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Raven Cliff Loop


Highlights:

Awesome river, cable crossing, challenging trail
Near:Cleveland, SC
Scenery:
Distance:6.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:2188 ft
Hike Time:4 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: This is a great workout with a tremendous payoff. We hiked trail #11(FHT/Raven Cliff Falls,easy) to trail #13 (Gum Gap,easy). We followed Gum Gap to trail #14 (Natureland Trust, very strenuous) to the bridge and continued over the bridge and down the the side towards Matthews Creek at the bottom. Along the way there is a great break spot on a ledge(see photo) and the Catherdal formation (also see photo). This section is very steep going down. We crossed Matthews Creek on the cables and started the vicious switchbacks on Trail #12( Dismal Trail back to trail #11 and eventually the parking lot. This hike is outstanding, we had the fortune to run into a mother black bear and two cubs just after the Matthews Creek crossing. There is so much to say about this route but I would rather you experience it for yourself. Be prepared, either direction this is a hard hike with a well earned payoff. Enjoy and I'll see you on the trail!!!
Trailhead: Trailhead is at the Raven Cliff Falls parking area about a mile north (heading to Brevard NC) of Caesars Head State Park. Park in the lot on the right and cross the road to the trailhead registry (Lat:35.93 Lon:-82.32)
Trail Guides for Raven Cliff Loop:
Mountain Bridge Wilderness
by Greg Lucas ()

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Caesars Head State Park, 864-836-6115
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Shaun Mitchell, who has posted  17 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by JRL on 9/5/2008
I've done this loop a couple of times, once in each direction. I think it's best to go down the Dismal Trail and up Natureland Trust to the bridge. You get the steep sections out of the way early with the payoff of the cathedral, bridge and falls near the top. Then you're left with a pretty easy hike back out on Gum Gap.

Reviewed by Mike on 6/16/2007
The loop is a great hike but challenging. There is a fun cable crossing and the view from the suspension bridge is good. Watch out for poison ivy on the dismal trail.

Reviewed by Brooke & Lex on 1/29/2007
We really enjoyed this hike. It has 3 major hill/valley combos. Challenging and perfect in the winter. The end view is beautiful and we met several friendly people along the way. Highly recommended for a great workout!


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: South Carolina Hiking, South Carolina Trails, South Carolina Hikes, Greenville County Hiking, Greenville County Trails, Greenville County Hikes

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