Caesars Head State Park

A granitic gneiss outcropping atop the dramatic Blue Ridge Escarpment gives Caesars Head State Park its name. Every fall, from the easily-accessible overlook atop the rocky peak of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, sight-seers are treated to the Hawk Watch program and a spectacular view that extends into North Carolina and Georgia.

Caesars Head connects to Jones Gap State Park in what is known as the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, an 13,000-acre area of pristine southern mountain forest. Hikers can take a number of loop and traverse hiking trails that connect the parks, and trailside camping is available for those who choose the longer routes.

One of the most popular trails at Caesars Head is the four-mile, round trip Raven Cliff Falls trail. This hiking trail leads to 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls, where a suspension bridge offers one of the two publicly accessible overlooks to the falls as they plunge deep into the mountain cove below.
Significant Features : Caesars Head is one of South Carolina’s most famous natural landmarks. At 3,208 feet above sea level, Caesars Head provides a panoramic view of the mountain country. 

Another significant landmark in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area includes Raven Cliff Falls, a 420-foot mountain cascade that awaits day-hikers at the end of a moderately strenuous two-mile trail.

This area of the Blue Ridge Escarpment ends in South Carolina with an abrupt drop of some 2,000 feet to the foothills below, where the state’s Piedmont region begins. This escarpment affords spectacular scenic vistas and waterfalls, and provides a protected environment for many rare and endangered plant and animal species.

Wildlife : Wildlife that can be found on the park include black bear, Peregrine Falcon and the federally-endangered Green Salamander.

Wildflowers : Unique wildflowers that can be found on the park include the mountain sweet pitcher plant.

Waterfalls : Caesars Head has the following waterfalls: Raven Cliff Falls, Cliff Falls, Firewater Falls, Drip Rock Falls and Rockcliff Falls. Wildcat Wayside, located on Hwy. 11 between Caesars Head and Jones Gap includes the Lower Wildcat Falls and Upper Wildcat Falls.
Trailside Camping : The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers trailside backcountry camping at 18 primitive sites. Fourteen sites provide fire pits, while four allow no fires. Permits are required, and camping is allowed in designated areas only. Campers are asked to check-in at least two hours before dark in order to safely reach their campsites. Costs are $8-20/site/night.

Hiking Trails : A network of easy to strenuous hiking trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area links Caesars Head and Jones Gap state parks. Registering with the park before using these trails is mandatory.
The trails close one hour before dark, year round.
Admission : Trail access cost: $2 adults; $1.25 SC seniors; age 15 & younger free Days and Hours of Operation : 9am-9pm, daily during daylight saving time. 9am-6pm, daily, the remainder of the year. Trails close one hour before dark, year round.

Days and Holidays Closed : The Visitor Center and gift shop will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The park will however, remain open on these days.

Office Hours : 9am-5pm, daily, during daylight saving time. 10am-5pm M-Th and 9am-5pm F-Su, the remainder of the year.

Visitor Center : The Visitor Center houses exhibits of area attractions, a relief map of the Mountain Bridge trail system, hawk displays and a variety of gift and souvenir items. It is open 9am-5 pm, daily during daylight saving time. Hours are 10am-5pm M-Th and 9am-5pm F-Su, the remainder of the year. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.