Hikers are invited to join the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) Friday, March 30 for the fourth hike of PAC’s Spring Hiking Series, a 5-mile excursion to Rainbow Falls. PAC Land Protection Specialist Pam Torlina will lead the hike from the trail head at Jones Gap State Park. It will be a strenuous hike, 2.5 miles out and 2.5 miles back. The trail starts out moderately, with a slight incline, and follows the Middle Saluda River for the first mile or so. Then, the trail begins a 1,000 foot ascent, over approximately 1.6 miles, to the base of the falls. Rainbow Falls is created by Cox Camp Creek which drops 100 feet over a steep wall of granitic gneiss. The view of the falls makes this strenuous hike worth the effort.
If you are interested in attending the PAC hike at the Jones Gap State Park, contact the PAC office to sign up by phone at 828-859-5060 or email landprotection@pacolet.org. Please note that there is a park fee for this hike. Hikers should be prepared to pay park admission. S.C. park passes are accepted.