Jones Gap State Park Photo: John Foxe / CC BY-SA 4.0
United States › South Carolina

Jones Gap State Park

ByWilderness Experts

Fast facts

  • Setting: the Middle Saluda River gorge, joined with Caesars Head in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
  • Waterfall: Rainbow Falls, about 120 feet (37 m)
  • Trail links: the Foothills Trail and the Palmetto Trail
  • Gateway: Greenville and Travelers Rest
  • Managed by: South Carolina State Parks

The landscape

Jones Gap is a deep, forested cove where the Middle Saluda River, South Carolina’s first designated scenic river, tumbles over boulders beneath steep mountain walls. Hemlock, rhododendron and hardwoods fill the valley. Together with Caesars Head, it protects a large block of mountain woodland on the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Black bears and many salamanders live here.

Best time to go

Spring and fall are ideal, with waterfalls strongest in spring. Summer is shady and popular along the river. Winter is quiet.

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Getting there and around

Jones Gap Road leads from US 276 to the park entrance and ranger station. Trails follow the river upstream and climb to ridges and waterfalls, connecting with Caesars Head.

Things to do

The Rainbow Falls trail climbs about 2.2 miles (3.5 km) and 1,200 feet (370 m) to the base of the falls. The Jones Gap Trail follows the river through the gorge, and backpackers use riverside campsites or cross the wilderness to Caesars Head.

Staying safe

Trails are steep and rocky. Rock near waterfalls is slippery; stay on the trail. The river can rise quickly after rain, making crossings dangerous. Store food from bears, watch for snakes and leave a trip plan.

Know before you go

Campers must check in at the ranger station. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm current conditions with South Carolina State Parks before you go.

Navigation
Coordinates
35.1220, -82.5725
Magnetic declination
6.9° W (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

27 places in Jones Gap State Park

A spread of the park’s main places shows straight away, and the rest appear as you zoom in. You can also search above, or pick any place from the lists below, and the map will go to it. Places in bold, marked , have a short description.

Getting there 1

Park entrance

Sights 26

Viewpoint

Waterfalls

Peaks

Map data comes from third-party sources and may be incomplete or out of date, so carry a current official map (terms).

Trip types
Day hikeWeekend backpackingBackcountry

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Terrain
MountainsForestRivers
Key hazards
Steeprocky climbsSlippery rock at waterfallsRiver crossings in high waterBlack bearsVenomous snakes
Best seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall (foliage)
Difficulty
Moderate to strenuous
Access / trailheads
Jones Gap Road off US Highway 276, north of Greenville near Marietta.
Water
River and streams; treat all water.
Cell / satellite coverage
Patchy in the gorge.
Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency
Emergencies: 911.
Permits & regulations
Camping is by permit only; campers must check in at the ranger station before going to their site.
Leave No Trace
Check in before camping, camp only at permitted sites, stay on trail and pack out all waste.
Conditions by month

October This month

Average high63°F(17°C)17°C(63°F)
Average low48°F(9°C)9°C(48°F)
Rainfall5.6 in(142 mm)142 mm(5.6 in)
Daylight, mid-month11 h 21 minSunrise 7:35 a.m., sunset 6:56 p.m.

What to bring depends on your trip: how long you’re out, where you sleep, and how far you go from the road. The planner builds the list for yours.

Plan a trip here →

Averages for 1991–2020 from NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, measured at the Caesars Head station, 3 miles (5 km)5 km (3 miles) away at 3,200 feet (975 m)975 m (3,200 feet). Higher trails run colder, by about 3.5°F for every 1,000 ft (2°C per 300 m)2°C for every 300 m (3.5°F per 1,000 ft) of climb. Daylight runs from sunrise to sunset on the 15th, on the park’s own clock, for a level horizon. Valleys and slopes facing away from the sun are in shade earlier.

Before you go Conditions, permits, fire bans and closures change constantly — we summarise and link out, but always confirm with the managing agency first.
Official park website → Last verified 2026-09-21

Nearby parks

Straight-line distance between park centres. Road distance is usually longer.

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