Raven
Cliff Falls Loop
Feb 21, 2004
Come February and I was desperate to
get back to some real hiking. Firstly a long break in hiking due to
winter. To add to to it the nasty fall I had almost breaking my ribs
last month. I was on a look out for a good hike to refresh my mind and
body. After searching for something that would be difficult in level I
surfed up to Raven cliff falls loop. My immediate reaction after
reading the description was to surely go for it. My initial idea was to
go solo on Feb 14 weekend (what else do u expect from a single guy on
V'Day ;) ). But then cold and showers kept me from hiking that weekend.
But it was in a boon in disguise coz the next weekend I was joined by a
gang of 7 more frineds, Dhanshree from UGA
and my friend Madhuri, Vivek and their four other friends from Clemson university joined for the hike.
It was about 2 and half
hours drive from Athens, GA. We joined the Clemson gang and then
proceeded to the
Caesars Head State Park in SC.
The ranger there was very helpful and explained us the whole trail in
great detail. We then drove to the trail head parking lot, which was
about a mile from the park office. One needs to self
register at the parking lot and there is a fee for hiking the trail.
The loop is combination of about 3-4 trails together.
We started by a small ascent followed by a looong descent (the
Dismal Trail). I was not particularly enjoying
the descent coz a descent at the start indicated a ascent toward the
end :). We had an altitude drop of almost 1200 feet. We then happened
to
reach a creek crossing. It was fun since
we had to cross using cables tide on two trees. It was not at all
difficult but it was fun to cross over using the two cables. Then came
the big steep uphill and around half-way of the ascent we came across a
magnificent tall rock fall. I am sure people who are into rock climbing
or
rappling would have been excited looking at the rock face. At one more
point we had a sort of natural over look that gave a spectacular view
and also a glimpse of the Raven Cliff falls. A hike of few more minutes
lead
us to a suspension bridge (which i always like to call Laxman zhoola :)
) across the top of the fall. My friends did take some interesting
snaps of some good natural views.
After the suspension bridge it was pretty much a flat walk without much
gain or loss of altitude. Since the most exciting part was over and not
much challenge left we were now looking forward to get back. There
was still almost 3+ miles to go. We spent the walk chit chatting about
all
time favorites songs/movies/plays and similar stuff. Finally we did
reach the parking lot and were happy to get back into our cars ready to
drive back home.
On the way back we stopped at the park office to thank the ranger but
the office was already closed. We then were back to Clemson where
Madhuri helped us all with a much needed steaming hot tea. The lat
thing I wanted to do after that was drive for another couple of hours.
But i promised myself a nice hot shower and headed back home.
If you live anywhere around
this trailI would surely recommend this hike to be added to you 2Do
list.
Over all it was a fun to be back to
be amidst mother nature and have a break from the work load :).
Where next . . .? u will know soon :).
Links
Good
description and direction
My
Photos album
Vivek's
photo album
© Ranjit