South Carolina's Underrated State Park Offers Scenic Hikes & Blue Ridge Mountain Views

The United States has countless places that showcase the country's natural beauty. When planning an outdoor getaway, millions of hiking enthusiasts head to the Great Smoky Mountains, recognized as one of the best U.S. national parks for hiking, according to visitors, while others make the trek to Glacier National Park, a picturesque Montana paradise for hikers. But if you'd rather avoid the crowds, tucked in the foothills of the 270-million-year-old Blue Ridge Mountains sits Caesars Head State Park, an underrated South Carolina destination that sees just 600,000 annual visitors while delivering some of the most scenic hiking views in the region.

Located in Cleveland in Greenville County, Caesars Head State Park was established in 1979 and stands as one of the finest examples of what the Blue Ridge Mountains offer. This sprawling natural sanctuary spans nearly 8,000 acres and provides hikers with more than 60 miles of trails winding through verdant forests and dramatic cliffs, and alongside waterfalls like the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls. The crown jewel is Caesars Head Overlook, perched at an elevation of 3,266 feet, offering breathtaking and unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching endlessly before you. Interestingly, of the many theories about how Caesars Head got its name, the belief that the massive rock outcrop resembles the profile of Julius Caesar seems most compelling. The park also hosts a remarkable ecosystem with over 500 plant varieties, dozens of mammal species, and nearly 160 bird species thriving throughout the landscape.

Caesars Head State Park delivers trail after trail of pure mountain magic, and with its legendarily curious name, your hiking adventure should begin at the 0.3-mile Caesars Head Overlook Trail. This short and easy walk takes you straight to the park's geological trademark — the eponymous rock formation. One AllTrails reviewer described it perfectly: "Caesar's Head Overlook is always beautiful! And a must stop if visiting other trails in the area." The trail delivers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, stretching into North Carolina and Georgia. It's also arguably the best spot for those who love sunsets, and birdwatchers who make their visit during fall will be captivated by the annual hawk migration.

However, the most popular trail in the park according to AllTrails is the Raven Cliff Falls Trail, with a 4.6-star rating and more than 2,500 reviews as of this writing. If you're only hiking one trail at Caesars Head, make it this one. This 3.9-mile out-and-back route takes about two and a half hours to complete and leads you to South Carolina's tallest waterfall, a 420-foot cascade that echoes through the mountain cove below. You can also view the waterfall from the nearby overlook or push farther to the suspension bridge right above the falls.

If you're up for a longer adventure, head out to the 12.1-mile Naturaland Trust Trail. The trail is challenging, but it takes you through several waterfalls and forested areas, and it's also a popular spot to bird-watch or just relax in nature. The hike itself takes about seven and a half to eight and a half hours to complete, though hikers can knock out just a few miles and save the rest for another day.

For those flying in, North Carolina's Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, while Greenville-Spartanburg International is closer, just an hour's drive away via the scenic US-276 highway. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset, but the trails close an hour before dusk. Trail access costs $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6 to 15, and nothing for children 5 and under. Want to spend a night or two under the stars? Pitch a tent within the park's 18 primitive backcountry campsites. Or spend the night at one of the many comfortable hotels in and around the city of Greenville, under an hour away. The park also has picnic areas, and anglers can fish for brook, rainbow, and brown trout at the park's waterways including Matthews Creek, Julian Creek, and the Middle Saluda River, though a South Carolina fishing license is required.

It's worth noting that the park closes when weather conditions get unfavorable, and some of the park's trails have been shut down due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ It's best to check the weather conditions and visit the park's website for detailed information on open trails before you head out. To keep this wilderness beautiful, it's absolutely vital that hikers stay on the trails and don't leave any trash behind. And while you're still in South Carolina, consider paying a visit to Charleston, South Carolina's historic "Holy City" full of amazing food, art, and scenery, and Brookgreen Gardens, considered among the most beautiful American botanical gardens.