The iconic granite gneiss outcropping known as Caesars Head – in the same-name South Carolina state park – offers stunning views year-round.
Distance
From Raleigh, it’s about 290 miles, about 5 hours, one way.
To see and do
Drive to the top of this mountain peak, view a 3-D representation of the park that pinpoints locations of interest.
A short walk will get you to the actual overlook, which provides a great view of the Blue Ridge escarpment: A sheer drop of 2,000 feet below you is the beginning of the Piedmont. Across the way, you can easily see Table Rock and keen eyes can pick out Greenville, S.C., on clear days.
There are 34 miles of trails to test your legs. One of the most popular is the Raven Cliff Falls Trail, 4.4 miles round-trip. It is not an overwhelming walk and offers a stunning view of a 420-foot falls.
There is a nice shelter suitable for resting or a picnic lunch. Other trails offer longer walks and also 24 backcountry camping opportunities.
Where: Near Cleveland, S.C.
When: Day-use 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
Cost: Free admission; trail-access fee, $2 for adults; camping fees, $8-$20 per night.
Info: 864-836-6115 or southcarolinaparks.com
