Rim of the Gap Trail Reviews & Reports

Unlike previous poster, the ranger told me that this trail would require a lot of "rock scrambling". I thought I knew what was in store, but... This was an exhausting hike strapped with a Backpack (it would even be exhausting w/o the pack, though), but it was fun! Unless you are in perfect shape, or just a sucker for punishment – though, I'd recommend starting from Caesar's Head SP. Coming from Jone's Gap SP requires a lot of up-hill climbing whereas Caesar's Head will take you *down* most (not all) those hills. Regardless of which park you start from, you are in for a challenge! This was, by far, the most challenging short-distance hike I've ever attempted. Climbing 4' - 6' embankments with the help of roots, rocks, or (if your lucky) a ladder. Squeezing through the “weight watchers” rock formation. Walking across waterfalls with the help of nothing but a cable. A 2' wide path with with a rock-face on one side and a 60' drop on the other.. This is one of those rare trails that I'll remember for years to come.. The ranger we talked to gave us a lot of information (and a lot of warning about how difficult this trail would be). One thing she did fail to mention was this is *not* a dog-friendly hike. We had our weim with us. He was able to navigate everything but one ladder (I had to unstrap my pack and carry him down that one). Still, had I know what we were up against, the dog would have stayed home, or we would have taken the much easier Jones Gap Trail to our destination. I would recommend this trail to anyone who is (1) in shape and (2) looking for a hike they can brag to their friends about.

We camped at Jones Gap State Park in August of this year and the weather was perfect. Not too, too hot and nice and cool in the evening. The Tent camping is phenomenal. We did the Rim of the Gap trail with our Bernese Mtn dog - DO NOT TAKE DOGS OR SMALL CHILDREN ON THIS TRAIL. It was a beautiful but very treacherous hike with a lot of dropoffs, ladders, and slippery rock scrambling. I would highly recommend it for experienced hikers but it is not a casual, take-the-family-for-a-stroll-in-the-woods trek.