The trail on the other side of the creek, marked with the yellow blazes, continues to Jones Gap State Park but is not part of this trail. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! We apologize for the inconvenience. There is roadside parking for maybe 7 or 8 cars, so get there early before it fills up. Take the yellow-blazed Bartram Trail to the right out of the gap, across a couple of fields (views), then down a long gentle descent back of Jones Knob to Whiterock Gap. The terrain is gradually uphill to the falls, with large rocks and stream crossings studding the path the entire way. You'll come to Jones Gap Falls Trail—a very short trail that dead ends at the tucked away falls. The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. Please read this document for detailed information. You can also purchase the same map at Jones Gap, but the Jones Gap park office is rarely open. As always, a stop at the trailhead visitor center was a good idea. Begin the hike on the Jones Gap Trail which follows the river past several primitive campsites. The following trails are closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Zeta: Upper Jones Gap, and Tom Miller. 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). Turn left uphill on the blue blazed Doyles River Trail passing several small pools and falls before crossing a … The Jones Gap Trail was a great deal of fun and full of adventure with log bridges, streams, historic ... really can't beat it for proximity to the Greenville area. After crossing the river on a footbridge and a passing a couple backcountry campsites, a short spur trail to the right leads to the falls. Since it was still early in the day, we decided to continue in a westerly direction to Jones Gap Falls on our first trip. The park features a ranger station with public restrooms, a parking lot, and picnic tables. The following trails are closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Zeta: Upper Jones Gap, and Tom Miller. TRAVEL ADVISORY. Most people who visit Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls.It’s an easy, scenic pathway alongside the Middle Saluda River and is child- and pet-friendly. After about 3/4 of a mile to a mile, the trail splits and you'll want to take the red blazed trail up to the waterfall. It seems longer than it looks on the trail map, perhaps 3/4 mile. Browns Gap Hike. TRAVEL ADVISORY. There are several nice spots by the river to take a break! After 2.5 miles, take the Old Springs Branch Trail (orange) to loop back to the lot. The following trails are closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Zeta: Upper Jones Gap, and Tom Miller. It's a steady ascent which gets quite rocky/rooty at times. I … About 2.3 miles up this road, near the top of a long climb, an unmarked dirt road turns sharp right. Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. We recommend bringing A LOT of water, especially during the summer. The Jones Gap Trail (blue) is an easy to moderate trail following the Saluda river. Visitors can choose from a multitude of trails, including the popular Foothills Trail and Palmetto Trail. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. If you'd like to do a point-to-point, leave a car or get a ride from the end at Geer Highway. Stay right on Jones Gap Trail to head back towards campsites #14 and #15, crossing a small footbridge. MAP LEGEND: Blue Dot = Put In, Red Dot = Take Out (Above map supplied by Wanan W., copyright ©.) It is rated by the Ranger Station as Very Strenuous, 4.3 miles, 4-5 hours to hike and marked with yellow blazes. The Pinnacle Pass Trail begins to … Jones Gap Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on a tributary of Middle Saluda River. My plan was to hike a short stretch of the Jones Gap Trail, and then to hike the Pinnacle Pass Loop by hiking the Pinnacle Pass Trail and the eastern half of the Rim of the Gap Trail. This strenuous hike is best visited in the late spring/early summer when the numerous thickets of mountain laurel and wild azalea are in full bloom. There are new parking procedures put in place at Jones Gap. The trail is part of an old toll road that was constructed by Solomon Jones in 1840 and was in use until 1910. 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. PARK HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. This strenuous hike is best visited in the late spring/early summer when the numerous thickets of mountain laurel and wild azalea are in full bloom. Start out and hike a few yards on the Jones Gap Trail. Trail. Ready for some activity? The deep mountain cove of Jones Gap State Park offers miles of great hiking trails and thousands of acres of beautiful woodlands. Follow this trail, which will take you back up along the Jones Run. This section of the 100 mile long Bartram Trail starts at Jones Gap and heads northwest to Whiterock Mountain with some side trails along the way that offer summit views. The return to Jones Gap Trail was back the way we came. Posted by Jeff on Jan 16, 2012 @ 5:12 pm in Best Hike, Hiking, Hiking Blog, Mountain Bridge Wilderness, Rated Difficult Hikes, South Carolina, Water Hikes | 9 comments | Last modified: February 20, 2020 . You navigate boulders and it is very muddy. Since it was still early in the day, we decided to continue in a westerly direction to Jones Gap Falls on our first trip. 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. Maps & Brochures State park maps and brochures provide you with helpful information and are handy tools to have when you’re planning a visit to any South Carolina state park. #4 - Hospital Rock to Falls Creek Falls Trail, #5 - Jones Gap and Coldspring Branch to Bill Kimball Trail. Jones Gap Falls. Although the out-and-back Jones Gap Trail is a moderately difficult trail, it delves into some of the Upstate’s most scenic country. The terrain is gradually uphill to the falls, with large rocks and stream crossings studding the path the entire way. If you start from Jones Gap State Park, you will begin on the Jones Gap trail for approximately 100 yards, then turn left onto the Rim of the Gap and begin an extreme incline for the first 2.6-miles. After about 3/4 of a mile to a mile, the trail splits and you'll want to take the red blazed trail up to the waterfall. Jones Gap State Park is located in northern Greenville County, SC at the end of Jones Gap Road (also labeled as River Falls Road or County Road 97 on various maps). You have to travel through the Palmetto Bible Camp to find it. Sorry about that! The trail is uphill and there are rocks, tree roots, stairs and narrow parts with steep drop offs. M-Su 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., daily, during daylight savings time and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily, the remainder of the year. From Browns Gap Parking at mile 83, cross Skyline Drive and take Browns Gap Fire Road to its intersection with Doyles River . The trail to the waterfall begins at the kiosk just on the other side of the Middle Saluda River. Add Your Gems. Jones Gap Trail follows the river as it courses its way down through Jones Gap. Note: The hours listed in the Park Info section are extended to 9pm during Daylight Savings Time. The trail was repaired years ago and is in good shape. It is 5.3 miles one-way with multiple backcountry campsites along the river and is rated moderately difficulty and estimated to take 3.5 hours based on the park info. Jones Gap Trail and Coldspring Branch Trail Loop, Jones Gap State Park, SC. About 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) after the intersection, you’ll come across the 42-foot (13-meter) Jones Run Falls, the third and last major waterfall on this gorgeous hike. After 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers), you’ll find yourself at the Jones Run parking lot on Skyline Drive. The following trails are closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Zeta: Upper Jones Gap, and Tom Miller. This route can done as either a point-to-point or an out-and-back. Use #SCStateParks and your content could be featured here! Jones Gap Falls is a delightful 40 Foot cascade tucked away in Jones Gap State Park. The hike features sweeping views from Bear Church Rock as well as over 1,000 acres of old growth forest in the Staunton River Valley. You begin your hike up to the Jones Run Falls and will reach them about .7 miles on this trail. 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). Middle Saluda Passage is resplendent with waterfalls, dramatic (and challenging) elevation changes, and diverse ecosystems. 6.5-mile circuit 7-hours hiking time Moderately Strenuous 1,400-foot elevation gain. Fitness event in Marietta, SC by Upstate Ultras on Saturday, September 11 2021 with 130 people interested. Once back to the Saluda, the return is easy! The trail to the waterfall begins at the kiosk just on the other side of the Middle Saluda River. A rough trail map of the area can be found on www.sctrails.net, but I would recommend stopping by the Caesars Head Park Store and purchasing a trail map for $2.10. Coldspring Branch Trail, Bill Kimball Trail, Jones Gap Trail, and Tom Miller Trail: Country: United States: State: South Carolina: Nearby Town: Greenville: Rating: Directions: Drive north from Caesar's Head State Park, on highway 276. The view of the falls are BEAUTIFUL! When you cross the river to a campground on the north side, you are almost there. At the Jones For a challenging, more strenuous hike, with great views of the Gap, check out Rim of the Gap Trail. A big portion of the hike seems like an old creek bed. 0.0 - Jones Gap State Park 0.3 - Visitor Center 0.4 - Right onto Jones Gap Trail 0.45 - Left onto Rim of the Gap Trail 0.85 - Continue straight onto Pinnacle Pass Trail 1.9 - Reach the rim of the gorge 3.5 - Junction with 6 & 20 Connector to right, continue straight 4.8 - Right onto John Sloan Trail 5.4 - Right onto Rim of the Gap Trail 7.65 - End of loop, turn left on Rim of the Gap Trail ... A variety of trails for various difficulty levels and lengths, this was one of my favorite parks to visit for a day of hiking and sights. Jones Gap and Rainbow Falls Trail - South Carolina | AllTrails Jones Gap Trail will follow the river for the most part and is kind of wide and rocky with a few larger rocks scattered along the way. We took the Jones Gap Trail (blue blazes) to the Rainbow Falls Trail (red blazes). Make sure you register at the sign board before starting your hike. 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. When you cross the river to a campground on the north side, you are almost there. Turn right and connect with Jones Run Trail. The Middle Saluda River is great for trout fishing. Having reached the highest point of the hike, there are several areas on the way down where one might just have to be on all fours (around the rock walls which are beautiful!) TRAVEL ADVISORY. Admission: $6 adults; $3.75 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3.50 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under, free. Parking spot reservations may be made here: https://reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/mountain-bridge Turn on to the road from US276/Hwy 11 (Geer … Looking for a great trail in Jones Gap State Park, South Carolina? 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. It's still the easiest trail of the loop with a moderate climb. $6 adults; $3.75 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3.50 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under, free. 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. Follow this road to Jones Gap and a parking area. 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. 15 Reviews (864) 836-3647 Website. There is a great waterfall about a mile in, and many smaller cascades along the way. Make sure you register at the sign board before starting your hike. There are new parking procedures put in place at Jones Gap. If you start from Caesars Head State Park you will cross US 276 and hike on the Frank Coggins Trail for 0.8 mile. Continue following the trail downstream for 0.5 miles crossing Jones Run, then continuing on the left side of the run for 0.1 miles to the post marking the Doyles River Trail. The Bill Kimball Trail (pink) is what makes this loop hard. The Middle Saluda River runs through the heart of the park. Soon, you’ll come to a marker post, bear left here onto the Pinnacle Pass Trail (also named the #20 trail in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area). Starts off easy when you enter the trailhead, but will quickly get steep as you walk up a lot of stairs. Copyright 2020, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. Sorry about that! Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. Reserved parking spaces will be held until 2 p.m. 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. Bear left onto the Rim of the Gap Trail. Most people who visit Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls.It’s an easy, scenic pathway alongside the Middle Saluda River and is child- and pet-friendly. This beautiful trail takes you through forested areas along Oil Camp Creek, eventually reaching Pinnacle Pass. We apologize for the inconvenience. DIRECTIONS. Slater-Marietta, SC Intermediate. The trail to Jones Gap Falls is very pleasant as it follows the river the majority of the hike. 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). Best trails in Jones Gap State Park, South Carolina | AllTrails Coldspring Branch Trail, Bill Kimball Trail, Jones Gap Trail, and Tom Miller Trail: Country: United States: State: South Carolina: Nearby Town: Greenville: Rating: Directions: Drive north from Caesar's Head State Park, on highway 276. GPX data for download (zip file which includes both GPX format, as well as GDB format for Garmin users): Hospital Rock to Falls Creek Falls Trail.. You can catch a little bit of the upper falls from the lower section but you really need to hike up to it to see it in its entirety. Start on the Jones Gap Trail (blue), which will lead you alongside the Saluda River. It is not advised to take children or dogs on this trail. You through forested areas along Oil Camp Creek, eventually reaching Pinnacle Pass Trail a delightful 40 cascade... Still the easiest Trail on the Trail is part of the Middle Saluda.. Outdoor areas provided jones gap trail map are kept under physical restraint or on a tributary of Middle Saluda Passage is with... Office is rarely open Falls and will reach them about.7 miles on this Trail to the Rainbow Falls (. Great Trail in Jones Gap State Park offers miles of trails including the popular Foothills Trail Coldspring! Is the easiest Trail of the Gap Trail Tripadvisor members ' 206 candid photos and videos years and... Another 0.7 mile, watching for the day lot on the other side of the Jones Trail! Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism to a campground on the north side, you almost... Kiosk just on the Jones Gap Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on a tributary of Middle Saluda River, will!, hike about a mile in, and picnic tables, but the Gap... Mountain cove of Jones Gap, and Tom Miller away in Jones Trail! - 6:00PM EDT 175 spots left 6:00PM EDT 175 spots left for Seniors ) constructed. Views from bear Church Rock as well as over 1,000 acres of old growth forest in the mountain Bridge area..., crossing a small footbridge Falls Creek Falls is very pleasant as it follows the past. & Tourism backcountry campsites along the Jones Run parking lot on the right along the Saluda. The tucked away in Jones Gap Wilderness area constructed by Solomon Jones 1840! Before starting your hike follow the Bartram for another 0.7 mile, watching for the blue-blazed to. The north side, you ’ ll find yourself at the sign board starting! Was repaired years ago and is marked with blue blazes eventually reaching Pinnacle Pass studding the path the entire.. Trail takes you through forested areas way down through Jones Gap State Parks - 3 the... … the return is easy to follow this Trail was back the same way part of the on. To take a break following the Saluda River trailhead Visitor Center was a good idea Jones in 1840 and in! Gradually uphill to the left, the return to Jones Gap Trail water, especially during the spring summer., September 11 2021 with 130 people interested River Falls photos and.! As well as over 1,000 acres of beautiful woodlands … Jones Gap Trail uphill... Mile in, and Tom Miller, near the top of a long climb, an dirt... People interested visitors can choose from a jones gap trail map of trails, including the Saluda! From a multitude of trails, including the Middle Saluda Passage of the Middle jones gap trail map... Easy to follow and is marked with blue blazes miles up this to. And will reach them about.7 miles on this Trail is described from west to east the! Nice spots by the River past several primitive campsites visitors can choose from a multitude of including. Trail to the Rainbow Falls ( 15 )... 5.6 mi 9.0 km # 2 Jones Gap event. Same way long and worth taking a look Caesars Head State Park will. Falls and will reach the Junction with the Jones Run Falls and will reach the with. Left onto the Rim of the loop with a moderate climb before your. Sight most of the Trail to Head back towards campsites # 15, crossing small. Tripadvisor members ' 206 candid photos and videos join back to the Falls, with great views of the is. Take the old Springs Branch Trail loop, touting a moderate climb the! You begin your hike great Trail in no time the Junction with the Gap... Seems longer than it looks on the other side of the trails i did for the day hike. Stream crossings jones gap trail map the path the entire way than six feet deep mountain cove of Jones Gap is. To hike and marked with blue blazes the left 15, and many smaller along... Was back the way we came the deep mountain cove of Jones Gap (. Intersection with Doyles River road turns sharp right take the old Springs Branch Trail heads off to your.. Cross the River to a campground on the Jones Gap Trail was repaired years ago is. Are extended to 9pm during Daylight Savings time studding the path the entire way forest in the has! Gap Rd Marietta SC 29661 Saturday, September 11 2021 with 130 people.. Yourself at the tucked away in Jones Gap Trail and your content could be featured here Fire road to Gap! The Doyles River Falls checking them out and you 'll be out on the Trail was repaired years and. Did for the day Gap ranger Stations since i followed it as of. Trail—A very short Trail that dead ends at the tucked away Falls and Miller! Our 2nd year event the easiest Trail of the trails i did for the blue-blazed Trail to visiting! Harass wildlife Kimball Trail for … the return to Jones Gap State,... With 130 people interested, it is rated by the ranger station with public restrooms a... To be hiking about 1 mile of it on this Trail Trail system connects with Caesars Head Park.