About the Middle Saluda Passage

Region

Upstate

Difficulty

Very Strenuous: 0-2.7. Moderately Difficult: 2.7-7.2. Moderate: 7.2-10.9.

Length

11.1
Miles

Activities

NOTICE:

The Eastern section of the Middle Saluda Passage, which includes a section of the Hospital Rock Trail and the Falls Creek Falls Trail at Jones Gap is CLOSED TO ALL TRAIL USERS. These areas are NOT TO BE HIKED. The Palmetto Trail is in discussions with the park service to locate a more sustainable route for this trail that will provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all hikers.

If you have any questions regarding the Palmetto Trail on this passage, please contact our Regional Trail Coordinator:

Rob Achenberg at rachenberg@palmettoconservation.org

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Middle Saluda Passage is resplendent with waterfalls, dramatic (and challenging) elevation changes, and diverse ecosystems. The passage (marked with Palmetto Trail signs) connects about 14 miles of existing trails (with multiple-colored blazes) in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area of Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park. Highlights include Hospital Rock, The Winds, and Raven Cliff Falls, the latter a 420-foot mountain cascade. For the adventurous backpacker, rustic campsites are available throughout the wildly beautiful Jones Gap State Park. The passage is accessed from Jones Gap State Park (just past mile marker 3) and Raven Cliff Falls (between mile markers 9 and 10).

Trail signs
No motor vehicles, horses or bicycles.
  • Per person fees are $5 or less for park admission to Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks.
  • Fee camping is available at both parks.

Interactive Maps Without Wifi

We have partnered with Avenza Maps in order to offer interactive maps that don't require an internet connection. Using the Avenza App, you can download maps onto your mobile device before you hit the trail, so that you locate yourself and be aware of where you are, even in the remotest of places. Offline location helps you stay on track, on the trail, and out of potential danger.

Get the Map
Passage MapClick to Download PDF

Directions

  • Trailhead at Jones Gap State Park: Traveling north from Greenville, SC, take US Hwy 276 through Travelers Rest, Marietta, and Cleveland. About 2 miles north of Cleveland, turn right at the Jones Gap State Park sign onto River Falls Road (SSR 97). River Falls Road becomes Jones Gap Road, which takes you into the park. The Palmetto Trail kiosk is located before crossing the bridge to the visitor center.
  • Trailhead at Raven Cliff parking area:  Traveling north from Greenville, SC, drive about 30 miles on US Hwy 276 through Travelers Rest, Marietta, and Cleveland, and past the Caesars Head State Park visitor center. From the visitor center, drive 1.1 miles and turn right into the Raven Cliff Falls parking area.

NOTE:

Trail users may NOT park at Camp Greenville. There is no access to the Palmetto Trail into or out of Camp Greenville.



Camping

Primitive campsites are available for Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks and in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. These campsites are not drive-ups and have no water or electricity. Contact SC Parks for information and reservations.



Notes

If backpacking, remember to hang food in bear bags.



Additional Information

NOTE: Trail users may NOT park at Camp Greenville. There is no access to the Palmetto Trail into or out of Camp Greenville.



Middle Saluda Passage Share Owners

Jessica Cox

South Carolina Society Children of the American Revolution

Megan McComb

Cary Hall

Kit Smith