The tallest waterfall in South Carolina is also one of the most challenging to see. But at an estimated 400 feet, it’s worthy of the efforts – as long as you’re up for the task of seeking it out. Unsurprisingly, there’s a series of trails through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area that lead to a couple of breathtaking views of Raven Cliff Falls and anyone who’s hiked this strenuous trail will tell you it’s a huge accomplishment.
The trailhead can be found at Caesars Head State Park. Drive approximately a mile from the Visitor Center to find the parking lot and a large sign designating the Raven Cliff Falls trail.
Google Maps
For the first two miles, before you arrive at the fork for the loop, the trail is deceivingly easy. Most people travel clockwise around the loop since hiking in the opposite direction will mean a most strenuous uphill return.
alltrails.com
Traveling clockwise also means you’ll arrive at the short spur trail to the first overlook in well under three miles.
alltrails/Esther Mehl
From the overlook, you’ll get a feel for the scope and enormous size of the drop of South Carolina’s tallest waterfall.
TripAdvisor/Lea A
Right about the time you enter the loop, you’ll also encounter warning signs that the trail is about to double down on difficulty.
alltrails/Robin Daniels
After series of switchbacks, elevation changes and more…
TripAdvisor/TrailDame
You’ll arrive at the cliffs that you saw from the first overlook and a view of the middle part of the falls.
alltrails/Jean Piot
Get used to the cliffs… because the trail leads right in front of a huge cliff as you make your way around the loop. (For scale, if you peer closely at the bottom right corner of this image… you’ll see a lone hiker at the base of the epic cliff.)
alltrails/Robin Daniels
All in all, this 8.8-mile trail is rated difficult due to the length and the steep slopes you’ll encounter going down — and then back up.
alltrails/Newell Bascomb
Only experienced hikers should embark on the Raven Cliff Falls trail.
alltrails/Lindsay Fischer
And anyone attempting this hike should plan to leave soon after sunrise. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. The trail is heavily traveled, in spite of the difficulty, so plan to share the road, so to speak.
alltrails/Pamela Entrikin Dogs are allowed, but should be kept on a leash.
Want to hike this trail? It’s mandatory to register with the state park at the Visitor Center before embarking on the journey. Most people take 5-8 hours to complete this hike. A map of the trail is available for sale at the Visitor Center. You can also download an app to guide your hike from AllTrails.
Google Maps
alltrails.com
alltrails/Esther Mehl
TripAdvisor/Lea A
alltrails/Robin Daniels
TripAdvisor/TrailDame
alltrails/Jean Piot
alltrails/Newell Bascomb
alltrails/Lindsay Fischer
alltrails/Pamela Entrikin
Dogs are allowed, but should be kept on a leash.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center, 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
