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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a great workout with a tremendous payoff. We hiked trail #11(FHT/Raven Cliff Falls,easy) to trail #13 (Gum Gap,easy). We followed Gum Gap to trail #14 (Natureland Trust, very strenuous) to the bridge and continued over the bridge and down the the side towards Matthews Creek at the bottom. Along the way there is a great break spot on a ledge(see photo) and the Catherdal formation (also see photo). This section is very steep going down. We crossed Matthews Creek on the cables and started the vicious switchbacks on Trail #12( Dismal Trail back to trail #11 and eventually the parking lot. This hike is outstanding, we had the fortune to run into a mother black bear and two cubs just after the Matthews Creek crossing. There is so much to say about this route but I would rather you experience it for yourself. Be prepared, either direction this is a hard hike with a well earned payoff. Enjoy and I'll see you on the trail!!! Trailhead: Trailhead is at the Raven Cliff Falls parking area about a mile north (heading to Brevard NC) of Caesars Head State Park. Park in the lot on the right and cross the road to the trailhead registry (Lat:35.93 Lon:-82.32) Trail Guides for Raven Cliff Loop: Mountain Bridge Wilderness by Greg Lucas () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Caesars Head State Park, 864-836-6115 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Shaun Mitchell, who has posted 17 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by VWH on 2/20/2010 Three of us hiked this trail on February 19, 2010. We took the Dismal Trail section down to Matthews Creek. After crossing the creek on the cables, we climbed up the trail to the Cathedral and the suspension bridge. The trail going up was a northern exposure and was covered with three to four inches of snow and ice. The Cathedral was magnificentally draped in large icicles. The ledge along the Cathedral was narrow and covered in ice. We traveled very slowly for a treacherous 150 yards. We spent a lot of time here taking photos and marvelling at the ice-draped rock wall. The suspension bridge was covered with snow. The GPS claimed we hiked nearly nine miles. We highly recommend this for a strenuous winter hike. Many thanks to Shaun Mitchell.
Reviewed by cbc on 1/19/2010 This hike is worth the effort. We like Dismal Trail first, with overlook branch (500 yd side trip ends in overlook platform and shelter), rock overlook (1/4 mi past the overlook branch) and then descent. We lunch at the cable spanning Matthews Creek then up the steep part of Natureland Trust Trail. Watch for ice between Cathedral and Suspension bridge in Winter. We cut across the ravine to avoid the ice sheet. At Suspension Bridge you are past the hard part and 3/4 the way up. There is a Warning Sign at the start of Dismal. There should be a similar sign at the suspension bridge going the other way. Steep down and Dismal up. 6 hours with lots of stops for pictures and lunch for an over 60 and his almost 20 son. 
Reviewed by JRL on 9/5/2008 I've done this loop a couple of times, once in each direction. I think it's best to go down the Dismal Trail and up Natureland Trust to the bridge. You get the steep sections out of the way early with the payoff of the cathedral, bridge and falls near the top. Then you're left with a pretty easy hike back out on Gum Gap.
Reviewed by Mike on 6/16/2007 The loop is a great hike but challenging. There is a fun cable crossing and the view from the suspension bridge is good. Watch out for poison ivy on the dismal trail.
Reviewed by Brooke & Lex on 1/29/2007 We really enjoyed this hike. It has 3 major hill/valley combos. Challenging and perfect in the winter. The end view is beautiful and we met several friendly people along the way. Highly recommended for a great workout! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: South Carolina Hiking, South Carolina Trails, South Carolina Hikes, Greenville County Hiking, Greenville County Trails, Greenville County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||