Most South Carolinians know how good we have it when it comes to our state parks. In fact, most of us would be hard-pressed to pick just one as a favorite. On the coast, there's the state's most visited state park, Hunting Island, with its gorgeous sandy beaches, campground, and historic lighthouse. In the midlands, Dreher Island is found on a finger extending well into beautiful Lake Murray. And in the mountains, well... we absolutely love Table Rock, Devils Fork, and Jones Gap State Parks. See?? Impossible to narrow it down to one, right?

Recently, Travel & Leisure did just that: narrowed it down to just one park that's a must-see in the Palmetto State: Jones Gap State Park. And it's easy to see why.

This mountain-based state park is located in the deep gully of a pair of mountains that flank either side of the park. The space is long and narrow and extends up the sides of the mountains with trails that lead to waterfalls and views galore.

In the basin of the park is the stunning Middle Saluda River, whose headwaters originate right here in Jones Gap State Park.

Designated as South Carolina's first-ever scenic river, the Middle Saluda lives up to the hype. It's laden with moss-covered boulders right out of a fairy tale.

Visitors here can hike, picnic, camp on backwoods trails, and visit a partially-restored fish hatchery which operated from 1930 until 1962.

A limited number of back country hike-in tent sites provide the ultimate backpack camping experience, with some sites located only steps from the babbling Middle Saluda River.

Sites fill up quickly and should be reserved well in advance of your planned travel dates. You can reserve one here.

Of course the crown jewel experience you'll want to have at Jones Gap is to explore as much of the 30 miles of trails here that you possibly can.

Expect long-range views of the surrounding terrain and mountains, cool sights like this oddball tree found along the Jones Gap Falls Trail, and waterfall after waterfall.

The most popular waterfall is Rainbow Falls, a 100-foot spectacle hiding in the middle of the forest with a 2.2-mile hike leading to this vantage point at the base of the falls.

As you might expect from trails in a park wedged between two very tall mountains, there is a lot of uphill work attached to exploring Jones Gap State Park. Expect some pain your gluteus muscles for a few days after you return from this fun day trip!

The Jones Gap Falls Trail is considerably easier than the one to Rainbow Falls. It clocks in at 1.75 miles each way with only a 490-foot elevation change.

But look where it leads! The view of the 50-foot Jones Gap Falls cascading down a stair-stepped facade is positively breathtaking.

Travel & Leisure didn't give many details as to why it chose Jones Gap State Park as the best in South Carolina, but with so much natural beauty found here, we're totally on board with the spotlight on this wonderful park. It deserves to be in the top-ranked parks in the state - even in the South!

Another thing that makes Jones Gap so in demand is the fact that park admission is limited daily. Whether the park is requiring advance reservations for admission or accepting drive-up visitors, there is a limit to the number of people who can visit each day and that limit directly correlates to the number of cars that will fit into the tiny parking lot. Once the lot is full, state park employees will turn you away and direct you to another nearby state park. (Luckily there are MANY wonderful state parks that are nearby!)

Presently, the park is allowing admission only to those who make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance. Reservations are accepted up to 13 months ahead of your travel date. You can make a reservation for park admission at Jones Gap right here. Learn more about the park here, including updated park hours and admission rates. And by all means, make this the year you go check out all of the hoopla surrounding this hidden gem in South Carolina!