Raven Cliff Falls

Awesome trail with some cool wildlife for those who like to walk quietly. I would have given it 5 starts but the view of Ravens Cliff Falls is from afar and hindered by the tree's on the new platform they have constructed at the end of the trail.

This is my favorite South Carolina day hike; just remember that switchbacks (the Dismal Trail) are made for going UP. I've done this trail backwards, and it is a killer! The beautiful bridge that crosses above the falls can be seen from the lookout on the other side of the gulch/valley. The parallel cable "bridge" is a lot of fun and not very dangerous. Be sure to catch some good pictures of the river--delayed exposures look great if you have a tripod! Have fun!

This is a wonderful trail minutes from downtown greenville and it offers a little something for everyone! From a short hike to the falls overlook to a day long adventure out to the suspension bridge and down into the valley. If you choose to go into the valley you will not be disapointed but be aware that it is a tough climb back out.

This is a fun trail with a beautiful payoff at the end. Raven Cliff falls make for a great photo op. The trail itself is not to hard but it lets you know it's there. If you would like you can cut off toward the Dismal and cross Matthews creek , climb the cathedral and cross the river above thefalls and lop back to the Raven Cliff trail. However this makes things rate more on the strenuous side. Either way you go this is a good all around trail suitable for the entire family. See you on the trail !!!

Beautiful!

An excellent hike, especially the way we did it. My 9-year-old son accompanied me (he has no problems with the rougher terrain, but this hike had a little surprise!). We actually hiked parts of four different trails on this trek, for a challenging loop through some beautiful terrain. The start was on the Raven Cliff Falls Trail, which begins just past Ceasar Head State Park on Rte. 276. The initial Raven Cliff trail is wide and easy, but take the Gum Gap Trail for a bigger challenge. The Gum Gap takes you to a beautiful, wooden suspension bridge which crosses right above the falls. Cross the bridge and make your way back down through the valley on the Naturland Trust Trail, then, after crossing the creek on a two-line cable bridge (not indicated ANYWHERE on the maps - a big surprise for a 9-year-old, but he did it!), start heading back up hill until you hit the Dismal Trail. The Dismal Trail is just under a mile long, but is very strenuous as it switches back and forth as you climb from about 1,000 feet of elevation on the valley floor to almost 3,000 feet at trail end. Dismal Trail end puts you back on to the Raven Cliff Falls Trail (easy and wide), a welcome relief after the climbing just finished, then you follow it back to the trail head. Total distance is approx. 8 miles, but give yourself at least six hours for the hike, to enjoy the scenery and take much-needed breaks. Trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with plenty of strategically-placed hand- and footholds where needed.