Jones Gap State Park is a beautiful and accessible outdoor destination known for its scenic hiking trails and natural beauty. Visitors often enjoy hikes along trails such as Jones Gap, Cold Spring Branch, and the Raven Cliff Falls trailhead, covering distances like 12.5 miles in a day. The trails are generally well-maintained, clear of blowdowns, and offer great views of mountains, rivers, rhododendrons, and rocks. Popular hikes include the short, kid-friendly Jones Gap Falls trail and the more strenuous Rainbow Falls hike. Though some trails are still closed due to storm damage, efforts have been made to restore the park, and many areas remain open for exploring. The park features clean facilities, including a new bottle fill station, picnic tables near the visitor center, and well-marked trails. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, cool air, and soothing stream sounds upon entering. Camping options include primitive tent sites accessible by hiking, with wildlife such as black bears occasionally sighted. Overall, Jones Gap State Park offers a beautiful, easy-to-access natural setting with plenty of hiking opportunities and well-maintained amenities.
Got baptized there water was cold to the body but not the soul... I love it
January 2026
Made reservations and hiked the jones gap and cold spring branch trails to the raven cliff falls trIalhead and back for a total of 12.5 miles in 5 hours. The trails were clear of blowdowns and in excellent shape.
January 2026
This is a beautiful place to hike. The Jones Gap trail runs along the river with great views of the mountains, rhododendrons and rocks. The hike to the Jones Gap waterfall is a little over 3 miles there and back. The Rainbow Falls hike is about 5.2. Picnic tables are available near the visitor center. Parking is limited.
