Jones Gap State Park

A short drive north of the Greenville/Spartanburg area is a pristine wilderness along the border between North and South Carolina. This is the setting for Jones Gap State Park, a 3,346 acre park which sits along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Jones Gap State Park along with Caesars Head State Park make up the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. This peaceful mountain cove area offers breathtaking scenery at any time of year, but fall colors are spectacular.

The Middle Saluda River, South Carolina’s first designated Scenic River, flows within the park. Fishing is a popular in the river’s boulder-strewn cascades, as well as in Matthews Creek and Julians Creek. Trout thrive in the cold, clear water. Anglers may catch rainbow and brown trout as well as the rare brookie. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required. Visitors will also see restored portions of the old Cleveland Fish Hatchery within the park.

Hiking is another popular activity at Jones Gap State Park. A network of trails through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area links Jones Gap to nearby Caesars Head State Park. Hikers must register at the park headquarters building before starting out on the trails. Some of the trails are of moderate difficulty while others are steep and strenuous. Jones Gap is an access point for the Foothills Trail, which stretches 76 miles through the Upstate wilderness. Hikers may be rewarded with views of several picturesque waterfalls. Jones Gap Falls is accessible from Jones Gap Trail. Other waterfalls that may be seen in the park or just a short distance outside the park boundaries are Misty Cavern Falls, Walking Fern Falls, and Rainbow Falls.

Trailside camping is available in Jones Gap State Park. There are no drive up campsites. No water or electricity is available at any of the campsites. Campers must register at the park headquarters. The park has picnic areas for day use visitors to enjoy. An education center and lab highlights the ecology of the area with hands on exhibits and displays. Jones Gap is a DiscoverCarolina Site, and school children regularly participate in science curriculum programs at the park.

Jones Gap State Park is an Upcountry gem. The park is located at 303 Jones Gap Road near Marietta, South Carolina. The park entrance is approximately six miles off Highway 276 north of the town of Cleveland. The park is open daily from 9am-9pm. Admission is $2 for adults and $1.25 for seniors who are South Carolina residents. Children age 15 and under are admitted free.

By: Rebecca Allison

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Rebecca Allison, General Manager at the Hampton Inn Spartanburg. This Spartanburg Hotel invites guests to step back in time to the colonial era or indulge in modern luxuries and recreation in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Hampton Inn & Suites Spartanburg Hotel on North I-85 is situated to offer easy access to the Duncan business centers. For more information visit: www.HamptonInnSpartanburg.com