If there's one hike you put on your bucket list in the coming 12 months, make it this one. You'll love it not only because the hidden destination at the end of the hike is a breathtaking 100 foot waterfall the equivalent in height to a 10-story building, but also because the trail getting there is so beautiful and adventurous you'll find it's at least as fun as seeing the waterfall at the end.

Infused with a series of bridges and creeks, the trail to Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park is a delightfully adventurous way to spend the day.

In addition to crossing small creeks, you'll also cross over the beautiful Middle Saluda River, a focal point running through this remarkable South Carolina State Park.

Did we mention the adventure of crossing various bridges? For sure, this trail is not for novice hikers. It's rated moderate and spans nearly 2.5 miles each way. A typical hiker will spend 4-6 hours on this trail, so be sure to set aside enough time to take it all in and reach the waterfall without having to turn around, especially if you go during daylight savings time.

You'll start out on the Jones Gap Trail and then veer off to follow the red markers (shown on the tree in this photo) for the Rainbow Falls Trail. And you should be prepared to do some climbing. If you have any issues with your knees, this may not be the trail for you. The terrain is pretty consistently riddled with rocks, some roots and plenty of uphill climbing on the way to the waterfall.

Bu there is plenty to see to distract from the workout you're getting. You'll want to take your time and absorb all the beauty found deep in the forest along the trail.

Also, taking your time will help you pace yourself for the last leg of the hike. The last 1.6 miles is pretty much uphill. It can seem that just when you've climbed the last step...

you'll run into more! But there's light at the end of the trail — AND along the trail!

Just look at that long-range view of the surrounding mountains. So beautiful! But we're not quite there yet. Fortunately, for some added motivation, you'll be able to hear the waterfall long before you get there. The added anticipation may be that second wind you'll need to get through the most strenuous part of the trip.

And when you finally arrive you'll be amazed at the hidden spot you've managed to travel a great distance through the wilderness to find. Rainbow Falls is a tremendous spectacle, towering more than 100 feet over you as you stand in awe at the bottom.

Pack a lunch and spend plenty of time admiring the serenity of the view before you. At certain times of the day, the water and light are just perfect to project a spectrum of colors in the mist of the falling water. That's due to the combination of stones and minerals found in the rocks that make up the cliff the falls drop over.

Some days the water flow is much less than others, but regardless of when you make your discovery of this hidden attraction, you're guaranteed to find a gawk-worthy view.

Make the trip after some heavy rain... and the water may be gushing over that cliff. Wow!

From the giant boulders found throughout the trail and in the waters of the Middle Saluda River, to the spectacular waterfall hidden deep in the forest of this state park, the trail to Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap is an adventure you won't soon forget.

Have you hiked to Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap?? We'd love to hear about your adventure in our comments! Have another favorite hike? Tell us about that one too!

Jones Gap State Park and the Rainbow Falls Trail can be found at 303 Jones Gap Rd., Marietta, SC 29661. Parking can be limited so plan to get there early. Or, you could plan an overnight camping excursion at Jones Gap. Read more about that in this article we published in 2016.