Summary:
A forest climb culminates at a high overlook of Jones Gap, with a rugged descent via slickrock and huge boulders.

As an alternative, a short connector trail can be used to link together the first part of each of these trails, forming a half-day loop. The loop can be followed in either direction, but we describe it anti-clockwise (out via Rim of the Gap, back via Pinnacle Pass).

From the trailhead, follow the Foothills Trail along the Middle Saluda River for a few seconds, before branching left onto the signed Rim of the Gap Trail (numbered 6, blazed yellow). As you head through the trees, the trail is clear and generally easy under foot, although undulating. At one particularly steep point, a short cable has been fixed to help you up.

After no more than 15 minutes, you reach a junction where the Rim of the Gap and Pinnacle Trails meet. This is the start of your loop. The Pinnacle Trail is ahead, but to follow the loop anti-clockwise, take a right to continue along Rim of the Gap.

This is where the climbing really begins, steep in places, and a bit more rocky and rugged. You pass through beautiful deciduous trees that, because of the low elevation, retain some leaf color into mid-November. Rhododendrons line the path and there are some small creeks to cross. The trail condition is variable, from easy under foot to wet and rocky. You climb steadily for around an hour, with a couple of level sections to break things up. 1.9 miles from Jones Gap, a post marks the junction with connector trail (number 22). This is where you leave Rim of the Gap.

Fork left to head downhill on the connector trail, blazed purple. It is just 0.1 mile to Pinnacle Pass Trail (number 20). Turn left along Pinnacle Pass, the post marker showing 3.3 miles back to Jones Gap. Now blazed orange, it is a nice, level walk along a wide track to begin with, but the trail soon becomes more undulating as it winds through the trees. When we hiked, there were some fallen trees to negotiate, sometimes completely blocking the path.

After some fairly steep, short climbs, broken by level sections and even some descending, the trail becomes pretty level as you head along a tree-covered ridge over Little Pinnacle Mountain. A little under an hour after turning onto Pinnacle Pass, a cable on the left leads steeply down to a rock overlook, where you have an unobscured view of the length of Jones Gap. It is undeniable a stirring sight, although somewhat marred by the pylons rising up the hill across the valley.

Pull yourself back up the cable to the trail. It descends steeply at first, then switchbacks ease the gradient. As you wind down the mountain, you can see Jones Gap to your right through the trees. After about 20 minutes, you start to see a change in the trail condition: the remaining 30 minutes of the loop will be more undulating, rugged and strenuous. You pass rocks dripping with water, and cross a huge, sloping boulder. After this rocky section the trail descends steeply once again, with more log steps and more water to cross. Water drips from a ledge to your left above the trail and, shortly after, you cross a rock water-slide, wet and very slippery.

The steep descent continues alongside the ‘water-slide’ – it is a welcome relief when the trail levels for a short time. There are yet more slippery boulders to clamber over – a cable is fixed to help you along without falling flat on your face (the cables on this trail are well placed and much appreciated).

Another climb, and soon the loop is completed. At the trail junction, fork right onto Rim of the Gap Trail (blazed yellow) to return to Jones Gap trailhead, 0.4 mile away.

Directions: From Greenville, head north through Travelers Rest and Marietta on US 276. Branch right (following the signs) onto River Falls Road. It terminates at the State Park, 11 miles north-west of Marietta and 25 miles north-west of Greenville.

Trailhead: Just beyond the visitor center.

Length: 5.3 miles / 8.5 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 1,320 ft / 402 m

Duration: 3.5 hours

Trail Condition: Maintained and marked by paint blazes. Posts at junctions indicate the different numbered trail options. Pinnacle Pass Trail is more rugged, crossing slickrock, wet and very slippery in places.

Features: Forest, expansive view, rock slopes.

Climate: Year-round trail, best in spring and autumn.

Accommodation: Trailside camping only at Jones Gap. Tent and RV sites nearby on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11 (including Table Rock State Park). Limited motel and B&B accommodation on SC 11 (including Table Rock State Park). Some motels in Travelers Rest, plenty of choice in Greenville.

Trail Notes: Hikers are required to self-register at the trailhead. Topographical trail maps are available from the visitor centers at both Jones Gap (11am-noon) and Caesars Head (9am-5pm). Park gates open 9am.