Hikers know: South Carolina is loaded with unforgettable foot trails, some providing big payoffs with long-range views. Others lead straight to awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Where ever your hiking destination, the point is to get outside. Get some fresh air and have fun!
Jones Gap State Park is located in northern Greenville County near Marietta, South Carolina. This 3,964 acre state park is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
Google Maps
You’ll find more than 30 miles of gorgeous, and often challenging, trails in Jones Gap State Park.
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
In fact, a whole network of trails ranking from easy to strenuous link Jones Gap State Park to Ceasar’s Head State Park in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
Here’s the view from a key spot on the Pinnacle Pass Trail.
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
This famous SC waterfall, Rainbow Falls, is located in Jones Gap State Park.
Flickr/Scott Oves
The trail to Rainbow Falls is considered strenuous and difficult. It passes over this rocky creek bed near the start of the trail.
Flickr/Nina Helmer
Another waterfall hotspot at Jones Gap is Falls Creek Falls, accessible via a 1.2 mile trail that winds through boulder beds.
Flickr/Jeffrey Walters
This gorgeous view is part of the perks of the Falls Creek Falls trail.
Flickr/Mike Hughes
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
Further downstream, the entire creek channels through “Chute Falls” at this point.
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
Waterfalls are big part of the hiking experience at Jones Gap.
Flickr/Charlie Cowins
The trail to Hospital Rock starts here.
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
..and passes by here…
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
…and ends up here, at Hospital Rock.
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
This article is titled “This HIKE…” but at Jones Gap State Park you can pick any of the hikes and end up with an unforgettable hiking experience.
Google Maps
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
Flickr/Scott Oves
Flickr/Nina Helmer
Flickr/Jeffrey Walters
Flickr/Mike Hughes
Flickr/Charlie Cowins
Here’s a list of trails in this state park. Registering with the park office before embarking on any of the trail journeys is mandatory. Some trails are periodically closed so check the SC State Parks website before you go. If a trail is closed it will likely be listed there.
Have you hiked, or do you plan to hike, at Jones Gap State Park? What other incredible hikes have you taken in South Carolina? Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
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