March 15, 2022
Raven's Cliff with Homer & Long Creek Falls
near Long Creek, SC
A nice first hike for us with some challenging descents to view Ravens Cliff and Homer and Long Creek Falls. The trails leading to these features are quite good and show recent clearing of most deadfall. However, the final climbs down to the cliffs and falls in all cases takes quite a bit of care since the trails are very steep and can be slippery. There are some rocks and roots and trees to hold onto during these descents. Fortunately everyone made the descent down to Long Creek Falls which is a tad bit easier than the other locations. We did see some kayakers and rafters on the Chatooga River near Homer Falls. Some early blooming wildflowers were seen. I would rate this hike moderate to difficult and not worth taking if you are not comfortable climbing down to the features which cannot be seen otherwise.
The route
4.6 mi · 1,063 ft climbing · 4h 9m out, 2h 30m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
8 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (26)
Long Creek Falls . . . really beautiful! Today's Hikers (L-R): Dave, Lynn, Ray, Heather, Jenny, Gerald, Renee, Doris, Vic, Mike, Esther, Inna, Tim & Gary (aka "Bagman"). Gathering at the trailhead. Easy to reach and adequate parking. The approach paths to the features were easy with old logging roads or rolling forest trails. Few obstructions. But getting to the featured views required a careful, steep descent. The first feature, Raven's Cliff provided a great view up and down the Chatooga River. Views up and down the Chattooga River from Raven's Cliff. A curious large hole in a bolder in the Chattooga rapids below Raven's Cliff. That's about as far down as I'm going! Interesting trail arrows at key intersections on the way to Long Creek Falls. A nice view of Homer Falls. Perhaps the most difficult feature to access, but Vic, Heather and Inna made it all the way. Inna checking out Homer Falls. First glimpse above Long Creek Falls coming down the trail. Long Creek Falls. . . finally, but worth the effort! A nice place for lunch along the Chattooga. A panoramic view of the Chattooga River at Long Creek Falls. Views up and down the Chattooga from the "beach" below Long Creek Falls. The Martin's and Jenny at Long Creek Falls. Climbing out of the access to Long Creek Falls. Some interesting natural features along the trail if you look around . . . and up occasionally. Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) on the banks of the Chattooga near Long Creek Falls. Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) Halberd-leaved Violet (Viola hastata) Partridge-Berry (Mitchella repens) Lots of this with berries along the trail today Cinquefoil, Common (Potentilla canadensis) Green and Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum)