Caesars Head State Park - Matthews Creek - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Caesars Head State Park - Matthews Creek |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | South Carolina |
| Nearby Town: | Walhalla |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | (US 276 – Caesars Head Visitors Center) – From Greenville, take US 276 north for about twenty five miles to Caesar’s Head State Park where there is a visitors center and parking area on your left. (US 276 – Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area) - From the park store and visitor’s center, drive north on US 276 for 1.1 miles to the Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area (which is on your right.) Make sure to cross over US 276 to access this trailhead. The trail nearest the parking area takes you down to the Middle Saluda River which is in the wrong direction. |
| Total Hike Distance: | 8.60 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Moderate to Difficult |
| Permit Required: | Yes |
| Hike Type: | One-Way, Shuttle Hike |
| Hike Starts: | US 276 at Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area |
| Hike Ends: | US 276 at Caesars Head Visitors Center |
| Trails Used: | Gum Gap, Natureland Trust Trails |
| Backcountry Campsites: | Yes |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | Streams, Rivers |
| Management: | State Park Service |
| Contact Information: | Caesars Head State Park 8155 Geer Highway Cleveland, SC 29635 (843) 836-6115 |
| Best Season: | Winter, Spring, Fall |
| Users: | Hikers, Dogs |
| Road Conditions: | Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads |
| Hike Summary: | There are over fifty miles of hiking trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness and Recreation Area and the Gum Gap Trail is an access point to the well known Foothills Trail that runs near Caesars Head State Park. This hike to Matthews Creek is a popular one that requires a permit if you plan to camp overnight and despite some challenging terrain on this route (including a 1600’ climb to the Caesars Head visitors center), there are outstanding views from the top of Raven Cliff Fall and from the lookout platform at the visitors center. There is also an exciting traverse of Matthews Creek via a cable system that tests your balance and dexterity, especially for those hauling a fully loaded backpack. |
Trail Map For This Area
One reply on “Caesars Head State Park - Matthews Creek - Member Hike”
Can someone tell me if you are permitted to have fires along Matthews Creek at Caesars Head these days. I know you could in the past, but I thought the park service ended that policy. Thanks.