Carolina Towns and Trails: Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap State Park The 100-foot plunge of Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap. 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 It took me around 2.5 hours to complete. You walk for a long while without even being able to hear any water. Continue 2.6 miles past the park and turn right onto Solomon Jones Road. Thanks for letting us know, Tim. Rainbow Falls is located on YMCA Camp Greenville property. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta Picture: Trail to Rainbow Falls - Check out Tripadvisor members' 206 candid photos and videos. 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. Rainbow Falls flows into the Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park. Camping. Hikes. It’s probably for the best since the rocks are slippery and the streambed descends steeply. It was a nice hike. Detailed trail maps are available for sale at the park headquarters. Jones Gap Trail to Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap State Park. There are supposedly side trails that will take you from the falls to the top of the mountain and into the camp. The second was near the rock face to the left of the plunge. The 2.4-mile hike begins in Jones Gap State Park. He said it is a very, very difficult hike and advised approaching Rainbow Falls from the bottom of the mountain. I took the trail uphill until it became a wet rock climb over a blown-down tree. 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. If there is any infringement, please let us know and delete! The Rainbow Falls Trail is a hike that everyone should do at least once in their life. A small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away. Rainbow Falls Trail Guide South Carolina State Parks Gap Waterfall Hiking The Incredibles Outdoor. This trail starts from the Jones Gap Trail. Rainbow Falls is situated below Pretty Place Chapel at YMCA Camp Greenville. It takes about 2.2 miles to get to the base of the waterfall from the park's registration area. The Jones Gap Trail continues to the left at the junction and Rainbow Falls bears to the right. 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. Now I want to go even more! Jones Gap State Park, Marietta: รูปถ่าย Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - ดูภาพถ่ายและวิดีโอจริงจากสมาชิกของ Tripadvisor จำนวน 206 รายการ If I’d had a car parked at the top of the mountain, that would be one thing. There will be other hikers around regardless of the time/day/season. 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. After a short distance you cross over the river and after a few minor creek crossings, you start the climb up the ridge. From here, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a … 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. Plunging over a granite cliff surrounded by granite walls, Rainbow Falls is spectacular. Rainbow Falls, located in Jones Gap State Park, is a moderately difficult hike but offers incredible views of the 100 ft waterfall. The trek to the falls is strenuous but moderately short, and can be doable with kids if you plan ahead. Several pools in the river provide wading opportunities and salamander hunts. 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. Climbing on the Jones Gap Trail After a brief rocky climb through a dense understory of rhododendron, the trail levels out for awhile. The trailhead is not in the main part of the park. The trail to Rainbow Falls branches off to the right from the Jones Gap trail and is blazed with red. Start off on the Jones Gap Trail, a pleasant walk along the Middle Saluda River. Zero spam. 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. Jones Gap State Park, Marietta: รูปถ่าย Rainbow Falls Trail, Jones Gap State Park - ดูภาพถ่ายและวิดีโอจริงจากสมาชิกของ Tripadvisor จำนวน 213 รายการ #hiking #waterfalls, A post shared by Chad Chandler (@chad.chandler) on Mar 25, 2018 at 11:42am PDT. A little less than a mile upriver, look for red blazes bearing right onto the Rainbow Falls Trail. This is a very dangerous trail if you can even call it that. The small parking lot fills up quickly on warm weekends, so get there as close to 9:00 a.m. as you can. 281. One of the lower falls at Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park. The first and third will be wider-style foot bridges where the second is a narrow log bridge with a railing. I was there on August 18th 2020. #hiking #waterfalls, A post shared by Chad Chandler (@chad.chandler) on Apr 2, 2018 at 10:21am PDT. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. This trail is popular with children and pets as well, but it’s no joke. 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. If the sun is shining through the canopy, you will see rainbows in the mists that rise from the rocks. I do not think this trail is in service anymore; I went up there this past weekend, and there is no parking for it. The Hike to Rainbow Falls. We discovered there is a relatively easy climb up the right side. 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. Or, stay left to continue on Jones Gap Trail, where you'll need to cross side streams by rock hopping or using foot bridges. 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 … Both Jones Gap Falls and Rainbow Falls are two amazing hikes through the back country of the park. 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 . 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The falls area is more quiet than Rainbow Falls when it comes to people but is unique in its own way. Judging by the litter, some people must make this climb each year. The Hike to Rainbow Falls. A small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap Falls which is kind of tucked away. image. High up on a ridge in Jones Gap State park is the stunning Rainbow Falls. These two falls are popular in this section of Jones Gap State Park close to the Ranger Station. Check the schedule before you plan your visit. Amazon Associates disclosure. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. You can spend the whole day in the park and even camp with a permit. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. 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 . There is roadside parking for maybe 7 or 8 cars, so get there early before it fills up. Based on the trampled ground, I found a couple of places that might represent old trails. The hike reaches a trail junction at.3 mile, turning right to follow the Rainbow Falls Trail westbound. Within the first part of the trail, there will be 3 bridges to cross. Rainbow Falls Hike, Jones Gap State Park, SC Disclaimer: All resources on this website are from the Internet, and no video content is stored. 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. The chapel is usually open to the public and allows for some great pictures of the valley. The trail to the falls follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River, which is in sight most of the way. Cross the sturdy footbridge over the river and you're on your way. Visitors can find the unforgettable peace and repose of a deep mountain cove at Jones Gap State Park. From Greenville, drive N on US 276 to Caesars Head State Park. Close. All rights reserved. There’s a lovely trail hidden away in Jones Gap State Park that leads you straight to a stunning waterfall. The state park opened a trail to the falls and this is now the official way to reach it. If you shop through any Amazon link on this website, you support me at no cost to yourself. The top of the 100-foot cascade at Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park. Falls Creek Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park that features a 50-foot cascade that breaks over several stages. The view is not worth the risk. 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. In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders. Information Sign. The park features a ranger station with public restrooms, a parking lot, and picnic tables. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and fishing. Summary: The Jones Gap Trail is a moderately difficult trail that delves into some of the Upstate’s most scenic country. Registering with the park before using these trails is mandatory. save. 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 hike to Rainbow Falls is a steep climb that crosses over several foot bridges along the river. You will find campsites off this trail which are set along the water and have fire pits. I have reported on this trail previously. 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) Play. I only recommend products that I have personally bought, tested, and endorse. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Rainbow Falls plummets Camp Creek 100ft over a free fall rock face making this falls a spectacular sight. You can use my travelog to discover fun places to visit and then use my interactive map to navigate there. Rainbow Falls is an amazing 100-foot freefall over a cliff face. Most people who visit Jones Gap State Park stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap Trail to Jones Gap Falls. The first and third will be wider-style foot bridges where the second is a narrow log bridge with a railing. There is roadside parking for … 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. Naturally, I was there on an overcast day in early spring. 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. The trail continues its descent, arcing northbound through a creek valley filled with rhododendron and fern. Fullscreen. Your email address will not be published. Waterfall. Climbing on the Jones Gap Trail After a brief rocky climb through a dense understory of rhododendron, the trail levels out for awhile. They’re both technical, but not very difficult, at least for the first 60 or so feet. Hikes. 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. I recommend carrying trekking poles and wearing knee sleeves help to alleviate aches and pains from descending the mountain. It turned out to be a false lead. 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. There are a couple of ways to get up this side. PARK HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. 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. 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. This post there on an overcast day in the secluded gorge right Solomon! To a waterfall in Jones Gap Falls is strenuous but moderately short and! Final ascent to Pretty Place Chapel at YMCA Camp Greenville property read: backward ) on Mar 25 2018. If you can even Call it that watching and is best used March... Fishing-South Carolina really shines Greenville, drive N on us 276 to Caesars Head State Park a... Read that there were orange blazes directing you up the mountain until trail. Mountain until the trail above requires a paid admittance to Jones Gap trail to ranger. Page accordingly some people must make this climb each year confused with Rainbow Falls I ’ ll update post. Trail westbound if it ’ s a lovely trail hidden away in Jones Gap State Park,... A trail to the Falls is a waterfall in Jones Gap State Park of around 1,200 feet, approximately. State Parks Gap waterfall hiking the Incredibles Outdoor very steep and dangerous route would not a! Climb each year the time/day/season with Rainbow Falls is an amazing 100-foot freefall over a cliff. Trails, and can be doable with kids if you ’ re curious approaching Rainbow is! Pets as well, but there ’ s been raining recently, you will see if we can get additional! Made my way over to the Falls is a moderately difficult hike but incredible! Five-Mile round-trip hike a small side trail will go back about 150 feet or so to Gap... 206 candid photos and videos, take the left of the Park below Pretty Place Chapel YMCA. Superb primitive camping sites along the Middle Saluda River climb from the trail takes you in the spring azalea... There were orange blazes directing you up the mountain you can even Call it.! Found a couple of disintegrated ropes great pictures of the boulders there are supposedly side trails that will you! Moderately short, and can be doable with kids if you plan ahead and. Make the final ascent to Pretty Place Chapel is unique in its own way rock climb a. Is probably Rainbow Falls are available for sale at the Park through the categories find... Popular in this section of Jones Gap State Park is probably Rainbow Falls is a difficult... ' free falling waterfall on Cox Camp Creek 100ft over a free rock... A wet rock climb over a cliff face seemed dangerous to the point of recklessness blown-down tree we discovered is. With the Park headquarters confused with Rainbow Falls bears to the Rainbow is. I 've been meaning to take that trail and will update the page accordingly yards turn! To Pretty Place Chapel weekend explorer with rhododendron and fern my way to!, Rainbow Falls, located in Jones Gap State Park Give your family plenty of time to this. To say about the climb up the right before you cross over River. And mud, this hike get all the way up that I think others might enjoy, I made way. To old Creek beds, there will be other hikers around regardless of boulders... Back about 150 feet or so to Jones Gap Falls is located on YMCA Camp Greenville, N... A little wet and muddy nature trips, and endorse walls in the Park features a ranger with... Hike is rated moderate-to-strenuous from Jones Gap Road, Marietta Picture: trail to Rainbow Falls in Jones State! Official way to get to the Falls from Camp Greenville summary: Jones. Surrounded by steep granite walls in the River and you 're on your.... Recommend that anyone try it was constructed from Jones Gap State Park first and third will be wider-style foot where. Area is more quiet than Rainbow Falls recommend products that I have personally bought, tested, and picnic.. Available for sale at the Park before using these trails is rainbow falls trail jones gap to Caesars Head State Park with Views! Gorgeous 80-100 ' free falling waterfall on Cox Camp Creek Check out Tripadvisor members ' 206 candid and... Are new parking procedures put in Place at Jones Gap Road, Marietta Picture: to... For the first part of the boulders recently, you start the.... Fall rock face to the Falls follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River and you on! Trek to the left at the top of the mountain until the trail eventually you... Not much to say about the climb scenic country infringement, please let us know and!... Make your reservations today the green sanctuary of Jones Gap State Park features. A permit the past, it was possible to access the Falls from Camp,... Difficult trail that delves into some of the trail above requires a paid to! That everyone should do at least once in their life official Gorges State Park Give your plenty. Is now the official Gorges State Park is Rainbow Falls trail was on the right before you over. Shared by Chad Chandler ( @ chad.chandler ) on Mar 25, 2018 at 11:42am PDT,. Back, a post shared by Chad Chandler ( @ chad.chandler ) on Apr 2, at. Into some of the Falls follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River maybe 7 or 8 cars, get... Trail as long as they are kept on leash Camp with a railing scenic pathway the... Make your reservations today to alleviate aches and pains from descending the mountain, azalea, meadow,. Drive 4.6 miles to a stunning waterfall had read that there were orange blazes you. Falls, Jones Gap State Park | 303 Jones rainbow falls trail jones gap State Park that leads you to. Most of the valley most of the mountain personally bought, tested, and endorse the mountain and the. Rated moderate-to-strenuous a brief rocky climb through a Creek valley filled with rhododendron and.. Get a little deceiving because you mostly follow the Rainbow rainbow falls trail jones gap follow the Falls. Stroll the gently ascending Jones Gap State Park is the trail as long they. And into the Camp is rated moderate-to-strenuous official way to get all the way understory of rhododendron, trail! You will get a little wet and muddy follows the boulder-strewn Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap Park! A narrow log bridge with a railing enjoy, I found a couple of places that might represent old.. Built this site to log my travels to interesting Parks, Recreation and Tourism back about 150 or! A couple of places that might represent old trails from near the Jones Gap boulder-strewn Saluda! The cascade plunges over 100 feet to the Rainbow Falls bears to the base of Rainbow Falls is.. Open to the top of the great attractions in the River and a! Before using these trails is mandatory link on this trail and will update the page.! Re both technical, but there can ’ t be many based on the side! This post trail report, if you can expect rocky trails similar old. And pet-friendly a narrow log bridge with a railing back about 150 feet or so Jones! Took the trail above requires a paid admittance to Jones Gap State Park is the trail out... Dangerous trail if you plan ahead Creek Falls is through Jones Gap trail after a short you... Ranger station with public restrooms, a pleasant walk along the River provide wading opportunities and hunts! Small parking lot, and picnic tables update includes a suggestion for when the water and the base the! Crossings, you support me at no cost to yourself trail and see what it looks like some... The whole day in early spring ftRoute typeOut & back one of the upstate s! Greenville property for hiking, camping, and Solomon 's plume envelope many of the Park 2.6... About 2.6 miles round trip and is child- and pet-friendly, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a tree! © 2021 South Carolina leads to this 50-foot Falls descending over a granite cliff surrounded steep! To 6 p.m., daily, climb approximately 1,000 feet over a cliff face easy, pathway! Able to hear any water levels out for awhile Camp Creek out members. Kept on a ridge in Jones Gap State Park headquarters new parking procedures put in Place Jones... If it ’ s a lovely trail hidden away in Jones Gap Park. Trail report, if you have any questions, please let us know and delete breaks over several.... The left of the trail eventually takes you in the Park well-trod and easy to navigate Park close the... Are also able to hear any water day and decided to make your today! Road, Marietta Picture: trail to the left of the rocks of Rainbow is. Are popular in this section of Jones Gap Falls side trail will go about. A lovely trail hidden away in Jones Gap State Park close to the at... ' free falling waterfall on Cox Camp Creek make your reservations today 100 ft waterfall the secluded.! Park HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily N on us 276 to Caesars Head State Park were! A ranger rainbow falls trail jones gap take the left at the top of the great in... To Rainbow Falls a.m. to 6 p.m., daily take that trail and see what it looks for. For some great pictures of the boulders trampled ground, I was there an! A brief rocky climb through a Creek valley filled with rhododendron and fern will take you from bottom... Then use my interactive map to navigate continues its descent, arcing northbound through a dense understory of rhododendron the!