Jones Gap Falls

Last week, the wife and I decided to leave the house get some vitamin D. The foothills of North and South Carolina have many waterfalls, so we decided to visit one of the prettier falls about a half-hour away. Jones Gap Falls is in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area in northern Greenville County. It’s easy to access, fun to hike, and soft on the eyes.

The hike to the falls is under 1.5 miles, but it takes about 40 minutes because the path constantly changes from a wide, canopied pathway to a narrow, rocky ridge line.

It took us a little longer than usual because several sections of the trail were covered in thick ice. The hike takes you alongside and eventually across the Middle Saluda River, which I’m embarrassed to say is more robust than downtown Greenville’s Reedy River.

The falls are about fifty feet high and break in stages.

Because of the near-constant shade and the cool, moist breeze coming off the water, this would be a perfect hike for the dog days of summer when the smothering heat and humidity keep most people indoors.