The Appalachian Trail is a treasure trove of scenic vistas and famous landmarks. But just north of the famed Roan Highlands, a stunning spectacle of a waterfall, Jones Falls, lies just beyond the white blazes.
Starting at the Appalachian Trail (AT) trailhead at US 19E, follow the AT north for 3.1 miles until you reach the intersection of the trail with Buck Mountain Rd. This section of the AT has an elevation gain of almost 1000 ft, and large sections of trail with significant meadows offering magnificent vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The next 0.3 of a mile drops into a creek bed and then rises back up to cross Campbell Hollow Road and continue on north into an old pine nursery.
From there, the trail winds mostly downhill through forest for the next 1.8 miles until you reach a wooden sign for Jones Falls, with a short, 0.1 mile trail marked with blue blazes that takes you straight to the waterfall, for a total one-way distance of 5.3 miles. From the sign for Jones Falls, you should be able to audibly hear the waterfall itself.
Jones Falls itself is quite a sight, with its height nearing 100 feet. Late summer/autumn tends to be the slowest output of the falls, where as early spring sees them at peak flow.
Prepare to take at least 4-5 hours to complete this hike, as it is a significant length and elevation change to take on. Also, parking at the US 19E trailhead is limited, and the parking is right along the road, which as the day progresses, gets significantly busier.