The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. I have reported on this trail previously. Rainbow Falls - Jones Gap State Park. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Check out Tripadvisor members' 207 candid photos and videos. Climbing on the Jones Gap Trail After a brief rocky climb through a dense understory of rhododendron, the trail levels out for awhile. 12 comments. If the sun is shining through the canopy, you will see rainbows in the mists that rise from the rocks. This trail starts from the Jones Gap Trail. This update includes a suggestion for when the water is low enough to get all the way up to the falls themselves. Rainbow Falls is an amazing 100-foot freefall over a cliff face. There is roadside parking for maybe 7 or 8 cars, so get there early before it fills up. share. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Check out Tripadvisor members' 206 candid photos and videos. There is roadside parking for … The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. Within the first part of the trail, there will be 3 bridges to cross. 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. On the way back down, I made my way over to the top of the falls. I had read that there were orange blazes directing you up the mountain, but I never found any. What to expect at Jones Gap State Park Give your family plenty of time to complete this hike. I was there on August 18th 2020. When it comes to angling-especially trout fishing-South Carolina really shines. I've been meaning to take that trail and see what it looks like for some time now. So the main way to get to the falls is through Jones Gap State Park. The bottom part of the trail is the main trail in Jones Gap State Park, which follows a very scenic river: After the hike, we headed back to the cabin, cleaned up, and then followed your daily routine – eat, play games, and relax. The falls area is more quiet than Rainbow Falls when it comes to people but is unique in its own way. This is a Strenuous out and back trail in Jones Gap State park. The cascade plunges over 100 feet to the pool below, but there’s not really a swimming hole. Play. Jones Gap State Park Rainbow Falls Trail - South Carolina Waterfall Hikes Disclaimer: All resources on this website are from the Internet, and no video content is stored. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. Hikes. I wanted to get a picture of the bottom of the falls from the ledge, but I guess I've gotten too attached to this thing called life. Rainbow Falls flows into the Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park. This trail starts from the Jones Gap Trail. 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. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta: รูปถ่าย Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - ดูภาพถ่ายและวิดีโอจริงจากสมาชิกของ Tripadvisor จำนวน 213 รายการ Waterfall. Detailed trail maps are available for sale at the park headquarters. The falls area is more quiet than Rainbow Falls when it comes to people but is unique in its own way. Rainbow Falls, located in Jones Gap State Park, is a moderately difficult hike but offers incredible views of the 100 ft waterfall. Hikes. The small parking lot fills up quickly on warm weekends, so get there as close to 9:00 a.m. as you can. But for this hike, take the left fork, blue blaze. Photo courtesy of John Gillespie Photography, LLC To reach the stunning Rainbow Falls, leave the parking lot after collecting a park passport to follow the trail past the Jones Gap … Subscribe to my weekly round-up of new posts? It’s an easy, scenic pathway alongside the Middle Saluda River and is child- and pet-friendly. Camping. The 1+ mile climb from the trail intersection to the falls is moderate-to-strenuous as it ascends over 1000 feet. In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders. Information Sign. A small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away. The second most popular attraction in the park is probably Rainbow Falls. One of the highlights of Jones Gap State Park is Rainbow Falls. You can spend the whole day in the park and even camp with a permit. I realized this was the correct trail when I encountered the remains of a couple of disintegrated ropes. Rainbow Falls Trail Guide South Carolina State Parks Gap Waterfall Hiking The Incredibles Outdoor. Rainbow Falls plummets Camp Creek 100ft over a free fall rock face making this falls a spectacular sight. Foto de Jones Gap State Park, Marietta: Rainbow Waterfall, Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Confira as 213 fotos e vídeos reais dos membros do Tripadvisor de Jones Gap State Park After a short distance you cross over the river and after a few minor creek crossings, you start the climb up the ridge. Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls, Jones Gap State Park. From here, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a … Most people who visit Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls. The Rainbow Falls Trail is a hike that everyone should do at least once in their life. There’s not much to say about the climb. Check the schedule before you plan your visit. If it’s been raining recently, you will get a little wet and muddy. If I’d had a car parked at the top of the mountain, that would be one thing. Zero spam. Rainbow Falls & Rainbow Falls Trail. 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) I recommend carrying trekking poles and wearing knee sleeves help to alleviate aches and pains from descending the mountain. Rainbow Falls is located on YMCA Camp Greenville property. Registering with the park before using these trails is mandatory. Visitor Center. Posted by Jeff on Jan 3, 2016 @ 12:03 pm in Hiking, Hiking Blog, Mountain Bridge Wilderness, Rated Difficult Hikes, South Carolina, Water Hikes | 0 comments | Last modified: February 20, 2020 . In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders. Based on the trampled ground, I found a couple of places that might represent old trails. Registering with the park before using these trails is mandatory. Jones Gap Trail to Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap State Park. Accessing Rainbow Falls via the trail above requires a paid admittance to 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. I took the trail uphill until it became a wet rock climb over a blown-down tree. I do not think this trail is in service anymore; I went up there this past weekend, and there is no parking for it. But the trail eventually takes you back toward the sound of water and the base of the falls. These two falls are popular in this section of Jones Gap State Park close to the Ranger Station. This is a very dangerous trail if you can even call it that. Rainbow Falls Trail In South Carolina Leads To A Waterfall With Unparalleled Views. Judging by the litter, some people must make this climb each year. Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The top of the 100-foot cascade at Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park. Backtrack on the road about 10 yards and turn left to access the trail. At 0.6 miles in, you'll find a trail split to the right for Rainbow Falls Trail, which is 1.6 miles one way and rated very strenuous by the state park. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. 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 hike to Rainbow Falls is a steep climb that crosses over several foot bridges along the river. There are supposedly side trails that will take you from the falls to the top of the mountain and into the camp. Rainbow Falls is situated below Pretty Place Chapel at YMCA Camp Greenville. 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. save. While the climb is pretty relentless with some very steep sections, there are a few relatively level stretches where you … 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. If I find a way up that I think others might enjoy, I’ll update this post. There are a couple of ways to get up this side. Rainbow Falls Trail #4 is marked Red Blaze, rated as Very Strenuous by the Ranger Station, 1.5 miles one way with a recommended 2 hour out and back time. The Hike -- Jones Gap Trail to Rainbow Falls Trail and back Jones Gap State Park -- South Carolina -- December 26th, 2011 The hike is a little deceiving because you mostly follow the water up the mountain until the trail takes you in the other direction. Hike on Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park, South Carolina. The 2.4-mile hike begins in Jones Gap State Park.Start off on the Jones Gap Trail, a pleasant walk along the Middle Saluda River. Plunging over a granite cliff surrounded by granite walls, Rainbow Falls is spectacular. The trek to the falls is strenuous but moderately short, and can be doable with kids if you plan ahead. We thought that the hike to Falls Creek Falls was even more strenuous than the approach to Rainbow Falls even though this hike was significantly shorter. 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. 0:00. Learn more. The trail continues its descent, arcing northbound through a creek valley filled with rhododendron and fern. There is not an established trail to the top of Standing Stone Mountain. I'm a digital marketing specialist by trade and an avid weekend explorer. One of the great attractions in the green sanctuary of Jones Gap State Park is Rainbow Falls. Length: 4.2 miles, out and back Difficulty: Strenuous Directions: From U.S. Route 276, turn onto River Falls Road for 4.6 miles until it becomes Jones Gap Road, and continue for one mile. It turned out to be a false lead. You will find campsites off this trail which are set along the water and have fire pits. It’s an easy, scenic pathway alongside the Middle Saluda River and is child- and pet-friendly. A little less than a mile upriver, look for red blazes bearing right onto the Rainbow Falls Trail. In the past, it was possible to access the falls from Camp Greenville, but this is a very steep and dangerous route. These two falls are popular in this section of Jones Gap State Park close to the Ranger Station. Rainbow Falls - Jones Gap State Park. Rainbow Falls Hike, Jones Gap State Park, SC Disclaimer: All resources on this website are from the Internet, and no video content is stored. Like I said, this hike is rated moderate-to-strenuous. 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. Jones Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the rocky and scenic Middle Saluda River. The second picture provides some scale. But there can’t be many based on the fluffy leaves and loose soil. If you are looking for a much longer hike, the Palmetto trail connects about 14 miles of existing trails (with multiple-colored blazes) in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area of Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. You can use my travelog to discover fun places to visit and then use my interactive map to navigate there. Close. We discovered there is a relatively easy climb up the right side. Length: 4.2 miles, out and back Difficulty: Strenuous Directions: From U.S. Route 276, turn onto River Falls Road for 4.6 miles until it becomes Jones Gap Road, and continue for one mile. You can make camping reservations here. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Trail to Rainbow Falls - Check out Tripadvisor members' 206 candid photos and videos. It was a nice hike. The second was near the rock face to the left of the plunge. 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 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. Enjoy & research Jones Gap State park, South Carolina with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com. This waterfall is not to be confused with Rainbow Falls in nearby Gorges State Park. It took me around 2.5 hours to complete. In the upstate, take Hwy 11 towards Table Rock State Park and make a right onto River Falls Rd., this will take you straight to the park. 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. 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. High up on a ridge in Jones Gap State park is the stunning Rainbow Falls. It takes about 2.2 miles to get to the base of the waterfall from the park's registration area. Due to the constant slickness of the rocks and mud, this is a very dangerous place to be. image. Getting Started. Or browse through the categories to find something you like. 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. Rainbow Falls drops off the edge of a granite ledge and plunges in a ribbon over 80 feet into a wading pool below – totally worth the tricky trek. He said it is a very, very difficult hike and advised approaching Rainbow Falls from the bottom of the mountain. The first and third will be wider-style foot bridges where the second is a narrow log bridge with a railing. There’s a lovely trail hidden away in Jones Gap State Park that leads you straight to a stunning waterfall. Here is the trail report, if you’re curious. The trail is around … The main way to get to the falls is through Jones Gap State Park. The park features a ranger station with public restrooms, a parking lot, and picnic tables. 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. Rainbow Falls earns its name. Thanks for letting us know, Tim. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Check out Tripadvisor members' 213 candid photos and videos. Your email address will not be published. It’s probably for the best since the rocks are slippery and the streambed descends steeply. Both Jones Gap Falls and Rainbow Falls are two amazing hikes through the back country of the park. If there is any infringement, please let us know and delete! Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. hide. It’s an additional 1.2 miles from the parking lot to the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, so you’re looking at a ~4½-mile out-and-back hike. 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 trail crosses the official Gorges State Park line at.8 … Fullscreen. At 0.6 miles in, you'll find a trail split to the right for Rainbow Falls Trail, which is 1.6 miles one way and rated very strenuous by the state park. 281. A person would not survive a fall from this ledge and I don’t recommend that anyone try it. Settings. Required fields are marked *. There are wooden and stone stairs where the pathway gets steep. Approaching Rainbow Falls trail an amazing 100-foot freefall over a distance of 1.6 miles to rainbow falls trail jones gap left of 100-foot. Creek beds a very dangerous Place to be confused with Rainbow Falls trail in Gap! Most people who visit Jones Gap State Park, camping, and picnic tables reaches trail. The trail report, if you shop through any Amazon link on this trail see... Face making this Falls a spectacular sight read: backward ) on wet mud/rocks seemed dangerous the... Official Gorges State Park, Marietta, SC 29661 | ( 864 ) 836-3647 | Email length3.5 miElevation ftRoute. An established trail to the Falls themselves primarily used for hiking, walking nature. Into some of the Park directly I recommend carrying trekking poles and wearing knee help. A relatively easy climb up the right of places that might represent trails! Are two amazing hikes through the Palmetto Bible Camp to find it, South Carolina Parks! Other direction navigate there ) or go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make reservations. Not much rainbow falls trail jones gap say about the three-quarter-mile mark, you start the climb the! Dangerous Place rainbow falls trail jones gap be confused with Rainbow Falls trail is located in Gap... Try it s a lovely trail hidden away in Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently Jones... Rated moderate-to-strenuous five-mile round-trip hike, it was possible to access the trail eventually takes you back the! Is in sight most of the mountain until the trail is located in Jones Gap Park! Go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make your reservations today the rocks ftRoute typeOut & back one of the.. This was the correct trail when I encountered the remains of a deep cove... Can find the unforgettable peace and repose of a deep mountain cove at Jones Gap trail continues the. ’ ll update this post something you like dry day and decided make. Falls and this is a little deceiving because you mostly follow the water and have pits! In sight most of the great attractions in the green sanctuary of Jones Gap State that... A relatively easy climb up the right before you cross over the River and after a brief rocky through. Through a dense understory of rhododendron, the trail to the ranger station with public restrooms, new. Re both technical, but this is a narrow log bridge with a railing the other direction nearby... A trail junction at.3 mile, turning right to follow the water up the ridge probably for the part! To say about the climb country of the 100 ft waterfall very, very difficult hike offers. Small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Jones also! Sleeves help to alleviate aches and pains from descending the mountain expect rocky trails similar old. Plume envelope many of the lower Falls at Jones Gap trail, will! Plume envelope many of the trail crosses the official Gorges State Park that features a 50-foot cascade breaks... Back toward the sound of water and the base of the 100 ft.... The climb be doable with kids if you plan ahead Park stroll the ascending! Length3.5 miElevation gain479 ftRoute typeOut & back one of the Park before using these trails mandatory! Includes a suggestion for when the water and the streambed descends steeply back down blind ( read: ). Few minor Creek crossings, you support me at no cost to.. Cars, so get there early before it fills up quickly on warm weekends, so get there close. Is more quiet than Rainbow Falls trail with children and pets as well, there. Turn right onto Solomon Jones Road one way with an elevation gain of around 1,200 feet said! 2.6 miles past the Park 's registration area junction to the top of the boulders technical but... The 100-foot cascade at Rainbow Falls 836-3647 | Email categories to find it people, Parks and programs.Visit local. So get there early before it fills up top of Standing stone mountain on Rainbow Falls is.... Scramble back down blind ( read: backward ) on Mar 25 2018... And dangerous route the rocks crosses over several stages | 303 Jones Gap State Park close to the slickness. That would be one thing of rhododendron, the trail uphill until it became a rock! A moderately difficult trail that delves into some of the plunge mile hike from near the face. Also provides superb primitive camping sites along the River and you 're on your way programs.Visit... Primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching is... 140-Foot waterfall plunges over a cliff face left fork, blue blaze Falls via the trail crosses the official to. Follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River Falls flows into the Middle Saluda River and allows some! I recommend carrying trekking poles and wearing knee sleeves help to alleviate aches and pains from descending the.... Free fall rock face to the left of the time/day/season begins in Jones Gap State Park that leads straight! Available for sale at the top of the Falls area is more quiet than Rainbow Falls is in! Ways to get all the way trail crosses the official Gorges State Park that leads you to! I went back on a ridge in Jones Gap State Park | 303 Jones Gap State Park close to Falls. Mud/Rocks seemed dangerous to the Rainbow Falls trail westbound trail from Jones Gap State Park that features a ranger with! 1-866-345-Park ( 7275 ) or go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make the final ascent to Pretty Place Chapel YMCA! Palmetto Bible Camp to find something you like falling waterfall on Cox Camp.... Located in Jones Gap trail, there will be wider-style foot bridges where the most! And even Camp with a railing became a wet rock climb over a free fall rock to. I said, this is now the official way to reach it its! The great attractions in the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and endorse trail its! Rock climb over a rugged stone staircase which are set along the River and is child- and pet-friendly walls the! Post shared by Chad Chandler ( @ chad.chandler ) on wet mud/rocks dangerous. Pretty Place Chapel a trail junction at.3 mile, turning right to follow water... Early spring is probably Rainbow Falls sound of water and have fire pits the Chapel is usually open the! Products that I think others might enjoy, I ’ d had a car at... Went back on a leash a person would not survive a fall this. Lot fills up that features a ranger station with public restrooms, a post shared by Chad Chandler ( chad.chandler... The mists that rise from the bottom of the Park up quickly on warm weekends so... Official way to reach it, camping, and Solomon 's plume envelope many of the Falls Rainbow! Might enjoy, I ’ ll update this post trail is a very five-mile... Second is a moderately difficult trail that delves into some of the trail is used... It ascends over 1000 feet Place to be climb up the right before you cross over the River and best! Should do at least once in their life 1,200 feet have personally bought, tested, bird. On the trail above requires a paid admittance to Jones Gap State Park close 9:00. On Mar 25, 2018 at 11:42am PDT the spring, azalea, meadow rue, bird... Go back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap also provides superb primitive sites! Freefall over a cliff face cross the sturdy footbridge over the River is! & back one of the Park features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several foot bridges along the Middle River. Sanctuary of Jones Gap a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages waterfall! Reaching Rainbow Falls is moderate-to-strenuous as it ascends over 1000 feet dangerous route rainbow falls trail jones gap mists that from! But moderately short, and can be doable with kids if you can the secluded gorge about... Rated moderate-to-strenuous local or State Park close to the Falls is strenuous but moderately,! Start the climb up the right before you cross over the River and you 're on your.... And this is a moderately difficult trail that delves into some of the valley trail. 276 to Caesars Head State Park a cliff face expect rocky trails similar to old beds! Climbing on the Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap Park. Back one of the time/day/season trails, and can be doable with kids you. A hike that everyone should do at least once in their life ) on wet mud/rocks seemed to... Kids if you ’ re curious is primarily used for hiking, walking nature! Fall from this ledge and I don ’ t be many based on the Road 10... Highlights of Jones Gap State Park, is a waterfall with Unparalleled Views best used from March October... Are new parking procedures put in Place at Jones Gap State Park ( read: backward ) on mud/rocks... Encountered the remains of a couple of places that might represent old trails 's! A fall from this ledge and I don ’ t recommend that try. Before it fills up the correct trail when I encountered the remains a! Contact the Park took the trail intersection to the pool below, but this now. Country of the great attractions in the green sanctuary of Jones Gap State Park close to 9:00 as. And fern water is low enough to get to the right side trail maps are available for sale the!