Raven Cliff Falls Trailhead

Courtney

Pretty trail, not too challenging if you’re just doing the out and back for the view of the falls. If you want a challenge keep going along the Dismal Loop. It is a beautiful 10 mile or so hike. It was really tough, and I’m in pretty good shape. I took my dog and it even wore her out, which I didn’t think was possible. But absolutely worth it.

James Williams

This would be rated as a moderate hike for any experienced hiker, and maybe even easy by hardcore hikers. It’s very wide in most places and it’s never really too steep, for the most part, compared to the Appalachian Trail, for example. You’re following the Middle Saluda Passage of the Palmetto Trail, which is also the Foothills Trail, and is blazed red. Then, you take a small side trail to the overlook. Honestly, the overlook is still pretty far away, and to get closer, you’d have to hike some other trails, which would add 4-6 hours. There are a few other trails that start at this trailhead, too.

Mark Craven (WebNitro007)

4.4 miles to a waterfall view. Nice trail and well maintained. View is okay but distant. If you want greater viewing of waterfalls that are up close go to Dupont Forest up the road.

Jeff Sullivan

The Google reviews for this trail can be misleading. If you are doing the trail to the overlook it is a moderate hike of about 4 miles round-trip. The view of the falls is nice but still at a distance. If you plan to hike to the falls give yourself a good 4 hours (really more like 5+) take along some snacks and plan your hike. If you are planning to loop with the Dismal and Natural & Trust trails prepare for some steep up & downs. Also, many parts of the Natural trail are well marked but there are some parts where there are no markings and side trails will get you off trail to dead ends. While you can hear and see parts of the falls and Cascades you never really get payoff views. It's nature and views are limited by the distance and trees. Even views at the swinging bridge really don't give you a good view of the falls. Truly you have to work to get any real view of the falls. You could do an out and back using the Gum Gap/Foothills trail but there really isn't anything special about the trail. For what you think you will see i don't recommend the trail to falls. Spend your time at one of the other trails in the park. If you want a nice 2 hour hike the Overlook will satisfy most people. Since we hiked in March 2022 and still early in the year there was a lot of tree debris blocking paths. Some you could climb over but some you had to detour around. I give the Overlook trail 4 stars but the loop trails only 2 stars, hence the overall 3 star rating.