2: Jones Gap State Park to Gap Creek Rd.

The first part of this run is in the state park and requires a permit to run.  Stop at the park office - you will need you car tag and driver's license information.  The river leaves the park after about 1/3 mile. The Middle Saluda changes character very quickly as it leaves Jones Gap State Park. Essentially from the put in at the last parking lot in Jones Gap State Park to the Gap Creek road access this run goes from a class IV boulder field to a gentle stream. The first rapids are the steepest and require scouting to determine if strainers block them. This section carries a much greater flow than the Gap. The river enters a wide flat valley below Gap Creek and only a few rapids exist on the section from Gap Creek to the Hwy 11. Part of this run is private and posted (and is above the officially navigable section of the river, so a low profile is a good idea).