After an amazing adventure at Keowee-Toxaway State Park, it was time to head to our next destination. That destination would be Caesars Head State Park, another one of the many jewels of the upstate.
For those of you unfamiliar with the area, the best way to traverse the upstate is The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. This throughway is by far the most scenic highway in all of South Carolina. Along this 120-mile stretch of road, you’ll find access to numerous state parks, historic sites, and plenty of beauty as well. But today I’m here to tell you about another adventure, so I’ll save this historic highway for another time.
As we made our way to Caesars Head State Park, nature’s beauty was in full swing. The leaves were popping with color and dancing in rhythm with the afternoon breeze. Off to our left, glistening in the sun’s magnificent rays stood Table Rock, just begging to be photographed. We would return later in the day to satisfy this itch.
Within minutes, we found ourselves winding along the mountain road that leads up to Caesars Head. It’s a constant climb, full of curves and weaves and keeps the heart pumping.
As we continued along, the damage from Hurricane Helene was undeniable. Massive fallen trees littered the mountainside, crushed guard rails were in a mangled metal mess, and recently repaved and repaired roads accompanied our drive; I can only imagine the horrific scene the day after this devastating hurricane passed through.
Finally, after a thrilling winding ride, we made it to the ranger’s station and information center. Here we would confirm what we had learned before the adventure began, that all the trails were closed due to extensive storm damage. Fortunately, the overlook was still open, and we were also able to obtain our 31st Ultimate Outsider stamp.
As you will see below, the views from Caesars Head Overlook are breathtaking. From the deck, visitors are provided with a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Escarpment. Some of the more notable visible landmarks include Table Rock Mountain, Table Rock Reservoir and The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. On clear days, the distant peaks of Paris Mountain, Glassy Mountain, Campbell Mountain and Sassafras Mountain (South Carolina’s highest point) can be seen as well. And if you’re lucky, you may even be able to see downtown Greenville.
During our visit, fluffy passing clouds and a partially hazy valley made for a somewhat dramatic scene. Autumn’s magnificent colors were in full swing. They stretched down the mountainside towards the foothills, contrasting well with the sky above. As the sun’s rays pushed through, Table Rock Reservoir sparkled in the distance. All this beauty offset the fact that we wouldn’t be able to hike the park’s trails.
Speaking of trails, Caeser’s Head has 60+ miles of them within its borders. It’s also home to seven waterfalls, the most famous being Raven Cliff Falls. This 420’ cascading waterfall can be viewed from a suspension bridge that allows you to watch the falls plunge deep into the mountain cove below.
Along with the trails and waterfalls, it also offers 18 primitive and backcountry camping sites and connects to Jones Gap State Park via the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. All these features, combined with its 17000 acres, should make any adventurer giddy.
Just a note, as of this writing, all the trails have yet to reopen, but at least 12 have. So, if you’re looking for an adventurous getaway in the upstate, check out Caesars Head State Park. The overlook alone is well worth the effort.
Thank you so much for spending part of your day with me. Below you’ll find pictures from this adventure as well as some from my first trip to Caesars Head. I hope they give you an idea of the magnificent beauty that can be found in the upstate.
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