Popular state park set to grow

Riverfront property to become newest addition to Jones Gap State Park

The Naturaland Trust, today, in partnership with South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) and local, state, and private funders announced the acquisition of 170 acres along the Middle Saluda River in Greenville County.  The River Falls property will soon be the most recent addition to the popular Jones Gap State Park.

“Jones Gap is one of South Carolina’s most precious, biodiverse gems,” commented Mac Stone, executive director, Naturaland Trust. “We have focused our efforts to broaden public access and strengthen the park by protecting adjoining land for many years. River Falls is one of the best examples of how non-profit, state, county, private and federal agencies can pool their resources and talents under a singular mission to create something truly special for our community that will pay dividends for decades to come.” Naturaland Trust purchased the property and will transfer ownership to SCPRT.

River Falls contains a striking and mature hardwood forest, headwater streams, bottomland, and 750 feet of frontage on the Middle Saluda River—all of the facets that inspired and led to the protection of Jones Gap State Park. Additionally, the property contains a mile of frontage on River Falls Road, one of the most scenic drives in South Carolina.

“We are thrilled and grateful to add the River Falls property to Jones Gap State Park,” said SCPRT director, Duane Parrish. “As we take over ownership, we are working to identify how to most effectively and strategically protect the new area and share it with visitors. The property’s unique landscape offers significant possibilities to increase public access, and our list of potential projects currently includes adding much-needed parking, creating wheelchair-accessible trails, and providing more acreage for visitors to discover.”

Funding for the acquisition was provided by local, state, and private entities, along with a bargain sale donation from the landowner. This property is the first to receive funding from the newly-created Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust.

“This day represents not just the addition of 170 wonderful acres to the public trust for future generations,” said Carlton Owen, chairman, Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust. “Perhaps even more, it is symbolic of what it will take to ensure that we meet the vision County Council has established ‘A community where innovation and opportunity meet natural beauty and unrivaled quality of life.’” Greenville County Councilman Joe Dill added, “To have this magnificent addition as the first project that our County Trust has assisted with sets a high bar for the future.”

Easley Combined Utilities, a local provider of water, wastewater, and electrical services, depends on reliable, clean water to serve the residents of the Upstate. “The protection of properties, like River Falls, not only provides our customers and employees places to get outside and enjoy our beautiful part of the state,” commented Joel Ledbetter, general manager, Easley Combined Utilities (ECU). “It also contributes to clean water, a business imperative for ECU.”

Raleigh West, executive director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, a key funding source for statewide land protection reflected on the value of partnerships.  “South Carolina may be small in land mass, but it includes some of the most rapidly growing areas in the country.  Without working together, these types of acquisitions are simply not possible.”

SCPRT is working with the Open Space Institute to draft a funding proposal with the federally-administered Land and Water Conservation Fund that will allow the property to exchange hands. SCPRT and Naturaland Trust will plan for public access when the property is transferred and under State Park management.

About Naturaland Trust

Naturaland Trust protects South Carolina’s Blue Ridge mountains and special places in the Piedmont. Founded by Tommy Wyche nearly 50 years ago, the Trust has worked to save the Blue Ridge escarpment of South Carolina – a land of waterfalls, mountain forests, wildlife, and rare plant species. These open and wild spaces of the Upstate are now accessible to the public. Jocassee Gorges, Raven Cliff Falls, Jones Gap State Park, Caesar’s Head State Park, Stumphouse Mountain, the South Saluda River, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, the Cancer Survivor’s Park, and the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway (Highway 11) – Naturaland Trust has played a key role in protecting these special places and many more. Learn more at naturalandtrust.org