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Raven Cliff Falls Loop

 4.5 (19)
  1. Areas
  2. SC
  3. …Upstate SC
  4. …Caesars Head/Jones Gap State Parks
  5. Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
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7.8 Miles 12.5 Kilometers


84%

Runnable

1,681' 512 m

Ascent

-1,683' -513 m

Descent

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

52%

Max Grade (27°)

3,094' 943 m

High

1,782' 543 m

Low

Conditions

Minor Issues 26 days ago
Mostly Dry, Fallen Trees: A few soft spots. A few rhodos hanging into the trails. Everything is passable. History
Getting forecast...

“This run has everything from scenic waterfall views to extreme changes in elevation and a massive cliff wall.”

— Gary Roberson
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This run offers a scenic view of Raven Cliff Falls. There are great places to enjoy water from the mountain river, as well. This loop combines the Raven Cliff Falls Trail #11, the Gum Gap/Foothills Trail, the Naturaland Trust Trail #14, and the Dismal Trail #12 for a great adventure!

Runner Notes

Not a trail meant for running. Very steep in places.

Description

This is a great workout with a tremendous payoff. You start running on Raven Cliff Falls Trail #11 (easy) to Dismal Trail #12. Follow the Dismal Trail to its end, running down over 2,000 feet in elevation. Then take a right onto the Naturaland Trust Trail #14 (strenuous) crossing over Matthews Creek at the bottom then beginning your ascent of over 2,000 feet in elevation.

Along the way, there is a great break spot on a ledge (see photo) and the Cathedral formation (also see photo). This section is very steep. We crossed Matthews Creek above the falls on a suspension bridge then took a right on the Gum Gap/Foothills Trail all the way back to Raven Cliff Falls Trail #11 and eventually the parking lot.

This run is outstanding; you should definitely experience it for yourself. Be prepared, as with either direction this is a hard run with a well-earned payoff.

Contacts

Land Manager: SC State Parks - Caesars Head

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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Aug 29, 2017
Amy White
Ran flat-ish approach and return trail, hiked middle section. 7.9mi — 3h 10m
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 19 votes

#1

in Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area

#301

Overall
  4.5 from 19 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in Mountain Bridge Wilder…

#1

in South Carolina

#301

Overall
326 Views Last Month
5,368 Since Jan 30, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

The Cathedral's colossal cliffs are truly a sight to see.
The Cathedral's colossal cliffs are truly a sig…
 4
Raven Cliff Falls cascades onto the rocks below.
Raven Cliff Falls cascades onto the rocks below.
 4
Upper section of Raven Cliff Falls.
Upper section of Raven Cliff Falls.
 3
An ice formation provides some wintertime beauty at the bottom of The Cathedral.
An ice formation provides some wintertime beaut…
 4
Looking up river from the suspension bridge crossing above Raven Cliff Falls. This water is what creates the 400 foot falls below.
Looking up river from the suspension bridge cro…
 3
Check out this cool rock-and-tree-root formation right beside Matthew's Creek.
Check out this cool rock-and-tree-root formatio…
 4

1 Comment

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Amy White
Amy White  
The middle section of loop going down into the valley and back out is extremely rugged, particularly the route up if you do the loop clockwise. You'll be clambering over and under obstacles, using your hands to help lower yourself down or pull yourself up, and the footing is filled with rocks and roots. Definitely not runnable. Highly recommend trekking poles. Aug 29, 2017

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