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 11,000-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 two-mile 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.
Fishing Information: Enjoy fishing in the Middle Saluda River, Matthews and Julian creeks for brook, rainbow and brown trout. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required. Artifical lures/flies only.
Fishing: Yes
Picnic Area and Shelters: Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bird Watching: Fall hawk migration can be viewed at the main overlook from Sept.1-Nov. 30 each year. Other great times for birdwatching include the spring songbird migration and International Migratory Bird Day. Spring birdwatching is incredible with 167 species of birds being viewed on the park checklist.
Birding: Yes
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.
Detailed trail maps are available for sale at the park headquarters. The trails area as follows:
Bill Kimball #5 (2.1 miles)
Coldspring Branch #3 (2.6 miles)
Coldspring Connector #7 (0.5 mile)
Dismal #12 (1.5 miles)
Falls Creek #31 (1.7 miles)
Frank Coggins #15 (1.9 miles)
John Sloan #21 (0.9 mile)
Naturaland Trust #14 (5.8 miles)
Pinnacle Pass #20 (10 miles)
Raven Cliff Falls (2 miles)
Rim of the Gap #6 (4.3 miles)
Tom Miller #2 (0.7 mile)
Hiking: Yes
CAMPING
Camping Information: Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. Camping in other than designated areas may result in a fine.
No drive-up campsites are available on the park. No water or electricity is provided at the campsites.
