Join Conserving Carolina, formerly the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) and Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC), on Friday, September 22, for an approximately 6.7-mile, easy, out and back hike at Caesar’s Head State Park, part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Conserving Carolina’s Southeast Stewardship Manager, Pam Torlina, will lead the hike. 

From the Raven Cliff Falls parking area on Geer Hwy, this trail will take hikers through a hardwood forest to a suspension bridge over the Matthews Creek and at the precipice of Raven Cliff Falls.  After the hike, participants are invited to visit the overlook at Caesar’s Head State Park, an official Hawk Watch site, to search the skies for migrating raptors.  Each year, thousands of raptors, especially Broad-winged Hawks, migrate over this site along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, using thermal currents formed by sun on the rock, to gain altitude and glide for miles over the Piedmont, expending very little energy. 

If you are interested in attending the first hike, on September 22, you’re asked to meet at the Spinx in Gowensville, SC (at the intersection of Hwy 14 and Hwy 11) at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately 45-minute drive to the Raven Cliff Falls parking area at Caesar’s Head State Park.  Hikers should be prepared to return to the area in the mid-afternoon.  Bring your binoculars for a chance to view raptors migrating south for the winter!

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience.  Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear; bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water.  Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require. 

In case of inclement weather, please contact Conserving Carolina’s Southeast (Polk County) office by 8:15 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina Facebook page to see if the hike will take place.

If you are interested in attending other Conserving Carolina fall hikes and would like more information, please call the Southeast (Polk County) office at 828-859-5060 or e-mail Pam Torlina at, pam@conservingcarolina.org.  You can also find information on Conserving Carolina’s website, conservingcarolina.org, and on Conserving Carolina’s Facebook page.

Conserving Carolina is dedicated to protecting and stewarding land and water resources vital to our natural heritage and quality of life and to fostering appreciation and understanding of the natural world.

– submitted by Pam Torlina