Share

Marietta, S.C. – After a five-month closure following extensive destruction from Hurricane Helene, one of the Upstate’s most popular hiking destinations, Jones Gap State Park, reopens to the public on March 1. Reserved parking, which is used on weekends due to the park’s limited parking capacity, has sold out for opening day.   

Immediately following Hurricane Helene, 28 of South Carolina’s 48 State Parks were closed due to damage and power outages. Jones Gap is the last state park to reopen. 

What to expect: 

• Extensive damage: The damage to Jones Gap was extensive, and visitors who are familiar with the park will find that many areas look strikingly different. Helene’s heavy rains and powerful winds uprooted countless trees and led to destructive landslides that shifted the landscape in parts of the park.  

• Trail closures: Many of the park’s 60 miles of hiking trails remain closed due to downed trees and damage. Jones Gap Trail is open to Jones Gap Falls. Rainbow Falls Trail is open. All other trails remain closed.  

• Camping: Campsites 8-11 are the only sites currently open for reservations. Additional campsites will be available to reserve online as they are repaired and reopened.  

• Pedestrian-only access: Currently, the Visitor Center (which includes the park office and retail area), restrooms, and historic fish hatchery are only accessible by foot traffic. The pedestrian bridge to this area is accessed from the parking lot. The vehicle bridge to the park’s Visitor Center was destroyed during Hurricane Helene and will be replaced later this year. 

• Parking: As always, parking at Jones Gap is limited, and weekend visitors are encouraged to reserve a parking space online to help ensure entry. Due to high demand, we anticipate that parking will sell out frequently on weekends in the spring and early summer, so please plan ahead. If parking is sold out, spots will be available beginning at 1 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is always first-come, first-served on normal weekdays. 

“We are incredibly proud to reach this recovery milestone and reopen Jones Gap State Park,” said Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “It was a monumental effort that was achieved thanks to the dedication of our heroic staff and the generous support of many partner organizations. As the land continues to heal and sprout new growth, the reshaped landscapes may look different, but the peaceful spirit of Jones Gap State Park remains." 

To explore volunteer opportunities in South Carolina State Parks, please contact the park you are interested in supporting directly. Donations to support our continued trail work and recovery efforts can be made on our online retail store.  

###