A modest hike on a well maintained and traveled trail to an overlook that provides stunning views of South Carolinas tallest waterfall.
Located deep inside Caesars Head State Park is the impressive Raven Cliff Falls.
Caesars Head State Park is a 7,467 acre section of the South Carolina Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area inside Greenville County. It supports hiking, camping and fishing along with breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.
Caesars Head State Park is located off US Highway 276 in Cleveland South Carolina. The trailhead to Raven Cliff Falls is located 1 mile past the Caesars Head Visitor Center at 8155 Greer Highway. It is a beautiful drive to Caesars Head whether you approach from the North or the South via easily traveled Carolina mountain roads. Take your time and the hour drive from Greenville South Carolina or Asheville North Carolina will seem like nothing. The parking lot for the trailhead is well marked with limited parking available although there is an overflow lot further down the road.
Caesars Head State Park is a very popular spot and, specifically, the Raven Cliff Falls Overlook trail is also very popular. It can be somewhat crowded at times but this moderate hike that is approximately 4.5 miles, is well worth the trip. Note that there is a park fee for hiking this trail which, at the time of this episode, was $2 per person over 15 years young. There are fee stations at the parking lot and trailhead.
The hike starts out just across the street from the main parking lot. The entire trail is very nicely maintained and initially starts out very wide. There is plenty of signage throughout the hike making it very easy to follow. While there are ups and downs throughout most of the hike, the trail generally descends on the trip to the overlook meaning you will have to ascend on the return trip. Particularly the last 2/10 mile. During the hike you will encounter a few turnoffs for other trails including the Raven Falls Loop Trail. Stay on the trail to the overlook and eventually you will reach a beautiful covered multi-level platform with the gorgeous Raven Cliff Falls present in the background.
Raven Cliff Falls is located on Matthews Creek and is the tallest waterfall in South Carolina falling an impressive 420 feet. If you are adventuress and energetic, you can take the Raven Cliff Falls Loop trail which will take you down to the falls. However this strenuous hike that is almost 9 miles, is not part of this episode. For now, just sit back and enjoy the view of Raven Cliff Falls from the overlook.
Hike back the trail in reverse to return to the parking lot.