Most visitors come to Jones Gap State Park to hike the trails or cool off in the Middle Saluda River. But tucked away near the Learning Center is something many people walk right past—a large stone trout pond that played a major role in South Carolina’s conservation history.

At first glance, it looks like a peaceful reflecting pool surrounded by towering hardwoods. In reality, this pond is one of the last visible reminders of the Cleveland State Fish Hatchery, which operated here for more than 30 years.

A Hatchery That Helped Build South Carolina’s Trout Fisheries

In the late 1920s, state leaders realized the cold waters flowing through Jones Gap were perfect for raising trout.

Local State Representative J. Harvey Cleveland donated 20 acres of land, allowing construction of what became the Cleveland Fish Hatchery. The hatchery officially opened in 1931 with an event that reportedly attracted around 2,000 visitors, including two U.S. senators.

Eggs imported from Montana were hatched here before young trout were released into mountain streams across northwestern South Carolina.

Without this hatchery, many of the trout streams anglers enjoy today might never have developed into the fisheries they are now.

Three Trout Species

Interpretive signs around the pond explain the three trout species found throughout Southern Appalachia.

Brook Trout

• The only trout native to Southern Appalachia
• Known for brilliant orange fins with black and white edges
• Often called “specks” by local anglers

Rainbow Trout

• Originally native to the western United States
• Famous for the colorful pink stripe along their sides
• Extremely adaptable and common in mountain streams

Brown Trout

• Native to Europe
• Introduced to the United States in the late 1800s
• Can grow much larger than brook trout and are prized by experienced anglers

The Hatchery Closed, But the Pond Remains

The Cleveland Hatchery operated until 1962, when fish production moved to newer facilities.

Most of the hatchery buildings disappeared long ago, but the stone-lined trout pond remains almost exactly where generations of trout were raised before being released into mountain streams.

Today, the pond serves as an outdoor exhibit that helps tell the story of conservation in South Carolina.

Wildlife Around the Pond

Visitors may notice signs warning against throwing rocks into the pond. The area is also home to the Northern Water Snake, a harmless, nonvenomous species that is frequently mistaken for a copperhead.

Like many aquatic snakes, it prefers to avoid people and spends much of its time hunting fish and amphibians.

A Great Stop for Families

The trout pond is one of the easiest places to explore in Jones Gap State Park. It requires very little walking and offers:

• Historic interpretive displays
• Beautiful stonework from the original hatchery
• Mountain scenery
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Excellent photography, especially during the morning and late afternoon

It’s a perfect stop before or after hiking one of the park’s trails.