Jones Gap State Park

This is a beautiful place to hike. The Jones Gap trail runs along the river with great views of the mountains, rhododendrons and rocks. The hike to the Jones Gap waterfall is a little over 3 miles there and back. The Rainbow Falls hike is about 5.2. Picnic tables are available near the visitor center. Parking is limited.

Clean facilities with a new bottle fill station! My daughter and I entered the park around 2:45 and had no issues finding parking. We hiked to Rainbow Falls, the trail was well marked and well maintained. There are still some trails closed (due to Helene, I assume), but you can tell that a lot of work has been done in the aftermath of the storm.

Jones Gap is one of my favorite places in SC. As soon as you enter the gates the air smells sweeter, the temperature is cooler, and the burble of the stream is soothing. I love that you have to walk a little ways from the parking area, through the woods and over a charming bridge, to get to the park proper. And the lodge building built by the Civilian Conservation Corps is one of the most beautiful buildings in the state park system.

Hiked to Rainbow falls and Jones Gap falls. Rainbow falls was difficult, it's all up hill with a lot of steps, but the waterfall is worth it. Jones Gap falls is a moderate shorter hike with a nice water fall.

Get a parking reservation if you are going on the weekend! It is worth the drive. It is a beautiful park with rivers, waterfalls, and rocky trails. The trails are very challenging. I do not recommend for very small children or people with mobility issues. Unfortunately, hurricane Helene took out a walking bridge and left a lot of tree damage. The two main trails are open. If you can handle steep inclines Rainbow Falls is worth the hike!