Hikes Map Explore
Raven Cliff Falls Loop Caesars Head State Park, SC
miles
LENGTH 7.7 MILES
DIFFICULTY 16.4 Medium
Hard
DURATION 4-6 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
2000
feet
TRAIL TYPE
Lollipop
Loop
Raven Cliff Falls Loop

Explore the Mountain Bridge Wilderness at Caesars Head State Park along the Raven Cliff Falls Loop, a feature rich, heart-pumping hike. This lollipop loop explores above and below the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls, dropping you deep into the Matthews Creek gorge before climbing back out. Dogs are allowed in the park, but it's not recommended for this hike due to steep terrain and several ladders.

Most people, including the park rangers, suggest taking this loop clockwise to hike the harder sections toward the beginning. From the elevation graph, the steep sections are pretty close to the middle of the route, so it doesn't matter. When I calculated the difficulty if you went counter-clockwise, it was .2 points less, so not much difference either way.

The trail begins on the other side of the highway from the parking lot. This hike makes a lollipop loop starting with the Raven Cliff Falls Trail (#11, Red), and combining it with the Dismal Trail (#12, Purple), Naturaland Trust Trail (#14, Pink), and the Gum Gap Trail (#13, Blue). If going clockwise, head out to the view at the end of the Raven Cliff Falls Trail before taking the Dismal Trail to catch a long distance view of Raven Cliff Falls.

Other than being quite steep, there isn't much to tell about the Dismal. A few minor creek crossings and the constant sounds of water follow you to the intersection with the Naturaland Trust. Here you'll cross over Matthews Creek by way of a log bridge. This used to be a cable crossing or rock hop years ago.

You can skip the gym for the rest of the week after hiking up the Naturaland Trust to the top of the falls. It's quite a workout. You'll also have to deal with some confusing trail blazes. Many places the double pink blaze indicates a turn but the blazes are stacked on top of each other without a clear indication of right or left. These are also sometimes after the turn you should have taken. The trail is blazed consistently so just keep an eye out for pink. And if the trail looks too overgrown you may have gone the wrong way.

Along the way, you'll walk along an impressive rock wall towering higher than the trees known as the Cathedral. This is just over halfway up to the suspension bridge that takes you over the creek just above Raven Cliff Falls. Explore a few side trails along the creek near the suspension bridge for great spots to take a break and enjoy smaller waterfalls and cascades. Round out the loop with the easy Gum Gap Trail that reconnects with the Raven Cliff Falls Trail.

If all this sounds too difficult, you can still hike these trails by taking the Raven Cliff Falls Trail by itself or head around the Gum Gap Trail to visit Raven Cliff Falls Suspension Bridge without a visit to the bottom of the gorge.

Read More

Raven Cliff Falls Loop. Pay the fee and fill out the information card before heading out. The trailhead and all intersections have posted maps. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. To begin this hike, cross the highway in-between the entrance and exit to the parking lot. Listen for cars as they can come around the corners fast. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. Pavilion and observation platform at the end of the Raven Cliff Falls Trail. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. Long distance view of Raven Cliff Falls from the observation platform. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. Warning signs on both sides of the Dismal / Naturaland Trust Trails. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. Log bridge crossing over Matthews Creek below the falls. This used to be a cable crossing / rock hop. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. The Cathedral rock face along the Naturaland Trust Trail below the falls. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. There are 3 ladders along the Naturaland Trust Trail below the falls. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. Raven Cliff Falls suspension bridge. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. View from the suspension bridge looking out over Raven Cliff Falls. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. Cascades along Matthews Creek above the falls. Several side trails lead to nice spots to take a break and enjoy the creek. Raven Cliff Falls Loop. The Gum Gap Trail is a welcome flat easy section that either allows you to catch your breath or lulls you into a fall sense of ease depending on your direction around this loop.
Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
1.2 mi
107 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
1.2 mi
461 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.8 mi
465 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.4 mi
353 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
0.4 mi
658 ft
Elevation Loss
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Loss
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.8 mi
122 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
1.1 mi
398 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.8 mi
471 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.5 mi
415 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
0.5 mi
669 ft
Terrain Map Click to control map
Navigation
Reverse Hike loop in reverse direction.
0.0 mi
0.0 mi - Trailhead The trail begins on the opposite side of the highway between the entrance and exit of the parking lot.
1.4 mi
1.4 mi - Turn Left Hiking this lollipop loop clockwise, turn left to continue following the red-blazed Raven Cliff Falls Trail. Right will take you along the blue-blazed Gum Gap Trail.
1.8 mi
1.8 mi - Turn Right Stay right to continue following the red-blazed Raven Cliff Falls Trail. Left will take you down the steep purple-blazed Dismal Trail that you'll take after the view.
1.9 mi
1.9 mi - Raven Cliff Falls View Observation platform and pavilion. From here you'll turn around and head back to the previous intersection with the Dismal Trail.
2.0 mi
2.0 mi - Turn Right Turn right on the Dismal Trail you passed previously.
3.3 mi
3.3 mi - Turn Right Turn right on the pink-blazed Naturaland Trust Trail.
3.5 mi
3.5 mi - Log Bridge Cross over Matthews Creek via a log bridge. This used to be a cable crossing or rock hop.
Next .8 mi
Next .8 mi - Look for Blazes Several sections along the Naturaland Trust Trail can be a little confusing going up. Keep a lookout for blazes. A double blaze indicates a turn, although most are not clearly leaning one way or another to indicate which direction and sometimes the double blaze is well after the turn.
4.0 mi
4.0 mi - The Cathedral Hike along side a towering rock face known as the Cathedral.
4.3 mi
4.3 mi - Raven Cliff Falls Suspension Bridge Cross over Matthews Creek above the falls. Just afterward, several side trail take you to the creek for a good place to take a break and view smaller waterfalls and cascades.
4.9 mi
4.9 mi - Turn Right Turn right on the blue-blazed Gum Gap Trail.
5.9 mi
5.9 mi - Turn Right Turn right, following the blazes and signs to stay on the Gum Gap Trail.
6.3 mi
6.3 mi - Turn Left Finish the loop part of the hike by turning left on the red-blazed Raven Cliff Falls Trail.
7.7 mi
7.7 mi - Return to Trailhead
Details
length7.7 miles
difficulty16.4 Medium-Hard
duration4 - 6 hours
features Canyon/Gorge  River/Stream  Views  Waterfall 
trail typeLollipop Loop
blazeRed (Raven Cliff Falls #11), Purple (Dismal #12), Pink (Naturaland Trust #14), Blue (Gum Gap #13)
elevation gain2000 ft.
state South Carolina 
park/forestCaesars Head State Park
visitor infoVisitor Center
8155 Geer Hwy
Cleveland, SC 29635
864-836-6115
hours9am - 9pm (daylight savings time), 9am - 6pm (rest of year)
Trails close 1hr before dark
parking fee$2/adult, $1.25/SC senior, kids 15 and below free
trailhead coordinates 35.11559, -82.638329 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°6.94, W 82°38.3 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°6'56'', N 35°6'56'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
35.11559, -82.638329 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°6.94, W 82°38.3 most GPS units use this one
N 35°6'56'', N 35°6'56'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
The trail begins on the opposite side of the highway between the entrance and exit of the parking lot. When crossing, listen for cars as they can come around the corners fast.
Parking Capacity
18 parking spots with overflow along the highway.
Notes
Better views in late fall/winter/early spring.
Very rocky and rooty in places.
Be careful on slick wet rocks over a few minor creek crossings and at the base of the Cathedral rock wall.
The Naturaland Trust Trail can be difficult to navigate. Keep an eye out for blazes and remember a double blaze means a turn. Sometimes the turn is before you see the double blaze.
Dogs are allowed on the trails but due to the steep rocky sections and ladders (2 up, 1 down) along the Naturaland Trust Trail it's not recommended.
Nearby Hikes
Raven Cliff Falls
Raven Cliff Falls
Length3.8 mi Difficulty4.3 South Carolina
Raven Cliff Falls Suspension Bridge
Raven Cliff Falls Suspension Bridge
Length7.6 mi Difficulty9.8 South Carolina
Looking Glass Rock
Looking Glass Rock
Length5.5 mi Difficulty11.2 North Carolina
Glassy Mountain
Glassy Mountain
Length1 mi Difficulty2.1 South Carolina
Slick Rock Falls
Slick Rock Falls
Length1.9 mi Difficulty5.2 North Carolina
Similar Hikes
Mullens Cove Loop
Mullens Cove Loop
Length9.3 mi Difficulty13.9 Tennessee
Raven Cliff Falls Suspension Bridge
Raven Cliff Falls Suspension Bridge
Length7.6 mi Difficulty9.8 South Carolina
Cloudland Canyon Sitton's Gulch and Waterfalls Trails
Cloudland Canyon Sitton's Gulch & Waterfalls Trails
Length5.8 mi Difficulty11.1 Georgia
Tallulah Gorge North And South Rim Loop
Tallulah Gorge North & South Rim Loop
Length2.6 mi Difficulty9 Georgia
Fall Creek Falls via Gorge Overlook Trail
Fall Creek Falls via Gorge Overlook Trail
Length2.7 mi Difficulty6.6 Tennessee
Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (1)
New Review New Comment
hikethesouth-5 years ago
Feature Rich Hike
This is one of my favorite hikes although it got a little less interesting without the cable crossing. You get to explore Matthews Creek above and below the falls and take in views from both sides of the gorge. Cross over a log bridge and a suspension bridge and walk in the shadow of the massive Cathedral rock face. Most people suggest doing this clockwise. I've done it both ways. Personally, I think clockwise is more difficult. The Naturaland Trust Trail is much rougher than the Dismal. Depends on if you have more problems going up or down really steep trails.
Medium-Hard | Hiked Summer 2019
New Comment
Username   
Email
Email will only be used to send a verification link for first time use with this username and to authenticate the username for further reviews/comments.
Comments   2000
Submit
New Review
Username
Email
Email will only be used to send a verification link for first time use with this username and to authenticate the username for further reviews/comments.
Rating
Difficulty
Last Hiked
Review Title
Review   2000
Submit
share the adventure
if you enjoy this site consider supporting me on patreon
follow me
Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.
© 2024 HikeTheSouth|contact@hikethesouth.com