Rim Of The Gap - Pinnacle Pass, Beautiful Scenery In South Carolina

Rim of the Gap and Pinnacle Pass are two trails brimming with natural beauty in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area. Both of these trails lie in the upstate of South Carolina, in the southeastern United States. This area borders the beautiful state of North Carolina. These winding and sometimes strenuous trails connect the Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks. The Mountain Bridge Wilderness is a glorious 40,000 acre wilderness. This area features white tail deer, the black bear, and is also known for its native brook trout. The magnificent natural landscapes are home to an abundance of natural plant specimens, such as Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, wild flowers, and many native trees. There are so many different views that encompass this large area. Peaks reaching over 3,000 feet high, and four stunning waterfalls are just a couple of natural wonders.

Rim of the Gap starts on the western half near Caesars Head State Park. The eastern half starts near Jones Gap State Park. This is a demanding hike is about 4.3 miles long. The walking time varies, but usually takes around four hours. There are steep climbs and descents, and one should be in good physical condition, and wear good hiking boots. Along the trails, the native foliage such as Sugar Maple, Tulip Poplar, Sweet Birch and others will sway with the summer time breezes. In the winter, the trails can become dangerous when there is a cold snap. Sometimes the trails are closed due to the slippery conditions. Along this hike, you pass the base of the cascading Cliff Falls. You will come upon Jones Gap, where you can see Rainbow Falls and Camp Greenville. Camp Greenville is home to Pretty Place. This four hour journey will take you through trails surrounded by mass settings of the native Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel specimens. In the gallery of plants section, see these two specimens as you would see them hiking the Rim of the Gap.

Pinnacle Pass is considered a very strenuous hike of ten miles. This is not for the novice hiker, and the length of time runs about eight hours to complete. Pinnacle Pass also runs east to west, and is the longest trail in the Mountain Bridge Area. The trail begins near Jones Gap State Park. One of the spectacular highlights of this hike, is the natural beauty of Little Pinnacle Mountain. Native Carolina Hemlock lie on all sides of the mountain. This trail can be a loop hike from Jones Gap by taking a short connector to Rim of the Gap trail. It has a variety of steep climbs and descents. The beauty that surrounds the trails are breathtaking with many natural habitats. Another highlight of this trail is the steep climb over wooden steps that parallel the beauty of the Walking Fern stream. This stream got its name from a rare fern found native in the area. Many hikers will tell you that both of these hikes can be tiring, but at the end of the day, a wonderful experience with nature at is best. Below are fourteen photos taken on May 28th, 2008. My photographer loves to hike in this area, and I wanted to share some of the beauty he saw.

Trail With Native Plants

Mass Of Mountain Laurel

Close Up Of Mountain Laurel

Group Of Laurel Flowers

Pink Mountain Laurel

Yellow Beauty

Close Up Of Native Flower

Shadows On Mountains

Hawk Flying Freely

Natural View

The Mountains

Flowing Stream

Mountain Stream

Bridge Over Stream

The Rim of the Gap and Pinnacle Pass are two more examples of the wonderful scenes in nature. If you are ever in the southeastern part of the United States, this is a great area to visit and challenge yourself in a day or two of hiking and being in nature.