Caesars Head State Park - Gum Gap - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Caesars Head State Park - Gum Gap
Country:	United States
State:	South Carolina
Nearby Town:	Walhalla
Rating:
Directions:	(US 276 – Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area): From Greenville, take US 276 north for about twenty five miles to Caesar’s Head State Park. 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:	8.50 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required:	Yes
Hike Type:	Roundtrip, Loop Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	US 276 at Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area
Trails Used:	Raven Cliff, Dismal, Natureland Trust, Gum Gap Trails
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams
Management:	State Park Service
Contact Information:	Forest/Park/Wilderness: Caesars Head State Park Management: State Park Service Park Address/Phone Number: 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC 29635 (843) 836-6115
Best Season:	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Users:	Hikers
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	There are over fifty miles of hiking trails in the Caesars Head area and the park is also an access point to the Foothills Hiking Trail via the Gum Gap Trail. This hike to Gum Gap is a popular one and you need a permit if you plan to camp overnight. The Matthews Creek hike has some nice campsites that are located right on the water. However, no fires are permitted in Caesars Head State Park. If you are the type that likes a campfire, plan on shooting for Gum Gap for the night. It's just out of the State Park boundaries where campfires are legal. On this hike, you'll still have the great views of Raven Cliff Falls, cross a wire cable over Matthews Creek, and walk across a suspension bridge over the falls.