Caesars Head State Park
Cleveland, SC
A granite overlook on the Blue Ridge Escarpment right next to the parking lot, and the trailhead for the hike to 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls.
Caesars Head State Park near Cleveland, South Carolina, sits on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the step in the terrain between the mountains and the Piedmont. The granite outcrop of Caesars Head reaches 3,208 feet (978 m) and stands about 2,000 feet (600 m) above the lowlands. A short path leads from the parking lot to the overlook with wide views over the Piedmont; according to the park it is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset (as of October 2026). It is considered a good place to watch the sunset.
Hikes to Raven Cliff Falls, South Carolina's tallest waterfall, also start in the park. The park gives its height as 420 feet (128 m), while other sources cite only about 320 to 350 feet (100 m) based on topographic maps. The hike to the overlook is 4.4 miles (about 7 km) round trip, 2 to 3 hours; to the suspension bridge above the falls it is about 7 miles (about 11 km), 4 to 5 hours. The park rates all trails as advanced, and they close one hour before sunset. From September to November, raptors migrate past at the Hawk Watch. Overnight stays are possible only at primitive hike-in campsites with a reservation; there is no car or RV camping. Check current trail conditions with the park before you set out.
- Nearest town
- Cleveland, SC
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 35.1053, -82.6263
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Palmetto Cove RV ParkMotorhome stopover3 mi from Caesars Head State ParkMotorhomes
- Sugar Lake RV ParkMotorhome stopover11 mi from Caesars Head State ParkMotorhomesElectricity
- Davidson River CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Caesars Head State Park · 144 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Gorges State Park CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Caesars Head State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Rainbow R.V. ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Caesars Head State ParkMotorhomesElectricity
- Mount Pisgah Campground - Milepost 408.6Campsite22 mi from Caesars Head State Park · 70 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
All campsites in South Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Caesars Head State Park?
Caesars Head State Park is in Cleveland, SC, at GPS 35.1053, -82.6263. It is about 3 mi from Jones Gap State Park.
Can you camp near Caesars Head State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 67 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Caesars Head State Park?
Caesars Head State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Waterfalls of the South Carolina Upstate and Granite domes, waterfalls and a jade-coloured lake – by camper along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway through the South Carolina Upstate.
What is there to see near Caesars Head State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Table Rock State Park (7 mi), Looking Glass Falls (15 mi), Sliding Rock (17 mi) and Cradle of Forestry in America (19 mi).
When is the best time to visit Caesars Head State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)