Hiking Trail

Bill Kimball (#5) 

(Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area)

TrailMap

Description: From the Raven Cliff Falls parking area, you will need to hike approximately 0.6 mile on the orange blazed Coldspring Branch Trail. When the Coldspring Branch Trail turns right, you will continue straight, on the pink blazed Bill Kimball Trail.  This strenuous out-and-back trip is recommended for experienced hikers only, as some parts are very steep and rocky, but you'll traverse some of the most scenic terrain in South Carolina. There are several places where the trail crosses and sometimes becomes part of a stream, but in most cases you can keep dry by using rocks to ford the water. The main feature of this trail is a large rock formation known as El Lieutenant, so named because of it's resemblance to Yosemite National Park’s famous El Capitan. You will encounter three faces of the 300-foot El Lieutenant, but the last is the most impressive. Where the Bill Kimball and Coldspring Branch Trails rejoin, you can turn right (south) and make a loop by returning on the Coldspring Branch Trail. Restrooms and drinking water are available at Caesars Head State Park.

Length: 2.1 miles plus 0.6 mile on the Coldspring Branch Trail.

Directions: From Greenville, drive northwest on US 276 to the Raven Cliff Falls parking area, which is on the right, one mile beyond the entrance to Caesars Head State Park. At the south edge of the parking area, begin your hike on the orange blazed Coldspring Branch Trail. At 0.6 mile the Coldspring Branch Trail will turn right, but continue straight to start the pink-blazed Bill Kimball Trail.

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

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