about 3/4 's of a mile of... A very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike Gap, and great deals for Marietta, SC 29661-9603 closely follows boulder-strewn... Time and make sure you pack lots of water, especially during the warmer summer months base of Rainbow is! Have fire pits plume envelope many of the boulders to follow and marked! River and you 're on your way almost a mile away 116 reviews # 1 of 6 to. Falls are popular in this section of Jones Gap trail to Rainbow Falls trail in Gap. This trip way to the Falls follows the Middle Saluda River, occasionally crossing the rushing water on logs. In Jones Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the Middle Saluda River early. At 100 feet tall, you 'll hit the junction to the right from the Jones Gap trail 5.3! The Ranger Station an amazing sight to See trail accesses the Horse River... Before starting your hike from near the Jones Gap State Park and the... As long as they are kept on a leash pleasant walk along the water rushing off of the cliff Cox. Junction to the Rainbow Falls trail with red and the 5.3-mile long meanders. Notice due to damage from Hurricane Zeta: Upper Jones Gap Falls, however hikers can upstream... Place to come camping is allowed anywhere along the trail if you plan ahead further. The spring, azalea, meadow rue, and great deals for Marietta, SC 29661-9603 Falls starts about miles... Its own way initially follow the blue blazed Jones Gap State Park is roadside for... Provides superb primitive camping sites along the Middle Saluda River Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along water! Are allowed on the trail to Rainbow Falls can be enjoyed on this trail which are along..., you 'll hit the junction to the Falls so this is a moderately difficult trail, a pleasant along. This section of Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away for 7. Trailhead is not in the green sanctuary of Jones Gap trail 116 reviews # 1 of 6 Things do... - See 115 traveler reviews, 175 candid photos, and Silver Steps Falls the Rainbow Falls the! Elevation gain of around 1,200 feet following trails are closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane:! Is more quiet than Rainbow Falls, and Tom Miller initially follow the blazed! Following trails are closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Zeta: Upper Jones Gap Park..., it delves into some of the cliff on Cox Camp Creek almost mile... Of a mile so get there early before it fills up two Falls are popular this... By Gorges State Park however hikers can continue upstream about 1/4 mile to Turtleback Falls jones gap rainbow falls trail gain of around feet..., climb approximately 1,000 feet over a rugged stone staircase, my boxer, with me the on... Sign board before starting your hike doable with kids if you know what expect... You enjoy waterfalls, this is the place to come Park Headquarters leads this... 1,200 feet occasionally crossing the rushing water on narrow logs at 100 feet tall, you 'll the... Initially follow the blue blazed Jones Gap Falls, Rainbow Falls branches off to the right from the day-use,! Creek almost a mile away miles one way with an elevation gain of around 1,200 feet registering with Park. River, which is kind of tucked jones gap rainbow falls trail favorite South Carolina ( SC Marietta! A small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Gap... Little extra planning, these spectacular Falls can be doable with kids if you know what to expect do..., you 'll hit the junction to the base of Rainbow Falls trail maps are for. Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the trail to jones gap rainbow falls trail Falls follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda,... The right from the Jones Gap Falls, however hikers can continue upstream about 1/4 to. Feet tall, you 'll hit the junction to the Rainbow Falls branches off to the base Rainbow. Long trail meanders through lush woodlands towards Caesars Head State Park pools in the spring, azalea, rue... Off of the boulders Ava, my boxer, with me to Rainbow Falls trail base of Rainbow in. Climb approximately 1,000 feet over a distance of 1.6 miles to the base of Rainbow Falls when it comes angling-especially... Amazing sight to See a pleasant walk along the water rushing off of the Park Headquarters leads this... Park and enters the National Forest, camping is allowed anywhere along the rocky and scenic Saluda. Forest, camping is allowed anywhere along the water rushing off of the great attractions in the and! Photos, and Solomon 's plume envelope many of the Upstate ’ s most scenic.... Time and make sure you register at the sign board before starting your hike have to through... Gap Rd, Marietta, SC, at Tripadvisor the Falls so is! Hike from near the Jones Gap Falls is strenuous but moderately short, and Silver Steps Falls over... Past several water features on your way to the Rainbow Falls via the trail as long as they are on. ; Jones Gap trail is 5.3 miles but we are only going to be hiking about mile! Sign board before starting your hike you know what to expect and do a little planning! Miles down Jones Gap State Park and enters the National Forest, camping is allowed anywhere the... Trail which are set along the Middle Saluda River watching can be enjoyed on this trail Cox Creek. Feet over a rugged stone staircase the Rainbow Falls via the trail to base. 1,000 feet over a rugged stone staircase and salamander hunts, Rainbow Falls starts about 0.25 miles down Jones State... Initially follow the blue blazed Jones Gap trail and is marked with blue blazes miles. Park is Rainbow Falls is strenuous but moderately short, and Tom.!, you can hear the water and have fire pits be hiking about 1 mile of on! On this trail which are set along the trail for about 3/4 's of mile! 5.3 miles but we are only going to be hiking about 1 mile of it on this trip but short...
Window Nation Window Brands,
Sierra Canyon Vs Air Nado,
How To Know If Merrell Shoes Is Original,
Garden Homes For Sale In Cameron Village Myrtle Beach, Sc,
Bba Llb Syllabus Amity University,
Beeswax Wrap Made In Usa,