View Full Version : Raven Cliffs
Two Speed
03-02-2007, 07:00
Skidsteer and I are going to hike the Raven Cliffs trail this weekend. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Raven Cliffs is a in-and-out trail up to some very scenic falls, something between 2.5 and 3 miles one way IIRC, mostly very easy hiking along a creek. There is one moderate ascent near the falls, but it isn't very long, so this is a great beginner's trail. We're meeting at the parking lot at 2 PM, and anyone who would like to join us is welcome.
Dances with Mice
03-02-2007, 09:00
Overnighter or dayhike?
Skidsteer
03-02-2007, 09:04
Overnighter or dayhike?
Overnighter.
Yeah, I know. It's like car camping without a car but I'm so fat after the Holidays that I must rest up every two miles or so.
Skidsteer
03-02-2007, 09:20
Overnighter.
Yeah, I know. It's like car camping without a car but I'm so fat after the Holidays that I must rest up every two miles or so.
Anyone that wishes to dayhike it is more than welcome as well.
Footslogger
03-02-2007, 09:46
Skidsteer and I are going to hike the Raven Cliffs trail this weekend. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Raven Cliffs is a in-and-out trail up to some very scenic falls, something between 2.5 and 3 miles one way IIRC, mostly very easy hiking along a creek. There is one moderate ascent near the falls, but it isn't very long, so this is a great beginner's trail. We're meeting at the parking lot at 2 PM, and anyone who would like to join us is welcome.
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Used to love taking the boy scouts there when I still lived in Marietta. Easy hike in and great scenery. One of my fondest memories is the night we had set up tents in the area. Another adult had brought his dog, who generally came with us on all hikes/campouts. In the middle of the night we heard rustling in the brush and then loud whining. Turned out the dog chased a skunk into the woods and in the process got sprayed.
We had travelled to Raven Cliffs in a van and had to drive back to Marietta the next morning with a skunk sprayed dog in the back. Windows were wide open and we tried to keep the van moving. Dropped off th dog at the closest Pet Smart for de-lousing.
Enjoy ...but watch out for skunks !!
'Slogger
Frolicking Dinosaurs
03-02-2007, 09:53
I love Raven Falls - I want to hike the ravine over to the base some day. I'll have to get in much better shape to do that - about 6 miles of bushwacking thru steep, rough terrain are involved in getting to the bottom of the falls from what I understand.
Dances with Mice
03-02-2007, 11:04
Once when I had Scouts out there we did a late evening search for firewood. The campsite area had already been scrounged pretty well so we walked on down the trail a bit and carried back armloads of wood. Just as we walked into the camp area one of the boys saw something on the ground. It was getting dark and he thought it was a hat or jacket or something someone had dropped. Since his arms were full he gave it a big kick towards our campsite.
The skunk landed somewhere near the firepit. Oops. Sorry!
We backed up and watched from afar. The skunk shook himself off and calmly mosied away.
I wouldn't recommend anyone practice that method of skunk removal on a regular basis, but once it worked pretty well for us.
So....Saturday, parking lot, 2PM ? Trying for the campsite beside the 5th footbridge?
Nightwalker
03-02-2007, 11:06
Skidsteer and I are going to hike the Raven Cliffs trail this weekend. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Raven Cliffs is a in-and-out trail up to some very scenic falls, something between 2.5 and 3 miles one way IIRC, mostly very easy hiking along a creek. There is one moderate ascent near the falls, but it isn't very long, so this is a great beginner's trail. We're meeting at the parking lot at 2 PM, and anyone who would like to join us is welcome.
You talking the Raven Cliff Falls trail at Caesar's Head State Park in SC? Probably not, but it reminded me that CHSP has the most trails that I've seen in one place. Y'all should check them out. They have 20 or so intermingled trails. You could hike there for a week and not get to them all!
Dances with Mice
03-02-2007, 11:09
I love Raven Falls - I want to hike the ravine over to the base some day. I'll have to get in much better shape to do that - about 6 miles of bushwacking thru steep, rough terrain are involved in getting to the bottom of the falls from what I understand.Not a good idea. Me and some other fools did that from Whitley Gap to the Falls. Bushwhacking through laurel thickets is no fun. I wouldn't do it again and wouldn't recommend it to anyone else. We came out looking like we'd lost a fight against a weed whacker.
ok, where is it?? in ga? more info plzeeeeeee!
Dances with Mice
03-02-2007, 11:44
ok, where is it?? in ga? more info plzeeeeeee!Richard B Russell Highway, 3 miles west of GA-75 ALT intersection. 5'ish miles east of Hog Pen Gap.
http://www.waterfalls-guide.com/ga_raven_cliff_falls.htm
Which are horrid directions! From Cleveland GA follow GA-129 west, just as if you were going to Neels Gap. 5'ish miles out of Cleveland Alt 75 (or 75 Alt, I forget...) will be on your right. 5'ish more miles to GA-348 (R. B. Russell Scenic Hiway). 3 miles from there to the Raven Cliffs parking lot, it's signed and on your left.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
03-02-2007, 11:47
In SC barely out of GA - in Caesar's Head State Park (http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/1648.aspx)
Two Speed
03-02-2007, 13:37
Caeser's Head looks interesting, but Skids and I will be on the Georgia version of Raven Cliffs.
thanks, dwm....i may be able to go (i hope)
betsy still a wee bit tempermental!
Frolicking Dinosaurs
03-02-2007, 14:16
I've been to that Raven Cliff falls as well - it is pretty. I didn't realize there were places to camp along that trail - 5th footbridge... I'll have to remember that in case I ever get the he-dino out hiking again.
Caeser's Head looks interesting, but Skids and I will be on the Georgia version of Raven Cliffs.It's adjacent to Jones Gap and Table Rock State Parks. Using the Mountain Bridge Trail system is a way to push the Foothills Trail route to over the 100 mile mark. Awesome network of trails, with quite a few overnight possibilities.:sun
I've been to that Raven Cliff falls as well - it is pretty. I didn't realize there were places to camp along that trail - 5th footbridge... I'll have to remember that in case I ever get the he-dino out hiking again.Overnight campsites are not available between 276 and Raven Cliff Falls, but a mile or so after the falls overlook there are some good areas.
Skidsteer
03-02-2007, 18:54
Once when I had Scouts out there we did a late evening search for firewood. The campsite area had already been scrounged pretty well so we walked on down the trail a bit and carried back armloads of wood. Just as we walked into the camp area one of the boys saw something on the ground. It was getting dark and he thought it was a hat or jacket or something someone had dropped. Since his arms were full he gave it a big kick towards our campsite.
The skunk landed somewhere near the firepit. Oops. Sorry!
We backed up and watched from afar. The skunk shook himself off and calmly mosied away.
I wouldn't recommend anyone practice that method of skunk removal on a regular basis, but once it worked pretty well for us.
So....Saturday, parking lot, 2PM ? Trying for the campsite beside the 5th footbridge?
Yep. Tomorrow at 2PM. Looking forward to it. You bringin' props?
Dances with Mice
03-02-2007, 19:02
Yep. Tomorrow at 2PM. Looking forward to it. You bringin' props?Yeah, of course. I was thinking of dropping by Cloud9 to leave Wonder Hippiechick some old clubs. But that can wait until the 17th. I just hope there's room in the parking lot at that time for Big White Van.
Two Speed
03-02-2007, 20:53
Yeah, of course. I was thinking of dropping by Cloud9 to leave Wonder Hippiechick some old clubs. But that can wait until the 17th. I just hope there's room in the parking lot at that time for Big White Van.A floor show too? Most excellent!
guys have a good time, i won't be able to make it!:(
Dances with Mice
03-03-2007, 11:54
guys have a good time, i won't be able to make it!:(That's a pure shame.
I just finished packing for the overnighter and I think I have enough food and gear to get from Amicalola to Neels. And back. In a blizzard.
This pack is embarassing. I could stock an empty REI store.
I ought to do a gear list and compare it to Minnesota Smith's. He'd look like an ultralighter.
yea, i need some time in the woods....but it just not in the cards...if is not one thing it's another!aaarhg:(:(
Dances with Mice
03-05-2007, 09:52
So I almost got a new Trailname: "Falls Over Logs". The fire ring had nice big log seats that I used a couple of times to practice my standing backflips.
But I didn't spill my beer! You never forget the really important stuff you learn in college.
We had a nice collection of lightweight alcohol stove designs.
Great company, nice weather. Woke up to a little snow flurry that we decided to call a blizzard for WhiteBlaze purposes. The falls were decorated with icecicles.
ooooohhh, sounds pretty...any pics?????
Skidsteer
03-05-2007, 18:37
ooooohhh, sounds pretty...any pics?????
Here's a photo (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=15412&catid=favorites)of Dances with fire, AKA Dances with Mice.
Those are real coals from the campfire. Two Speed and I witnessed it well before we drank ourselves past the 'credible witness' stage.
Falling backwards over logs began pretty quickly after the photo was taken.
Two Speed
03-05-2007, 19:19
Skids, you know darn good and well that's a pic of the photoluminescnet bug-eyed monster we had to fight off before the blizzard hit.
Dances with Mice
03-05-2007, 19:25
So early in the evening I made the rare successful single toss bear bag branch throw. Since we hadn't eaten yet I left the rock tied to the string and lashed it off. And forgot about it.
I left my food bag hanging from a tree trunk near the firepit, about 4 feet off the ground. Nothing got it. We figured the bears and skunks spent all their time trying to get the rock.
Two Speed
03-05-2007, 19:28
Well, you swinging the rock on the string kept Barney occupied. Actually, now that I think about it, it kept you pretty occupied keeping Barney occupied, so it's all good.
Skidsteer
03-05-2007, 19:46
Dances and Two Speed hogged the tree nails. I had to sleep with my food in the tent. It worked out OK except Barney woke me up too early.
He stuck his head in the vestibule and clearly said, "Time for coffee".
A sensible dog.
Two Speed
03-05-2007, 19:47
The falls (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=15451&c=683) and Dances with Fire (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=15450)
DWM, you gotta post a photo of the "Mouse Stove."
Two Speed
03-05-2007, 19:53
. . . He stuck his head in the vestibule and clearly said, "Time for coffee".
A sensible dog.Sooo, what exactly was in that coffee?
Skidsteer
03-05-2007, 19:53
DWM, you gotta post a photo of the "Mouse Stove."
(Shhhh! If people find out that a stove that goofy boils water in 26F. weather, it'll put JetBoil out of business);)
Two Speed
03-05-2007, 20:06
Well, they wouldn't have known that if you hadn't spilled the beans. Besides, what chance does JetBoil have once you figure out how to employ that unobtanium mesh? Face it, they're toast.
Dances with Mice
03-05-2007, 21:40
DWM, you gotta post a photo of the "Mouse Stove."First there was the cat stove (http://hikinghq.net/cat/cat_stove.html).
Then came the kitten stove (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=14025&catid=searchresults&searchid=6976).
But is the world ready for the mouse stove (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=15452&c=516)?
wowwww, the aliens have landed!!! aliens have landed!!!!!
great pic dwm :D
Two Speed
03-06-2007, 06:50
Technically, Skids took the photo of the bug-eyed monster. I was valiantly providing back-up and DWM was nowhere to be found.
(Well, OK, my dim wit dog got loose and I was trying to get him back before he became a photoluminescent snack.)
Footslogger
03-06-2007, 10:19
First there was the cat stove (http://hikinghq.net/cat/cat_stove.html).
Then came the kitten stove (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=14025&catid=searchresults&searchid=6976).
But is the world ready for the mouse stove (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=15452&c=516)?
=================================
Question for you ...what tool did you use to cut the hole ??
Thanks,
'Slogger
Dances with Mice
03-06-2007, 11:09
Question for you ...what tool did you use to cut the hole ?? I used a Skidsteer. It's pretty sharp.
Footslogger
03-06-2007, 11:12
I used a Skidsteer. It's pretty sharp.
==============================
OK ...I'll bite, what's a Skidsteer. Know a hiker with that name but not familiar with that tool.
'Slogger
Dances with Mice
03-06-2007, 11:52
OK ...I'll bite, what's a Skidsteer. Know a hiker with that name but not familiar with that tool.He made the stove so he'll have to give you a straight answer. But he will. Like I said, he's pretty sharp.
Two Speed
03-06-2007, 13:42
He made the stove so he'll have to give you a straight answer. But he will. Like I said, he's pretty sharp.Ummmm, I thought we didn't do straight answers around here. :p
Footslogger
03-06-2007, 14:20
Ummmm, I thought we didn't do straight answers around here. :p
==========================================
...that's only on StarSchlep threads !!
'Slogger
Two Speed
03-06-2007, 15:40
Unfortunately it appears that the Captain of SS Whiteblaze has transferred a sample of unobtanium mesh to the leader of the feared Skidalonians and therefore the "no straight answer" warp field is starting to grow.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Footslogger
03-06-2007, 15:42
Unfortunately it appears that the Captain of SS Whiteblaze has transferred a sample of unobtanium mesh to the leader of the feared Skidalonians and therefore the "no straight answer" warp field is starting to grow.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
=============================
Oh no ...not THAT !!
This is truly the beginning of the end ...
'Slogger
Dances with Mice
03-06-2007, 15:42
Trying for the campsite beside the 5th footbridge?Yes, I am talking to myself.
Important information: The secret hidden campsite is now beside the 4th footbridge.
I wish they'd quit moving those campsites.
Two Speed
03-06-2007, 15:44
Or another episode of SS WhiteBlaze!
As the new series begins, the Captain of SS WhiteBlaze has been coopted by the nefarious leader of the Skidalonians, the notorious Skidsteer himself. At this time the telltale brown stripe is becoming discernible on the Captain's bahookie . . .
Dances with Mice
10-17-2007, 10:18
I'm leading a group hike to Raven Cliff Falls in a couple of weeks.
Does anyone know if it's still Raven Cliff Falls or is it now Raven Cliff Trickle or Raven Cliff Drips? Or just Raven Cliff?
Skidsteer
10-17-2007, 19:42
I'm leading a group hike to Raven Cliff Falls in a couple of weeks.
Does anyone know if it's still Raven Cliff Falls or is it now Raven Cliff Trickle or Raven Cliff Drips? Or just Raven Cliff?
You forgot the third option:
The Raven Cliffs Rock Formation. Man I hope we get some rain soon.
Notsosure
10-17-2007, 20:06
I was there three weeks ago - definite signs of the drought effects but still a nice hike. The pool at the top (bottom of the main falls) still had a surprising amount of water in it at the time.
Tennessee Viking
10-26-2007, 00:53
Skidsteer and I are going to hike the Raven Cliffs trail this weekend. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Raven Cliffs is a in-and-out trail up to some very scenic falls, something between 2.5 and 3 miles one way IIRC, mostly very easy hiking along a creek. There is one moderate ascent near the falls, but it isn't very long, so this is a great beginner's trail. We're meeting at the parking lot at 2 PM, and anyone who would like to join us is welcome.
Is this the same Raven Cliff Falls at Caesars Head, SC. I would label it easy to the overlook and the forest roads to the top of Matthews Creek. But the climb along the falls is fairly rough. Narrow cliffs, rock scrambles, and trail ladders.
I made the mistake, when making my first hike here, to extend the hike from Matthews Creek Bridge down the cliffs and back up Caesar Head Mountain. It was high 80s, high humidity, and only packed a liter of water.
tatersalad
08-31-2008, 16:02
head to the caesar's head version tomorrow. Just getting back in trail shape, so it will be a short day hike. Should be nice it there aren't too many folks there.
tatersalad
08-31-2008, 16:03
"headed'
wow, great way to make a first post......
max patch
08-31-2008, 16:27
Is this the same Raven Cliff Falls at Caesars Head, SC.
No, near Helen GA. Its a great day hike.
2 miles flat walking in and 2 more back out. ~4 miles SE of Hog Pen Gap on Hwy 348