Hiking during the summer in South Carolina is best enjoyed when things are both well-planned in advance and we have a day when we can easily clear a morning schedule for a wilderness adventure. Most South Carolinians know by now that summer afternoons are usually met with a pop-up storm or rain shower and that temps regularly soar to their highest degree between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. However, if you can get an early morning start at Jones Gap State Park, then a hike to Rainbow Falls will have a payoff that’s well worth the effort.
Rainbow Falls, near Marietta, is most well known for the waterfall’s 140-foot drop over a vertical cliff that goes on to cascade down smaller falls until Cox Camp Creek levels out quite a bit.
Jordan Kothe - Greenville SC Dashcam/Google Eventually the water from Rainbow Falls makes its way all the way down the mountain to join the Middle Saluda River as it runs through Jones Gap State Park.
Much of the hike to Rainbow Falls, which begins at Jones Gap State Park (seen here at the start of the trail on the right side of the map), follows along the Middle Saluda River.
alltrails.com At about the halfway point, the trail turns to the right to head up to Rainbow Falls. If you stay straight on the trail, you’ll end up at another waterfall: Jones Gap Falls.
Our 2.2 mile hike to Rainbow Falls begins at Jones Gap State Park.
South Carolina Parks In all, the trail is 4.4 miles out and back and is rated difficult. Most seasoned hikers find it more moderate than difficult. However, if you’re not a person that hikes regularly, you’ll want to take your time and possibly even bring your hiking sticks for added support.
In terms of adventure, you can expect some awesome moments along this trail.
ashley t/TripAdvisor And during the summer months, you’ll likely appreciate the shade from the forest canopy high above. Be on the lookout for several stream crossings; all but one of them are simple footbridges that provide scenic views of the Middle Saluda as you cross.
As mentioned, there are stairs (many of them) on this hike.
Don Ross/alltrails You’ll do a lot of climbing on the way to the falls and on the return trip you’ll spend a lot of time negotiating the same stairs. If you have knee issues, then you’ll definitely want to bring your hiking sticks for added support going down the steps.
In the end, your four-hour journey to see this massive waterfall will be worth it.
Branden Addicott/alltrails Rainbow Falls gets its name from the late afternoon hues of rainbow colors that are magically cast into the air as the sun sprays through the mist cast off by the waterfall. As you can see, the cliff over which the falls roll is made of a variety of materials, some of which cast mineral dust into the air causing the colorful hues in the mist.
If you only make one waterfall hike this summer, then we say make it this one.
Kyle Sobus/Google A few suggested items for your backpack: plenty of water, bug spray, a picnic lunch, and possibly a small towel. If you’re lucky, you’ll have this little slice of paradise all to yourself for at least a few minutes!
Accessing Rainbow Falls via the trail above requires a paid admittance to Jones Gap State Park. The daily park entrance fee is $5 for adults; $3.25 for South Carolina seniors (age 65 & older); $3 for children ages 6-15; and admission is free for ages 5 and under. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the spring, summer, and early fall; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year. Learn more about Jones Gap State Park here. And find out more about the trail at this link from alltrails.com.
Jordan Kothe - Greenville SC Dashcam/Google
Eventually the water from Rainbow Falls makes its way all the way down the mountain to join the Middle Saluda River as it runs through Jones Gap State Park.
alltrails.com
At about the halfway point, the trail turns to the right to head up to Rainbow Falls. If you stay straight on the trail, you’ll end up at another waterfall: Jones Gap Falls.
South Carolina Parks
In all, the trail is 4.4 miles out and back and is rated difficult. Most seasoned hikers find it more moderate than difficult. However, if you’re not a person that hikes regularly, you’ll want to take your time and possibly even bring your hiking sticks for added support.
ashley t/TripAdvisor
And during the summer months, you’ll likely appreciate the shade from the forest canopy high above. Be on the lookout for several stream crossings; all but one of them are simple footbridges that provide scenic views of the Middle Saluda as you cross.
Don Ross/alltrails
You’ll do a lot of climbing on the way to the falls and on the return trip you’ll spend a lot of time negotiating the same stairs. If you have knee issues, then you’ll definitely want to bring your hiking sticks for added support going down the steps.
Branden Addicott/alltrails
Rainbow Falls gets its name from the late afternoon hues of rainbow colors that are magically cast into the air as the sun sprays through the mist cast off by the waterfall. As you can see, the cliff over which the falls roll is made of a variety of materials, some of which cast mineral dust into the air causing the colorful hues in the mist.
Kyle Sobus/Google
A few suggested items for your backpack: plenty of water, bug spray, a picnic lunch, and possibly a small towel. If you’re lucky, you’ll have this little slice of paradise all to yourself for at least a few minutes!
Love chasing waterfalls? So do we! On this Only in South Carolina signature road trip, you can drive to seven spectacular waterfall trails in Sumter National Forest in approximately two hours!
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