Jones Gap State Park, SC

Jones Gap State Park

    Just a little information about the park - it is located just across the North Carolina State Park in Marietta, South Carolina.  The park just reopened March 1, 2025 after hurricane Helene destruction.  As of March 13, there are only 2 trails open in the park, but they are working towards the rest.  The trails are clear, but there is still a lot of debris from the storm along the trail. There is an entry fee of $6 per adult and $3.50 for kids.  Reservations are required for the weekend.  

Rainbow Falls

    This hike is rated as very strenuous and is close to 4.5 miles from the parking lot.  The hike to where the trail splits is pretty easy, but very rocky.  Then after you're on the Rainbow Falls trail for a bit, you start the climb up the mountain.  The falls are beautiful, but will be even prettier when the trees are green!

  

Duffield, VA

 Devil's Bathtub

    A very popular hike near Kingsport, TN is Devil's Bathtub.  This is about a 4 mile roundtrip hike and considered a moderate hike.   There are about 7 creek crossings and several rocky spots on the trail - just be aware and watch your footing.  It is really probably best to just not try and stay dry - it makes it easier.  The water is COLD no matter what time of year you go, but there are several great swimming holes.  The best time to go is during the week or early/late in the day.  There is a loop trail that is about 7 miles if you're looking for a longer hike.  Also, be aware of the weather - this area is prone to flash floods, which have caused hikers to be stranded.  

Chattanooga Area

Glen Falls

    This is very short hike that is only about a mile roundtrip.  When we were there, the water was pretty low so that the upper area barely had any water at all, but it made it easy to walk through without getting wet. And the rocks were fun to climb around on.  The falls themselves are smaller, but they are tucked between 2 boulders, which gives them a nice effect.  The pool is good for swimming around too.  The hike down is an easy decent, so the hike back up isn't too bad.  

Rock City

    I know this isn't a true hike, but with epic views like this, I had to include it.  There is a cost to enter and it's an easy walk through the park, but it is absolutely beautiful!

 

Sequatchie, TN

 Foster Falls Recreation Area

    Foster Falls is about an hour outside Chattanooga, TN.  There are a couple of options with these falls.  You can simply hike down and then back up or you can continue around and make a loop that is about 1.75 miles.  This trail is considered to be moderate, but also know that it is very rocky and requires a little bit of technical hiking.  My mom, who was around 70 at the time did it, but it was definitely a challenge for her.  The falls are amazing and offers a lot of places to play in the creek and get in the water.  There is a swinging bridge and if you do the loop, there is a good chance you will run into rock climbers, who are really cool to watch, plus the rock faces are pretty spectacular.