Name: Raven Cliff Falls
Rating: 4

Hikes Map Explore

Raven Cliff Falls Caesars Head State Park, SC

LENGTH 3.8 MILES

DIFFICULTY 4.3 Easy

DURATION 2 hours

ELEVATION GAIN

700

feet

TRAIL TYPE

There And
Back Again

Raven Cliff Falls

Hike to a long distance view of Raven Cliff Falls on this popular trail in Caesars Head State Park in South Carolina. One of the easiest trails in the park, this is a great option for kids and dogs.

The trail begins on the other side of the highway from the parking lot. This hike follows the red-blazed #11 Raven Cliff Falls Trail. Head downhill along a wide gravel path that turns into a more traditional trail after passing a park building.

The trail is well blazed and easy to follow. Along the way you'll pass two trail intersections that have posted maps and blazes. Just keep following the red blazes.

At just over two miles the trail ends at a pavilion and observation platform. From here you'll be able to see Raven Cliff Falls dropping 420 feet down the other side of the gorge. The waterfall is best viewed in late fall, winter or early spring when there's less leaves on the trees, but it's still a worthy hike in summer.

If you want more, you can take one of the connecting trails to hike the difficult Raven Cliff Falls Loop or less difficult Raven Cliff Falls Suspension Bridge routes.

Raven Cliff Falls.
Pay the fee and fill out the information card before heading out. The trailhead and all intersections have posted maps.

Raven Cliff Falls.
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.
Follow the red blazes of the Raven Cliff Falls Trail for the entirety of this hike.

Raven Cliff Falls.
The first short section of this trail is a wide gravel road.

Raven Cliff Falls.
The gravel road ends once you pass a small park building. The path becomes a more traditional trail from this point on.

Raven Cliff Falls.
Hiking along the Raven Cliff Falls Trail.

Raven Cliff Falls.
A few minor steps along the path.

Raven Cliff Falls.
Maps are posted at each intersection.

Raven Cliff Falls.
Pavilion and observation platform at the end of the Raven Cliff Falls Trail.

Raven Cliff Falls.
Long distance view of Raven Cliff Falls from the observation platform.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Slope Breakdown

Elevation Gain

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Gain

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

0.7 mi

74 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

0.7 mi

272 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

0.4 mi

245 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

0.1 mi

96 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

109 ft

27 ft

For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.

Terrain Map Click to control map

Navigation

Details

length3.8 miles

difficulty4.3 Easy

duration2 hours

features Canyon/Gorge Dog Friendly Views Waterfall

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeRed

elevation gain700 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

N 35°6.94, W 82°38.3

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.

Nearby Hikes

Raven Cliff Falls Loop

7.7 mi

16.4

Raven Cliff Falls Suspension Bridge

Similar Hikes

Foster Falls Climber's Loop

2.5 mi

4.3

Edwards Point via the Rainbow Lake Trail

4 mi

6.5

Fall Creek Falls via Base of Falls Trail

0.8 mi

2.8

Fall Creek Falls via Gorge Overlook Trail

2.7 mi

6.6

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

4 (1)

New Review New Comment

hikethesouth-5 years ago

Nice Simple Hike

While I didn't feel this hike really wowed me, it's still a nice easy hike for those that don't want to take on the more challenging trails in the area. When there's less leaves on the trees you'll have a better view of the falls.

Easy | Hiked Summer 2019

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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.