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blueBlack Raven Cliff Falls Loop

FEATURED
  4.4 ( 21 )
FEATURED
  1. Areas
  2. SC
  3. …Upstate SC
  4. …Caesars Head/Jones Gap State Parks
  5. Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
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Trail

7.8 mile 12.5 kilometer loop
84% Runnable
Intermediate/Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 1,681' 512 m
Descent: -1,683' -513 m
High: 3,094' 943 m
Low: 1,782' 543 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 8% (5°)
Max Grade: 52% (27°)

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Current trail conditions

All Clear 34 days ago See History
Some Mud - be sure to stop and appreciate the big wall on the way.

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

— Gary Roberson
GPX File

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

  4.4 from 21 votes

#1

in Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area

#321

Overall
  4.4 from 21 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
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3 Star
19%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
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Rankings

#1

in Mountain Bridge Wilder…

#1

in South Carolina

#321

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6,113 Since Jan 30, 2017
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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
Upper section of Raven Cliff Falls.
Upper section of Raven Cliff Falls.
 3
Raven Cliff Falls cascades onto the rocks below.
Raven Cliff Falls cascades onto the rocks below.
 5
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
Seattle, WA
Amy White   Seattle, WA
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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