we started out on a hikie on jones gap trail,,,and decided to visit the rainbow falls. after a few strenuous up hill climbs,,,you come to this beautiful water falls,50-75 ft cascading falls over the rocks,,,worth the climb,nice state park.
We visited this park during a recent vacation in Asheville/Greenville and were very impressed. We tried the Falls Creek Falls hike and were impressed by the hike and the falls. Great workout and a beautiful waterfall to explore at the end! Liked it so much we came back the next day and hiked to both Jones Gap Falls and Rainbow Falls. Rainbow falls is spectacular and well worth the effort (3 miles uphill from the parking lot). Jones Gap Falls is much smaller, but still worth the short extra trek (.8 miles). If you like to hike this is the best hiking (by far) we found in the area and highly recommend it.
We stopped here to do the Jones Gap Falls walk and it was a lovely walk along the river and up to falls. We found one geocache but couldn't find the second one at the falls. As Floridians we are challenged by the hiking over rocks committing us to purchase hiking books for our next experience. Great place to picnic too.
There is limited parking. One should probably go early or else later in the day. Park opens at 9am and closes at 7PM. We had 10 cars in from of us when we arrived about noontime. It took about 45 minutes to get to the front of the line and then into the park. There are several trails and waterfalls. Hiking is more strenuous than at Paris Mountain State Park. Waterfalls are gorgeous. Trails are basically rocks, sand, streams, and roots. There are some bridges to cross and lots of nature to see. Glad we did the more strenuous trail to the large falls first. We spent 3 1/2 hours at the park and only managed 2 of the shorter trails.
Jones Gap State Park can be a little hard to get to if you don't know where you are going. It is worth a visit. When you get there, you can stand in the parking lot and look up to see Pretty Place (aka Camp Greenville - the YMCA camp). You will see the cross. Parking can be an issue at certain times of the year. If you can go during the week, then do it, especially if it's not a major holiday. My all time favorite trail is the Jones Gap Trail. Falls Creek Falls up to the water fall is a tough trail but worth it. Falls Creek may not be a good idea for young children though. I did the Falls Creek and Hospital Rock loop and it took me 6 hrs. I had someone drop me off at the Falls Creek entrance and hiked back into the park. Very nice and strenuous hike. The loop is not recommended for in the winter and when it is super hot and humid outside.
We hiked the Rainbow Trail at Jones Gap and had a great time. The trail is challenging, but gives you wonderful scenes as you hike next to a stream and wind your way to the falls. Really enjoyed the hike. Only downside is that parking is limited.
When I arrived I was greeted by a ranger who helped me park my RV. He also was extremely informative about the park and demonstrated expertise in the area. Being handicapped, I could not avail myself of the trails, and there is only primitive camping. However, there is the remains of a fish hatchery and the headwaters of the Saluda River run close by.
What a great adventure. I'd heard but didn't believe that upstate SC had so many great hiking venues....very pleased!
fantastic state park-trails are challenging,great workout.. clean,safe park-wonderful waterfalls.. enjoyed the trout pond. parking lot is too small for a park this size. come early for the lot fills up quickly. nice restrooms and ranger station. beautiful scenery. Go and enjoy. plenty of picnic tables for an enjoyable lunch.
When we arrived at the park there were ten cars ahead of us parked at the gate. There ate only 45 parking spots available at any given time. We choose to wait since we drove forty-five minutes to get there. While waiting to get in you can stretch your legs and look down at an amazing river. Once in the park the sight of the mountain is awe inspiring. The hiking is superb and my husband and I did it with two kids aged 7 & 6. There are lots of rocks and some spots where you cross the river. We had an again time! We can't wait to go again.