I've never not finished a hike before.  Even the hardest, most uphill hikes.  And I mean hardest; like the 17,000 foot Rainbow Mountain hike in Peru with limited oxygen and the requirement to bring an emergency horse cash fund in case you need to borrow a horse to get to the top.  I didn't need a horse- I made it on my own two feet.

That's why this felt especially insulting to me.  A moderately-rated trail 4.3 mile trail with 1,200 feet in elevation gain and plenty of oxygen and I couldn't make it to the gem at the end- a 100 foot waterfall and the biggest attraction in the park.

But, I had to remind myself during the 1.5 mile uphill trek at the end of the trail, that I had Covid-19 less than 3 months ago.  While I didn't have a severe case and recovered pretty completely, it was a setback in my health that I have to acknowledge.  While it did affect my breathing capacity, it also took me out of my usual physical activities for some time, meaning I can't necessarily do the things I had been able to do just a few months ago.

It was frustrating and embarrassing, as I was hiking with a friend.

I kept pushing myself beyond my limit and I should have stopped sooner than I did.  After wrestling with my mind and making the hard call to turn back, I had to convince myself that it was okay.  It was.  I can always come back and finish it later, and I will.

One thing 2020 taught me was that it is vital to be kind to ourselves and to our bodies. 

Make a bucket list, set goals, establish priorities, but don't allow yourself to become so caught up with crossing things off that list that you hurt yourself in the process.

Park Overview:
Jones Gap State Park, located just a little over two hours from Charlotte, has been my favorite South Carolina State Park visit so far.  Overflowing with rhododendron bushes lining the trails and a gushing river snaking through the woods, Jones Gap is stunningly beautiful and it is easy to see that natural beauty no matter what season it is.

Located close to Caesar's Head State Park, the two parks share some common ground, forming the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.  The trails allow hikers to travel between the two parks, as well as connecting to the Foothills and Palmetto trails.  The Middle Saluda River is the state's first designated scenic river, and it's not hard to see why.  You can even reserve a riverside campsite, taking in the calming water sounds all night long.

After seeing the article on Only In Your State, we decided to hike to the hidden waterfall, Rainbow Falls, a moderately rated trail 2.5 miles one way.  Littered with bridges and rocky water crossings, this trail will keep you on your toes.  The last 1.6 miles is uphill, with steps and rocks to climb up.  ​The average hiker will take 4-6 hours to complete.

Andrew Jackson State Park is the very first of the SC State Parks I visited this year, for the sole reason that it is the closest.  In fact, it's only about a 25 minute drive from my house, making it the closest of any park, North or South Carolina.

Relatively small, with only two one-mile loop trails, this park is perfect for beginner hikers, families, and those who are just looking for a casual nature walk.

The Crawford Trail takes you through a mixed forest of pine, cedar, and oak trees.  You are likely to see birds, deer, and other wildlife on this trail.  The Garden of the Waxhaws trail follows the edge of the fishing lake, taking you through both open and wooded areas.

AJ State Park is the site of the homeplace of President Andrew Jackson and includes an 18th-century replica schoolhouse, as well as picnic areas, campgrounds, and fishing amenities.