Hiking Trail

Dismal (#12)  

(Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area)

TrailMap

Description: Starting from the Raven Cliff Falls Trail parking area, you will need to hike 1.7 miles on the Raven Cliff Falls Trail to the junction with the Dismal Trail, which gets its name from a dense mature hardwood forest called the Dismal. From the Raven Cliff Falls Trail the Dismal descends most of its distance and some the descents are steep. When you reach the junction with the Naturaland Trust Trail, you can return the way you came, or by turning right, you can combine sections of the Naturaland Trust, Gum Gap, and Raven Cliff Falls Trails to form a loop to return to the parking area. This 8.3­mile loop offers three spectacular views of Raven Cliff Falls, one up close and the others from afar. Be aware you will get a workout, as this loop involves a good deal of climbing in either direction. No facilities are available on the trail.

Length: 1.5 miles plus 1.7 miles on the Raven Cliff Falls Trail.

Directions: From Greenville, drive northwest on US 276 to Caesar’s Head State Park. Drive 1 mile beyond the park entrance and turn right into the parking area for the Raven Cliff Falls Trail. Cross US 276 to begin the 1.7 mile hike on the Raven Cliff Falls Trail to the junction with the Dismal Trail.

Camping: Trailside primitive camping is allowed on certain trails. Contact Caesars Head or Jones Gap State Parks for details. 

Information: Mountain Bridge Headquarters (Caesars Head State Park), 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC, 29635. Telephone: 864-836-6115