Raven Cliff Falls by Mosley Hardy

Canon Powershot G9

Raven Cliff Falls is the king of South Carolina waterfalls at an estimated 420 feet. Matthews Creek plunges off Raven Cliff Mountain at the Blue Ridge Escarpment near Caesars Head. The escarpment is where the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachian chain) drop abruptly 2,000 feet to the Piedmont below. This sudden drop is the geologic reason why there are so many falls in the area. A very popular 4.4-mile roundtrip trail leads to an overlook across the gorge from the falls. The 4.4-mile hike is moderately difficult with steep descents in the first .25 mile and last .75 mile. That means you will have to ascend on the return trip. When you reach a set of stairs on this trail, you are near the halfway point. When you reach the shelter, turn left to begin the final .75 mile descent to the overlook. Caesars Head State Park is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness, a 40,000-acre preserve in northwestern South Carolina.

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