Join the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) on Friday, Sept. 23, for an approximately five-mile, moderate/strenuous, hike to Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park. PAC board member, Ford Smith, will lead the hike.

From the trailhead at Jones Gap State Park, hikers will embark on a five-mile,

moderate/strenuous, out and back hike. 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, and culminates at the base of the falls. Rainbow Falls is created by Cox Camp Creek which drops 100 feet over a steep wall of granitic gneiss, creating a spectacular, free falling waterfall. The view of the falls, and the downhill return, makes this moderate/strenuous hike well worth the effort.

If you are interested in attending the PAC hike to Rainbow Falls, please contact the PAC office to sign up by phone at 828-859-5060 or e-mail  landprotection@pacolet.org.

Hikers are asked to meet at the Spinx gas station in Gowensville (at the intersection of Hwy. 14 and Hwy. 11) at 8:30 a.m. to check in, arrange carpooling, and then start the approximately 35 minute drive to Jones Gap State Park. Hikers should be prepared to return to the area in the mid-afternoon.

Please note that there is a park fee (15 and under, free), which participants should be prepared to pay. South Carolina park passes are accepted.

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water. Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require.

In case of inclement weather, by 8:15 on the day of the hike, contact the PAC office, check pacolet.org or facebook.com/pacoletarea.conservancy to see if the hike will take place.

If you cannot make this hike but would like to attend future hikes, please visit PAC’s website or Facebook page for information on upcoming hikes. The next hike takes place on Oct. 7 at DuPont State Forest.

– article submitted by Pam Torlina