Status: Openas far as we can tell, checked Nov 11, 2026

Raven Cliff Falls (SC)

420 ft · Caesars Head State Park, Mountain Bridge Wilderness · South Carolina

A 420-foot cascade in Caesars Head State Park, seen from an overlook 4 miles round trip or from a suspension bridge above it.

By The Waterfall Guide editorial team · Cascade near Cleveland · run by SC State Parks

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Raven Cliff Falls as a thin white ribbon on a forested mountainside, seen through bare trees from the overlook, South Carolina. — Raven Cliff Falls from the overlook, March 2004. · JAG, CC BY 2.0

A wooden suspension footbridge with cable railings leading into rhododendron above Raven Cliff Falls, South Carolina. — The suspension bridge above the falls, March 2006. · JAG, CC BY 2.0

Height: 420 ft420 feet, per SC State Parks; SC Trails also gives 400 feet in its summary
Permit: See detailsSC State Parks lists a trail access cost, not a permit, for day hikes. Day-use parking cannot be reserved.
Fee: $3 adults trail access (SC State Parks)SC State Parks lists a trail access cost of $3 for adults, $1.50 for SC seniors and $1 for children 6 to 15. Children 5 and younger are free.
Parking: Lot on Hwy 2761.1 mi past the visitor center (SC Trails)
Trail: 4 mi round trip to the overlook (SC State Parks) · Advanced (SC State Parks)SC State Parks calls the Raven Cliff Falls trail a four-mile round trip to a scenic overlook.
Dogs: Leash, 6 ft max (SC State Parks)SC State Parks allows pets in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than six feet, or under physical restraint.
Swimming: No official swimming rule found
Best time: No official best monthSC State Parks says thousands of hawks migrate through the park from September 1 to November 30.

Checked Nov 11, 2026 Source: SC State Parks

Right now

Status note (Nov 11, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell. On Nov 11, 2026, SC State Parks said all official trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area are open. What the status labels mean

Raven Cliff Falls is a 420-foot cascading waterfall in Caesars Head State Park, in Greenville County, South Carolina. SC State Parks calls the trail to its overlook a four-mile round trip, and a 6.6-mile round trip reaches a suspension bridge above the falls. Trail access costs $3 for adults. This is not the Raven Cliff Falls in Georgia.

About Raven Cliff Falls (SC)

Raven Cliff Falls is in Caesars Head State Park, part of the 17,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area with Jones Gap State Park, per SC State Parks.

SC State Parks says the park is named for a granitic gneiss outcropping atop the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

SC State Parks calls Raven Cliff Falls a 420-foot cascading waterfall. SC Trails puts the falls on Matthews Creek and says they are named for the ravens that nest in the high cliffs.

SC Trails gives the height as 400 feet in its summary and an estimated 420 feet in its description. We use the SC State Parks figure.

Not the Georgia falls

Georgia has its own Raven Cliff Falls, in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This page covers the South Carolina falls at Caesars Head.

About our map pin

Our map pin is the USGS GNIS point for Raven Cliff Falls, in Greenville County. We have no separate trailhead pin; use the parking notes below.

For other South Carolina falls, see Spoonauger Falls and Station Cove Falls, or browse all South Carolina waterfalls.

Getting there and parking

Caesars Head State Park is at 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC 29635, per SC State Parks.

SC Trails says to drive north on Highway 276 from Travelers Rest, then about 1.1 miles past the visitor center. The Raven Cliff Falls parking area is on the right, and the red-blazed trailhead is across the road.

Parking limits

SC State Parks says parking is first come, first served, and day-use parking cannot be reserved. There is no roadside parking, and highway parking and walk-ins are not allowed.

It warns that the park often reaches parking capacity on weekends in October and November. It suggests weekdays for a better chance of entry.

Fees and hours

SC State Parks lists a trail access cost of $3 for adults, $1.50 for SC seniors and $1 for children 6 to 15. Children 5 and younger are free.

Park hours are 9am to 6pm daily, extended to sunset during daylight saving time. Trails close one hour before dark, year-round.

Contact

Caesars Head State Park: 864-836-6115.

Map and nearby falls

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OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map

Raven Cliff Falls trail: overlook or bridge

SC State Parks says the Raven Cliff Falls trail is a four-mile round trip to a scenic overlook, where you can view the falls.

SC Trails lists the same trail at 2.2 miles one way, on natural surface and boardwalk. That is about 4.4 miles round trip, by our math.

Suspension bridge route

There is also a 6.6-mile round trip to a suspension bridge that crosses the creek above the falls, per SC State Parks. "The bridge offers a unique view of the falls as they plunge deep into the mountain cove below," it says.

Difficulty

SC State Parks says all trails in the park are rated advanced and are in a wilderness setting. SC Trails rates this one moderate. Plan for the harder rating.

Dogs

SC State Parks allows pets in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than six feet.

When to visit

SC State Parks gives no best month for the falls. It says thousands of hawks migrate through the park from September 1 to November 30.

Busy weekends

SC State Parks says parking often fills on weekends in October and November, and entry depends on open spaces.

Status checks

On Nov 11, 2026, SC State Parks said all official trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area are open. Call 864-836-6115 to confirm.

For more falls in this part of the state, see our waterfalls near Greenville, SC guide.

All visitor facts
Height	420 ftNote: 420 feet, per SC State Parks; SC Trails also gives 400 feet in its summary
Trail	SC State Parks calls the Raven Cliff Falls trail a four-mile round trip to a scenic overlook. A longer 6.6-mile round trip reaches a suspension bridge above the falls.
Difficulty	SC State Parks says all trails in the park are rated advanced and are in a wilderness setting. SC Trails lists this trail as moderate.
Entry fee	SC State Parks lists a trail access cost of $3 for adults, $1.50 for SC seniors and $1 for children 6 to 15. Children 5 and younger are free.
Permit / reservation	SC State Parks lists a trail access cost, not a permit, for day hikes. Day-use parking cannot be reserved.
Parking	Lot on Hwy 276, 1.1 mi past the visitor center (SC Trails)
Dogs	SC State Parks allows pets in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than six feet, or under physical restraint.
Wheelchair / stroller	No official accessibility information found. SC State Parks rates all park trails advanced.
Best time to visit	No official best month. SC State Parks says thousands of hawks migrate through the park from September 1 to November 30.
Crowds	SC State Parks says parking often reaches capacity on weekends in October and November.
Managed by	South Carolina State Parks (Caesars Head State Park)

Safety and swimming

SC State Parks says trail access is "hike at your own risk." All park trails are rated advanced.

All hikers must be off the trails one hour before sunset, per SC State Parks. Start early enough to finish in daylight.

The suspension bridge route is 6.6 miles round trip. Carry water and plan for the longer day.

We found no official swimming rule for the falls.

In an emergency, call 911. Our waterfall safety guide has more on staying safe near falls.

Conditions change: confirm with the official source before you go.

Where to stay near Raven Cliff Falls (SC)

Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Cleveland.

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Photos

Raven Cliff Falls (SC) FAQ

Is Raven Cliff Falls in South Carolina open now?

As far as we can tell, yes. On Nov 11, 2026, SC State Parks said all official trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area are open.

How long is the Raven Cliff Falls hike in SC?

SC State Parks calls it a four-mile round trip to the overlook. A 6.6-mile round trip reaches the suspension bridge above the falls.

How tall is Raven Cliff Falls in SC?

SC State Parks says Raven Cliff Falls is a 420-foot cascading waterfall. SC Trails gives 400 feet in one place and an estimated 420 feet in another.

Does it cost money to hike to Raven Cliff Falls?

Yes. SC State Parks lists a trail access cost of $3 for adults, $1.50 for SC seniors and $1 for children 6 to 15.

Can you park on the road for Raven Cliff Falls?

No. SC State Parks says there is no roadside parking at Caesars Head, and highway parking and walk-ins are not allowed.

Are dogs allowed on the Raven Cliff Falls trail?

SC State Parks allows pets in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than six feet.

Nearby waterfalls

All waterfalls in South Carolina

City guides: Waterfalls near Greenville, SC · Waterfalls near Brevard, NC · Waterfalls near Highlands, NC

Sources

Last verified Nov 11, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with South Carolina State Parks (Caesars Head State Park) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.

Photos: JAG, CC BY 2.0. Photo credits