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National Recreation Trail Jones Gap(Jones
Gap State Park)
Length:
5.3 miles one way Directions:
To the eastern trailhead: From Greenville, drive northwest on US 276
to the junction of US 276 and SC11. Continue approximately 1.5 miles
and turn right onto River Falls Road (Greenville County S-23-97), which
changes to Jones Gap Road, and continue to Jones Gap State Park. From
the parking lot, hike toward the park buildings on a short trail that
crosses the Middle Saluda River. The trailhead marked with a blue
blaze, is just beyond the park buildings and the second crossing of
the Middle Saluda River. To
the western trailhead: From Greenville, drive northwest on US 276 to
Caesars Head State Park. Two miles beyond the park entrance, and one
mile beyond the Raven Cliff Falls parking area, the trailhead marked
with a blue blaze, is at a brown pipe gate on the right side of the
road. Camping: Trailside primitive camping is allowed on certain trails. Contact Caesars Head or Jones Gap State Parks for details. Park Information: Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC 29661, Telephone: 864-836-3647.
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Map
trail, it delves into some of the Upstate’s most scenic country. Its
easternmost terminus is Jones Gap State Park and the 5.3-mile long
trail meanders through lush woodlands towards Caesars Head State Park.
The blue-blazed trail ascends almost 1,500 feet and the footing varies
from rocky roadbeds to granite outcrops. It closely follows the Middle
Saluda River, occasionally crossing the rushing water on narrow logs.
You can also expect to cross streams and view many waterfalls. Diverse
wildflowers such as foamflower, Catesby’s trillium, and wood anemone
adorn the trail in spring while the forest is populated mostly by
American beech, tulip poplar, and Eastern hemlock. The Jones Gap Trail
is also connected to the Foothills Trail and in the future will be
part of the Palmetto Trail.