Raven Cliff Falls

Raven Cliff Falls, located in Greenville County, South Carolina, is found along Matthews Creek. I first visited Raven Cliff Falls in March of 2004. My hike took about 45 minutes one way (listed as 2.2 miles). These falls are indeed named for the ravens found in the area that utilize the cliffs as breeding spots. Parking is designated east off of 276 in Caesar's Head State Park and a small fee ($2.00 in 2004) is requested at the trailhead registration booth. Often, vehicles spill over to the side of the road and northward to a secondary lot on the west side. This immensely popular fall is well documented likely due to its sheer size. The fall breaks over several individual ledges for a total height of about 400 feet, making it one of the tallest falls east of the Mississippi River. There are several ways to view the falls. The main view of the falls is afforded by Raven Cliff Fall Trail (Caesars Head Trail #11 - Red Blaze), which leads visitors to a small observation deck located a quarter mile over a gorge from the falls. Backtracking to the trailhead of the Gum Gap Trail (Caesars Head Trail #13 - Blue Blaze) allows hikers the option to circle around to a suspension bridge over the beginning of Raven Cliff Falls. Additionally, a fine view of the falls is available at a rock outcropping near the start of the Dismal Trail (Caesars Head Trail #12 - Purple Blaze). The Dismal and Gum Gap Trails can be connected for a circle of the area by the Natureland Trust Trail (Caesars Head Trail #14 - Pink Blaze). Therefore, a counter-clockwise loop taking in all the sights (after backtracking from the end of Ravens Cliff Trail) would yield the Gum Gap Trail to the Natureland Trust trail to the Dismal Trail (and back to Ravens Cliff Trail). These other trails are all increasingly more strenuous than the relatively flat Raven Cliff Fall Trail; the Dismal Trail offers an elevation change of over 1,000 feet along its 1.5 mile length.

	Raven Cliff Falls seen from near the Dismal Trail.
	Raven Cliff Falls from the Raven Cliff Falls Trail observation ledge.
	A cascade above Raven Cliff Falls as seen from the Natureland Trust Trail suspension bridge at the top of the falls.
	The beginning of Raven Cliff Falls as seen from the suspension bridge.
	Another shot from the suspension bridge. The constructed observation stand at the end of Raven Cliff Falls Trail is visible in the distance.
	The suspension bridge seen over the top fall of Raven Cliff Falls.
	A full fiew of the top fall.
	A wet, eyebrow-riddled sheer granite face along the Natureland Trust Trail.
	A cable bridge (one foot cable, one hand cable) aids in crossing Matthews Creek on the Natureland Trust Trail.