Summary:
From an overlook of Raven Cliff Falls, continue on to a dramatic swing-bridge over Matthews Creek Gorge.

Pass the Gum Gap Trail turn-off on the right (you will take that later to get to the bridge). Now the trail descends about 530 ft (more steeply at the end) to an observation deck, 2.2 miles from the trailhead. Across the gorge is 420-ft Raven Cliff Falls, a well-known landmark in the area. Surrounding the rocky gorge are rhododendron and azalea, chestnut oak and hickory forests, giving a wonderful display of color in late spring and autumn.

Backtrack about 0.7 mile (climbing up the 530 ft as you go) and turn left onto Gum Gap Trail (number 13, blazed blue). Follow this easy trail for about 1.7 miles until you reach a junction. Continue on Naturaland Trust Trail (number 14, blazed pink), which descends about 370 ft in 0.3 mile to a swing-bridge over Matthews Creek and above Raven Cliff Falls. The beautiful view it offers marks the turning-round point of the hike.

If you really want to avoid re-tracing your steps, the large number of inter-connecting trails in the Mountain Bridge area makes it possible to form a loop back. You can continue on Naturaland Trust Trail for another mile or so, then turn left to climb the Dismal Trail (number 12, blazed purple) to rejoin Raven Creek Falls Trail not far from the overlook (but fortunately avoiding the steepest part of that trail). These trails are a lot more strenuous: Naturaland Trust descends another 900 ft from the swing-bridge and, in the course of its 1.5 miles, the Dismal Trail climbs 1,160 ft.

Directions: Caesars Head is on US 276, 30 miles north-west of Greenville and 8 miles off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11.

Trailhead: From the visitor center (where an overlook provides an expansive, albeit hazy, view of the surrounding area), continue north on the 276 for a further mile to the Raven Cliff Falls parking area. The trailhead is across the road.

Length: 8.5 miles / 13.6 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: -530 ft / -162 m
Total asent of 900ft / 275m

Duration: 4.5 hours

Trail Condition: Maintained and generally easy under foot. Marked by paint blazes. Posts at junctions indicate the different numbered trail options.

Features: Waterfall, gorge, forests of rhododendron and chestnut oak, views.

Climate: Year-round trail, best in spring and autumn.

Accommodation: Tent and RV sites nearby on SC 11 (including Table Rock State Park). Limited motel and B&B accommodation on SC 11 close to Table Rock. Some motels in Travelers Rest, plenty of choice in Greenville.

Trail Notes: Hikers are required to self-register at the trailhead. Topographical trail maps are available from the visitor centers at both Jones Gap (11am-noon) and Caesars Head (9am-5pm). This trail is popular – arrive early (Park opens 9am) and avoid weekends if possible.