Snuggled within a deep mountain gap near the North and South Carolina border is one of the best state parks in South Carolina: Jones Gap State Park. Jones Gap State Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise with majestic mountains, beautiful waterfalls near me, and a gorgeous river that cuts through the middle of the park creating a wonderland of greenery. To learn all about this state park and what it offers, including its waterfalls near me, take a look below.

With a visit to this single state park found on the outer reaches of the state's border, visitors can experience one of the tallest waterfalls near me in the state.
Flickr/Scott Oves
At 100 feet in height, Rainbow Falls is a stunning waterfall that changes colors with the movement of the sun throughout the day. Its trickle drops an impressive 10 stories before it continues to cascade further down the mountain.
Following a hard rain, that trickle quickly transforms into a loud roar.
TripAdvisor/TrailDame
Either way, reaching Rainbow Falls requires a strenuous, nearly five-mile hike, round trip. Learn more about it in this previous article.
Next up: the magical Middle Saluda River.
Google Maps/David Spaulding
It's so magical, in fact, that the state established a 600-foot-wide corridor extending approximately 300 feet on either side of the river just to protect it. Here you'll find yourself mesmerized by the enchanting gurgling sounds and the moss-covered boulders that filter the water as it flows through the park.
For those of you who love to hike, Jones Gap State Park doles out more than 60 miles of trails, including those that bridge the gap between Jones Gap State Park and nearby Caesars Head State Park.
Google Maps/Chris S
The trails cater to all hiking skill levels from novice to experienced, and they feature a number of both fairy tale footbridges and...

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...other equally impressive bridges that provide water crossings, both large and small, amid the gorgeous scenery.
Google Maps/Gustavo Diaz
Mountain views, too, are among the many reasons to love Jones Gap State Park.
alltrails/Francis Malone
The Buckeye Falls Trail, a 1.8-mile, out-and-back hike, travels up to leave hikers with an astounding view of the surrounding area.
If you want to spend the night at Jones Gap State Park, you'll first need to reserve one of the 18 wilderness back country campsites.
TripAdvisor/RamblinGal11
And then, you'll need to hike to the site with all of your gear. No problem, right?
Scoring an adventurous day at Jones Gap State Park is high on many people's list already. If you plan to explore this park, know there is limited parking and once the spaces are full, rangers will turn you around at the gate and suggest another nearby park to visit.
TripAdvisor/onemichael
Your best bet if you want to spend any time at Jones Gap State Park is to plan your visit for during the week, as opposed to weekends, and arrive very, very early in the day to snag a parking spot.
Due to the overwhelming popularity of this park, the state parks system has begun to take reservations for the park entrance if you plan to visit on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday before 2 p.m. With your reservation, you'll be required to pay in advance for parking and for your park admission.
Google Maps

Jones Gap State Park is open all year long and is a definite must-visit for nature lovers. For more information, be sure to take a look at the official website for South Carolina State Parks.

Do you have a favorite state park in South Carolina? If so, why is it your favorite? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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Jennifer Young | August 10, 2022

What's one of the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina?

There are several hiking trails located throughout South Carolina, many of which feature waterfalls. One of the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina is the scenic Riley Moore Falls Trail. This 1.9-mile, out-and-back trail has an easy level of difficulty rating, so hikers of all skill levels are capable of hiking it. Tucked away within South Carolina's Sumter National Forest, this trail is accessible all year long. In addition to hiking, a couple of other popular activities people enjoy while exploring this trail are birding and walking. If you decide to embark on this trail, be sure to bring along your canine companion(s). They're allowed on the Riley Moore Falls Trail as long as they're on a leash.

What are three hiking trails with waterfalls in South Carolina that can be explored year-round?

As mentioned above, South Carolina's Riley Moore Falls Trail is accessible all year long. With that being said, there are plenty of other waterfall trails in South Carolina that can be explored year-round, including the three listed below.

1. Yellow Branch Falls Trail

South Carolina's Yellow Branch Falls Trail is a three-mile out-and-back trail that's located near Walhalla. This waterfall trail has a moderate level of difficulty rating, which means just about any hiker is capable of tackling it. Because this trail leading to Yellow Branch Falls in South Carolina is so popular, you'll likely see other hikers during your visit.

2. Raven Cliff Falls Trail

Tucked away inside Caesars Head State Park is South Carolina's Raven Cliff Falls Trail. It's a four-mile, out-and-back trail that also has a moderate level of difficulty rating. People come from near and far to explore this scenic waterfall trail.

3. King Creek Falls Trail

South Carolina's King Creek Falls Trail is nestled inside the scenic Sumter National Forest. This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail has an easy level of difficulty rating, so hikers of all skill levels should be able to tackle it effortlessly. King Creek Falls in South Carolina is a definite must-see for anyone who loves waterfalls.

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Featured Addresses
Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661, USA