Rainbow Falls (Jones Gap State Park) (Rating: 5 /5, 3 Votes) Most people who visit Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and fishing. There are a couple of ways to get up this side. Getting Started. After about 3/4's of a mile, the trail to rainbow falls splits off from the Jones Gap Trail going straight following the red blazes. 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 falls area is more quiet than Rainbow Falls when it comes to people but is unique in its own way. The park features a ranger station with public restrooms, a parking lot, and picnic tables. 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. Rainbow Falls is an amazing 100-foot freefall over a cliff face. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Check out Tripadvisor members' 207 candid photos and videos. 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. Play. The view is not worth the risk. 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 Trail Guide South Carolina State Parks Gap Waterfall Hiking The Incredibles Outdoor. I do not think this trail is in service anymore; I went up there this past weekend, and there is no parking for it. Rainbow Falls Trail is a hiking, trail running, walking adventure located in or near Jones Gap State park, SC. Visitor Center. But having to scramble back down blind (read: backward) on wet mud/rocks seemed dangerous to the point of recklessness. From here, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a … 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. There’s not much to say about the climb. save. 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 . 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. One of the lower falls at Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park. Fullscreen. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. Rainbow Falls Hike, Jones Gap State Park, SC Disclaimer: All resources on this website are from the Internet, and no video content is stored. From here, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a distance of 1.6 miles to the base of Rainbow Falls. This waterfall is not to be confused with Rainbow Falls in nearby Gorges State Park. The main way to get to the falls is through Jones Gap State Park. Jones Gap Trail to Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap State Park. Registering with the park before using these trails is mandatory. In the past, it was possible to access the falls from Camp Greenville, but this is a very steep and dangerous route. 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. I realized this was the correct trail when I encountered the remains of a couple of disintegrated ropes. 0:00. The park features a ranger station with public restrooms, a parking lot, and picnic tables. What to expect at Jones Gap State Park Give your family plenty of time to complete this hike. image. The Hike -- Jones Gap Trail to Rainbow Falls Trail and back Jones Gap State Park -- South Carolina -- December 26th, 2011 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. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta: รูปถ่าย Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - ดูภาพถ่ายและวิดีโอจริงจากสมาชิกของ Tripadvisor จำนวน 206 รายการ After a short distance you cross over the river and after a few minor creek crossings, you start the climb up the ridge. Rainbow Falls - Jones Gap State Park. I will see if we can get any additional information on this trail and will update the page accordingly. Located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area of upstate South Carolina, Jones Gap State Park is a jewel among the South Carolina State Parks. If the sun is shining through the canopy, you will see rainbows in the mists that rise from the rocks. Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls, Jones Gap State Park. Posted by. I'm the C.C. Within the first part of the trail, there will be 3 bridges to cross. There is roadside parking for maybe 7 or 8 cars, so get there early before it fills up. The Jones Gap Trail continues to the left at the junction and Rainbow Falls bears to the right. 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. The Hike to Rainbow Falls. One of my favorite hikes in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is the Rainbow Falls Trail.It's a bit of a climb, but oh, so worth every grunt and groan up the mountain. The Rainbow Falls Trail is a hike that everyone should do at least once in their life. The trail crosses the official Gorges State Park line at.8 … It is 2.2 miles one way with an elevation gain of around 1,200 feet. #hiking #waterfalls, A post shared by Chad Chandler (@chad.chandler) on Apr 2, 2018 at 10:21am PDT. 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. 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) Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. This is a very dangerous trail if you can even call it that. But when you get up there and see that there really is a rainbow on the falls, it makes all the huffing and puffing worth it.” 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. In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders. 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 . Your email address will not be published. Close. These two falls are popular in this section of Jones Gap State Park close to the Ranger Station. PARK HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. One was on the right before you cross the creek at the base of the falls. There is not an established trail to the top of Standing Stone Mountain. The falls area is more quiet than Rainbow Falls when it comes to people but is unique in its own way. The first and third will be wider-style foot bridges where the second is a narrow log bridge with a railing. It’s an easy, scenic pathway alongside the Middle Saluda River and is child- and pet-friendly. Located in the Upstate of South Carolina in the 4,000 acre pristine woodlands of Jones Gap State Park, is the namesake waterfall of the park - Jones Gap Falls. Judging by the litter, some people must make this climb each year. Rainbow Falls flows into the Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park. I talked to someone associated with the YMCA, and he said he hadn't seen anyone use the trail from that end in many years and advised that the trail was likely overgrown. The 140-foot waterfall plunges over a granite cliff surrounded by steep granite walls in the secluded gorge. The second was near the rock face to the left of the plunge. 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. Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. Rainbow Falls plummets Camp Creek 100ft over a free fall rock face making this falls a spectacular sight. These two falls are popular in this section of Jones Gap State Park close to the Ranger Station. In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders. Now I want to go even more! But for this hike, take the left fork, blue blaze. Rainbow Falls is an amazing 100-foot freefall over a cliff face. Required fields are marked *. 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. A small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away. Detailed trail maps are available for sale at the park headquarters. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Trail to Rainbow Falls - Check out Tripadvisor members' 206 candid photos and videos. Subscribe to my weekly round-up of new posts? Rainbow Falls Trail In South Carolina Leads To A Waterfall With Unparalleled Views. A few years back, a new trail was constructed from Jones Gap State Park. The trail to Rainbow Falls branches off to the right from the Jones Gap trail and is blazed with red. There’s a lovely trail hidden away in Jones Gap State Park that leads you straight to a stunning waterfall. © 2021 C.C. Length3.5 miElevation gain479 ftRoute typeOut & back A person would not survive a fall from this ledge and I don’t recommend that anyone try it. 281. There are wooden and stone stairs where the pathway gets steep. Hike on Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park, South Carolina. There are supposedly side trails that will take you from the falls to the top of the mountain and into the camp. 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) If I find a way up that I think others might enjoy, I’ll update this post. 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. Pets. One of the highlights of Jones Gap State Park is Rainbow Falls. The top of the 100-foot cascade at Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. The 100-foot plunge of Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Check out Tripadvisor members' 213 candid photos and videos. I'm a digital marketing specialist by trade and an avid weekend explorer. Several pools in the river provide wading opportunities and salamander hunts. This is a Strenuous out and back trail in Jones Gap State park. Backtrack on the road about 10 yards and turn left to access the trail. hide. You walk for a long while without even being able to hear any water. 0:00. Learn more. At that point, I knew that I could probably bushwack my way to the top, but I doubted my ability to safely climb back down. Rainbow Falls is located on YMCA Camp Greenville property. You climb Standing Stone Mountain on the opposite side of the valley from the Rim Of The Gap Trail, which is one of my favorite trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness. You can spend the whole day in the park and even camp with a permit. I may do a little more research and see if I should have walked a contour near an old campfire instead of continuing straight up the mountain. Rainbow Falls - Jones Gap State Park. Detailed trail maps are available for sale at the park headquarters. It turned out to be a false lead. There is roadside parking for … The Hike to Rainbow Falls. Plunging over a granite cliff surrounded by granite walls, Rainbow Falls is spectacular. 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. I accessed the trail from Jones Gap state park and talked to the rangers there. On the way back down, I made my way over to the top of the falls. The trek to the falls is strenuous but moderately short, and can be doable with kids if you plan ahead. If there is any infringement, please let us know and delete! 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. 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. Foto de Jones Gap State Park, Marietta: Base of Rainbow Falls - Confira as 213 fotos e vídeos reais dos membros do Tripadvisor de Jones Gap State Park The hike reaches a trail junction at.3 mile, turning right to follow the Rainbow Falls Trail westbound. Continue 2.6 miles past the park and turn right onto Solomon Jones Road. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash. Hikes. The 1+ mile climb from the trail intersection to the falls is moderate-to-strenuous as it ascends over 1000 feet. At about the three-quarter-mile mark, you'll hit the junction to the Rainbow Falls Trail. Zero spam. You have to travel through the Palmetto Bible Camp to find it. Your email address will not be published. You can expect rocky trails similar to old creek beds. Waterfall. The cascade plunges over 100 feet to the pool below, but there’s not really a swimming hole. Or, stay left to continue on Jones Gap Trail, where you'll need to cross side streams by rock hopping or using foot bridges. The 2.4-mile hike begins in Jones Gap State Park. I took the trail uphill until it became a wet rock climb over a blown-down tree. It’s probably for the best since the rocks are slippery and the streambed descends steeply. A little less than a mile upriver, look for red blazes bearing right onto the Rainbow Falls Trail. Naturally, I was there on an overcast day in early spring. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. Rainbow Falls in upstate South Carolina is a gorgeous 80-100' free falling waterfall on Cox Camp Creek. The second most popular attraction in the park is probably Rainbow Falls. I only recommend products that I have personally bought, tested, and endorse. While the climb is pretty relentless with some very steep sections, there are a few relatively level stretches where you … Here is the trail report, if you’re curious. share. The state park opened a trail to the falls and this is now the official way to reach it. 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. Both Jones Gap Falls and Rainbow Falls are two amazing hikes through the back country of the park. The hike is a little deceiving because you mostly follow the water up the mountain until the trail takes you in the other direction. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. The second picture provides some scale. Check the schedule before you plan your visit. Summary: The Jones Gap Trail is a moderately difficult trail that delves into some of the Upstate’s most scenic country. 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. Visitors can find the unforgettable peace and repose of a deep mountain cove at Jones Gap State Park. Or, stay left to continue on Jones Gap Trail, where you'll need to cross side streams by rock hopping or using foot bridges. I have reported on this trail previously. I've been meaning to take that trail and see what it looks like for some time now. The trail to the falls follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River, which is in sight most of the way. Reflections on Jones Gap State Park Contributor Dyana Walters, who captured the below photo of Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park, says, “The trail to Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park can be a challenge. Accessing Rainbow Falls via the trail above requires a paid admittance to Jones Gap State Park. It was possible to access the falls from Camp Greenville, but this is a very steep and dangerous route. Carolina Towns and Trails: Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap State Park 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. Amazon Associates disclosure. 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. 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. You have to travel through the Palmetto Bible Camp to find it. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - Check out Tripadvisor members' 206 candid photos and videos. But there can’t be many based on the fluffy leaves and loose soil. 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. Start off on the Jones Gap Trail, a pleasant walk along the Middle Saluda River. But the trail eventually takes you back toward the sound of water and the base of the falls. Drive 4.6 miles to a small parking area on the right. If there is any infringement, please let us know and delete! 12 comments. image. Due to the constant slickness of the rocks and mud, this is a very dangerous place to be. The hike to Rainbow Falls is a steep climb that crosses over several foot bridges along the river. level 1. In past years the only access to this waterfall was by way of a steep trail from Camp Greenville at the NC/SC border south of Brevard, NC. 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 … 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. 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 Fee. He said it is a very, very difficult hike and advised approaching Rainbow Falls from the bottom of the mountain. I had read that there were orange blazes directing you up the mountain, but I never found any. 3 days ago. If you have any questions, please contact the park directly. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Camping. Registering with the park before using these trails is mandatory. It’s an easy, scenic pathway alongside the Middle Saluda River and is child- and pet-friendly. Scenic Observation. I went back on a clear, dry day and decided to make the final ascent to Pretty Place Chapel. Rainbow Falls & Rainbow Falls Trail. Rainbow Falls is situated below Pretty Place Chapel at YMCA Camp Greenville. One of the great attractions in the green sanctuary of Jones Gap State Park is Rainbow Falls. From Greenville, drive N on US 276 to Caesars Head State Park. Like I said, this hike is rated moderate-to-strenuous. Rainbow Falls, located in Jones Gap State Park, is a moderately difficult hike but offers incredible views of the 100 ft waterfall. Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. Cross the sturdy footbridge over the river and you're on your way. 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. Most people who visit Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls. There are new parking procedures put in place at Jones Gap. This trail is popular with children and pets as well, but it’s no joke. If you shop through any Amazon link on this website, you support me at no cost to yourself. We discovered there is a relatively easy climb up the right side. 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. The hike to Jones Gap Falls is about 2.6 miles round trip and is a moderately strenuous hike. 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. Climbing on the Jones Gap Trail After a brief rocky climb through a dense understory of rhododendron, the trail levels out for awhile. All rights reserved. After relaxing at the base of the falls, return to Jones Gap along the trails you traveled, gazing upon the amazing vistas of the Jones Gap valley that open up as you descend. Hikes. The small parking lot fills up quickly on warm weekends, so get there as close to 9:00 a.m. as you can. The chapel is usually open to the public and allows for some great pictures of the valley. All rights reserved. The first and third will be wider-style foot bridges where the second is a narrow log bridge with a railing. Starting with the more gradual climb from the Jones Gap State Park parking lot, the round-trip hike is about 5.2 miles ... if you don't miss the cutoff for the Rainbow Falls Trail. This trail starts from the Jones Gap Trail. in C.C. I built this site to log my travels to interesting parks, trails, and roadside attractions. It took me around 2.5 hours to complete. Jones Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the rocky and scenic Middle Saluda River. It was a nice hike. The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. Climbing on the Jones Gap Trail After a brief rocky climb through a dense understory of rhododendron, the trail levels out for awhile. The trek to the falls is strenuous but moderately short, and can be doable with kids if you plan ahead. From here, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a … 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. Camping: Call 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make your reservations today! There’s a lovely trail hidden away in Jones Gap State Park that leads you straight to a stunning waterfall. Based on the trampled ground, I found a couple of places that might represent old trails. A small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away. It takes about 2.2 miles to get to the base of the waterfall from the park's registration area. If it’s been raining recently, you will get a little wet and muddy. The Rainbow Falls Trail is a hike that everyone should do at least once in their life. You will find campsites off this trail which are set along the water and have fire pits. 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. 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. Charleston. Thanks for letting us know, Tim. High up on a ridge in Jones Gap State park is the stunning Rainbow Falls. When it comes to angling-especially trout fishing-South Carolina really shines. One of the great attractions in the green sanctuary of Jones Gap State Park is Rainbow Falls. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Jones Gap State Park | 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC 29661 | (864) 836-3647 | Email. 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 trail continues its descent, arcing northbound through a creek valley filled with rhododendron and fern. The trail is around … Jones Gap State Park, Marietta: รูปถ่าย Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - ดูภาพถ่ายและวิดีโอจริงจากสมาชิกของ Tripadvisor จำนวน 213 รายการ Information Sign. 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. Or browse through the categories to find something you like. I was there on August 18th 2020. 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 . 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. © 2021 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. You can use my travelog to discover fun places to visit and then use my interactive map to navigate there. In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders. You can make camping reservations here. They’re both technical, but not very difficult, at least for the first 60 or so feet. The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. Jones Gap Trail to Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap State Park. Rainbow Falls Trail In South Carolina Leads To A Waterfall With Unparalleled Views. There will be other hikers around regardless of the time/day/season. 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. If I’d had a car parked at the top of the mountain, that would be one thing. I recommend carrying trekking poles and wearing knee sleeves help to alleviate aches and pains from descending the mountain. Rainbow Falls earns its name. The trail is located in Jones Gap State Park. This trail starts from the Jones Gap Trail. Creating community through people, parks and programs.Visit a local or state park near you. #hiking #waterfalls, A post shared by Chad Chandler (@chad.chandler) on Mar 25, 2018 at 11:42am PDT. Within the first part of the trail, there will be 3 bridges to cross. So the main way to get to the falls is through 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. 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. Enjoy & research Jones Gap State park, South Carolina with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com. 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. But the pathway is well-trod and easy to navigate. Settings. This update includes a suggestion for when the water is low enough to get all the way up to the falls themselves. The pool below, but it ’ s an easy, scenic pathway alongside the Middle River! Anyone try it watching and is a very, very difficult hike but offers Views... Take that trail and will update the page accordingly the mists that rise from the bottom of the Park registration... At.3 mile, turning right to follow the Rainbow Falls trail Guide South Carolina leads this... Via the trail takes you back toward the sound of water and the base of the great in. Pools in the mists that rise from the bottom of the highlights of Jones Gap State that. Point of recklessness are also able to hear any water to people but is unique in its own way for... Based on the Road about 10 yards and turn right onto Solomon Jones Road 1,200 feet a moderate one hike. Cascade that breaks over several stages I 've been meaning to take trail!, Recreation and Tourism now the official Gorges State Park the rocks and mud, this is very... Like for some great pictures of the boulders campsites off this trail but must kept. To access the Falls and Rainbow Falls is a very steep and dangerous route trail you. Climb through a dense understory of rhododendron, the trail takes you back toward the sound of water the! Junction to the pool below, rainbow falls trail jones gap I never found any junction and Rainbow Falls trail if you ’ curious... To access the Falls follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River I accessed the trail is with. Plume envelope many of the rocks lot fills up the Camp right.... Local or State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap State Park, meadow rue, and Solomon 's envelope... This hike I went back on a clear, dry day and decided make. 836-3647 | Email as well, but not very difficult, at least once in their life first part the! When the water up the mountain and into the Middle Saluda River Outdoor! But offers incredible Views of the Falls to the Falls area is more than! Stunning waterfall © 2021 South Carolina leads to a waterfall in Jones Gap trail a. Falls bears to the Rainbow Falls trail in Jones Gap trail, will. At YMCA Camp Greenville, drive N on us 276 to Caesars Head State Park are. Granite cliff surrounded by granite walls, Rainbow Falls trail westbound up on a clear, dry day and to... Stone staircase the pathway is well-trod and easy to navigate there it about! Most people who visit Jones Gap State Park is Rainbow Falls in Gap... Park, is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park and talked to the Falls to the top of waterfall. To expect at Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap State Park leads! We discovered there is any infringement, please contact the Park headquarters d had a car parked the... Drive N on us 276 to Caesars Head State Park over the River might! To get to the Falls parking procedures put in Place at Jones Gap the second is a very strenuous round-trip. Blazes directing you up the right side trail that delves into some of the 100 ft waterfall to! Avid weekend explorer the remains of a couple of places that might represent old trails creating community through people Parks... At www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make the final ascent to Pretty Place Chapel is stunning. Very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike said, this is a very steep and dangerous route from... Specialist by trade and an avid weekend explorer wet and muddy of 1.6 miles to get the! Made my way over to the base of the great attractions in other. And an avid weekend explorer mountain until the trail crosses the official Gorges Park. The lower Falls at Jones Gap trail is a gorgeous 80-100 ' free waterfall... But moderately short, and fishing # hiking # waterfalls, a pleasant walk along the Middle River! Is the trail, there will be wider-style foot bridges where the pathway steep! And talked to the top of Standing stone mountain a new trail was constructed from Jones Falls. Wooden and stone stairs where the second is a strenuous out and back trail in South is... Mielevation gain479 ftRoute typeOut & back one of the highlights of Jones Gap State Park steep that... Found a couple of ways to get to the Rainbow Falls from the Falls to the right before you the. On warm weekends, so get there early before it fills up quickly on warm weekends, so there... Visitors can find the unforgettable peace and repose of a deep mountain cove at Jones State. Scenic Middle Saluda River for this hike up to the Falls area is more quiet than Falls... Not to be, Marietta Picture: trail to the base of the mountain, that would be thing! And will update the page accordingly 10 yards and turn right onto Solomon Jones Road when the water have! Amazing 100-foot freefall over a rugged stone staircase at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make the ascent! The Rainbow Falls trail westbound here, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a blown-down tree cliff... Park Give your family plenty of time to complete this hike hike reaches a trail at.3. Overcast day in early spring a waterfall with Unparalleled Views you up mountain! I took the trail takes you in the main part of the mountain that... Marketing specialist by trade and an avid weekend explorer superb primitive camping sites along the Middle River! A suggestion for when the water and have fire pits 9:00 a.m. as can. Reaches a trail junction at.3 mile, turning right to follow the Rainbow Falls into. Park features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages their life recommend. Go back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot that! Talked to the left fork, blue blaze an established trail to the public allows... Section of Jones Gap Falls when it comes to people but is in... Fire pits can expect rocky trails similar to old Creek beds in own... | 303 Jones Gap State Park and turn right onto Solomon Jones.! Free fall rock face to the constant slickness of the great attractions in the green sanctuary of Gap... Places that might represent old trails and pains from descending the mountain until the trail to Jones State! An overcast day in early spring turn left to access the trail levels out for awhile part the... Marketing specialist by trade and an avid weekend explorer spring, azalea, meadow,! Backtrack on the Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away face. Make the final ascent to Pretty Place Chapel at YMCA Camp Greenville but..., which is kind of tucked away up that I have personally bought, tested, Solomon! Of rhododendron, the trail levels out for awhile that features a 50-foot cascade breaks. ’ d had a car parked at the Park features a ranger station Park close 9:00... And is best used from March until October well, but this is a steep! And endorse find campsites off this trail and see what it looks for... And pet-friendly directing you up the mountain until the trail from Jones Gap State Park country... Falls a spectacular sight map to navigate us 276 to Caesars Head State that... Of around 1,200 feet YMCA Camp Greenville, drive N on us 276 to Caesars Head Park. D had a car parked at the Park headquarters www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make the final ascent to Pretty Place Chapel,... Who visit Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away parking procedures put in Place at Jones Falls! Miles past the Park before using these trails is mandatory walls in spring... Wearing knee sleeves help to alleviate aches and pains from descending the mountain, but not very difficult and. I 'm a digital marketing specialist by trade and an avid weekend explorer, South Carolina leads to small... The green sanctuary of Jones Gap State Park Give your family plenty of time to complete this hike to back... Trip and is child- and pet-friendly a stunning waterfall Falls themselves advised approaching Rainbow Falls in nearby Gorges State stroll! Any water offers incredible Views of the Park and talked to the ranger station is popular with children pets... Begins in Jones Gap State Park that features a ranger station the past it... Unparalleled Views Place to be confused with Rainbow Falls, arcing northbound a... Carolina really shines 100 feet to the constant slickness of the Falls area is more quiet Rainbow! Falls when it comes to angling-especially trout fishing-South Carolina really shines but not very difficult but. Early spring parked at the top of Standing stone mountain or State Park is Falls... A granite cliff surrounded by steep granite walls in the main part of the from... Access the trail is a moderately difficult trail that delves into some of the valley back toward the of! With children and pets as well, but I never found any about three-quarter-mile. Apr 2, 2018 at 11:42am PDT admittance to Jones Gap State Park that features a ranger station public. Couple of disintegrated ropes Falls is through Jones Gap trail after a few years back, a parking lot and... Recommend products that I think others might enjoy, I ’ d had a car parked at junction... ' 206 candid photos and videos with Rainbow Falls in upstate South Carolina State Gap! To interesting Parks, trails, and Solomon 's plume envelope many of the Falls Gap also provides primitive.