Waterfall Trail

Rainbow Falls

(Greenville County)

Description: From Jones Gap State Park, you will walk for approximately 0.75 mile on the the Jones Gap Trail. At the junction of the Rainbow Falls Trail, you will cross the Saluda River. From there you will climb approximately 1000 feet over a distance of 1.6 miles, but the bottom view of the falls makes this strenuous hike worth the effort. Rainbow Falls drops 100 feet over steep walls streaked black and tan due to layers of amphilbolite gneiss, granite gneiss, and mica schist. In spring this area is especially beautiful with a covering of blooms of azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume.

Rainbow Falls is located on property owned by Camp Greenville, so be respectful of the camp property and return the way you came.

Height: 100 feet

Length of hike: 2.4 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Creek or river: Cox Camp Creek

USGS Quadrangle: Cox Camp Creek

Directions to Rainbow Falls:

1. From Greenville, drive northwest on US 276 to the junction of US 276 and SC11.

2. 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.

3. From the parking area, hike toward the park buildings on a short trail that crosses the Middle Saluda River.

4. The trailhead for the Jones Gap Trail is marked with a blue blaze, just beyond the park buildings and the second crossing of the Saluda River. Fill out the registration form before you start.

5. Walk on the Jones Gap Trail for approximately 0.75 mile and turn right onto the Rainbow Falls Trail. Climb another 1.6 miles to the falls.

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.