Caesars Head State Park in Fall - panoramic view of a vast forest with a range of mountains in the distance under a clear blue sky. The foreground features the edge of a rocky outcrop and trees with leaves changing to autumnal colors, suggesting the season is fall. The landscape includes patches of greenery and scattered areas reflecting sunlight, possibly indicating water bodies amidst the forested region.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Caesars Head State Park, where the vibrant autumn foliage meets the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains under a clear blue sky. A perfect escape into nature’s splendor!

Caesars Head State Park

Visiting Caesars Head State Park

The Cherokee and their ancestors where the first people to lay eyes on what we now call Caesar’s Head in northern Greenville County. This rock formation described by Robert Mills, prominent SC architect and designer of the Washington Monument, as a “mass of granite, rising from the vale, through which a rapid river winds its turbulent way…the ledges of stone, rising almost perpendicular, and at length, hanging over at [the] top, so that they seem to totter to their fall.” The view from the top has inspired awe in visitors for generations and thanks to it’s inclusion in the State Park system, it will continue to inspire awe for generations to come.

Caesars Head State Park Overlook - Granite overlook with iron safety railings and coin operated binoculars on a clear day with views for miles and miles
The Caesars Head State Park Overlook offers great views all year long, but if you’re able to visit in the Fall, expect a spectacular display of color.

Hiking and Picnicking at Caesars Head State Park

Most people come for the view from the overlook, but there’s still lots of other things for you to enjoy at the park. Caesars Head connects to Jones Gap State Park to form the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, totaling 13,000 acres of unspoiled forest. From Caesars Head, you have access to over 60 miles of hiking trails. Some are loops while others lead into Jones Gap. You’ll find trails to suit any fitness level form easy to strenuous.

Caesars Head State Park - scenic overlook with a clear blue sky and distant mountains visible through leafless trees. Several wooden picnic tables and benches are placed on a ground covered with brown leaves, creating a quiet, natural setting for visitors to enjoy the view.
Picnic Tables near Caesars Head State Park Overlook

Six waterfalls are accessible through the park including Raven Cliff Falls, a 420 foot fall over Matthews Creek. The trail to the Raven Cliff Falls Overlook is only 4 miles round trip, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the 6.6 mile trail to a suspension bridge above the falls. There you’ll be treated to a view of the falls plunging into the valley below.

Caesars Head View - panoramic view of a vast, lush green forest with rolling hills under a clear blue sky. In the middle ground, there is a serene lake nestled among the hills. The background features a prominent mountain with a flat top, distinct from the surrounding terrain.
The view from the Caesars Head State Park Overlook includes nearby sights like Table Rock and the Table Rock reservoir.

If hiking isn’t your thing, Caesars Head offers plentiful opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and even primitive camping. Wildlife is plentiful at Caesars Head. Birdwatchers will find 167 species of bird. Other wildlife you may encounter on the trails are black bear, peregrine falcons, and the endangered Green Salamander.

Caesars Head View - Line of mountains dropping off to lower land below with lake in the distance.
The Blue Ridge Escarpment as seen from the Caesars Head Overlook.

What is the What is the Blue Ridge Escarpment?

When people talk about Caesars Head, one of the things they always mention is the Blue Ridge Escarpment which leaves lots of people scratching their heads wondering what that is. Simply put, an escarpment is a steep slope or cliff that separates two areas of different elevations. So the Blue Ridge Escarpment marks the dividing line between the Blue Ridge Mountain Region of South Carolina and the Piedmont.

From high atop the granite face of Caesars Head, you’ll get the best view of the Blue Ridge Escarpment around, and it’s especially stunning in the fall.

Caesars Head View in fall- Southern Edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in fall dropping down to the Piedmont below. The leaves are changing and reds yellows an browns and greens color the scenery
The Southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains – known as the Blue Ridge Escarpment – in fall as seen from the overlook at Caesars Head State Park in South Carolina.

Fall at Caesars Head State Park Overlook

Side profile of Caesars Head overlook. Granite rock formation on the left pushing out over the valley below. Leaves changing color in fall with reds, yellows, and still some green mixed in..
“A Mass of granite, rising from the vale, through which a rapid river winds its turbulent way…the ledges of stone, rising almost perpendicular, and at length, hanging over at [the] top, so that they seem to totter to their fall.” – Robert Mills describing the stone ledge we’ve come to know as Caesars Head.

The overlook at Caesar’s Head is home to many events during the year. Every fall, thousands of hawks can be seen on their migration to warmer climates in South and Central America. From early September through the end of November, the Greenville County Bird Club keeps and eye on the hawks and other raptors along their journey. Hawk watchers have documented thousands of hawks in a single day with up to 300 traveling overhead at the same time. You might also see other raptors like bald eagles, kestrels, peregrine falcons, or turkey vultures flying along the same route.

Caesar’s Head View - turkey buzzard with wings outstretched seen from the top above forest canopy
Not a Hawk. A Turkey Buzzard soaring above the canopy as seen from the Caesars Head Overlook

Fall also brings another dramatic event to Caesars Head State Park. Perched atop the overlook on the high rock outcrop, you’ll have the beast seat in the Upstate to witness the annual leaf change. Be warned though, lots of people are going to be thinking the same thing, so expect heavy traffic. Best to go early or during the week when it’s less crowded.

the rock known as Caesars Head on the right looking out over the South Carolina Piedmont in fall. leaves are all different colors and the sky is bluse
Just before reaching the Overlook at Caesars Head you pass over the wooden deck lookout. The overlook can be really crowded in the fall, but the vies from the lookout are just as good.

Devils Kitchen at Caesars Head State Park

the Devils Kitchen Caesars Head State Park - narrow passageway between two boulders with flight of stars running between
If you’re claustrophobic, you might want to avoid the Devils Kitchen Caesars Head State Park, but if you brave this narrow passageway, you’ll be treated with a side view of the Caesars Head Overlook.

After you’ve taken in the views from the overlook you can take a quick side trip through the Devils Kitchen. The name sounds scary and if you’re at all claustrophobic you may want to give this one a miss. The path will take you down a narrow crevice between two boulders. The passage is only large enough for one person at a time. After braving the “kitchen” you’ll be treated to a spectacular side view of Caesars Head.

view of Caesar's head state park outcrop from the side through the trees. the true height of the overlook can be seen from this angle
View of the Caesar’s Head State Park granite outcrop overlook from the side. Even of you don’t brave the Devil’s Kitchen, you can still follow the really short trail at the end of the parking lot to this spot.

Access to the overlook is free, but trail access starts at $3.00 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, and $1.00 for kids aged 6-15 with children 5 and under free. The park is open from 9 am to 9 pm during daylight savings time but closes at 6 pm the rest of the year.

Caesars Head State Park History

Standing on what was once Cherokee hunting grounds, Caesar’s Head became a retreat for the area’s rich and powerful. The cool air and scenic views enticed former state senator Benjamin Hagood to build a summer home and later hotel on the mountain in 1848. Hagood’s daughter and her husband continued to operate a hotel and health resort until finally giving the land to Furman University in 1897.

Caesars Head State Park Overlook - scenic overlook from a high vantage point. The foreground shows a rocky outcrop with a metal railing along the edge, providing safety for viewers. Bare tree branches can be seen at the top corners of the image, framing the view. Beyond the railing, there is an expansive view of a flat landscape under a clear blue sky that fades into the horizon.
Once upon a time, the breathtaking views from atop Caesars Head were reserved for the rich and powerful. but today we can all enjoy the expansive landscape of the South Carolina mountains.

The resort changed hands a number of times in the following years. But unfortunately the hotel and original house where destroyed in a fire in 1954. Then in 1976, the Department of Parks, recreation, and Tourism acquired the lands and created the state park.

Why is it Called Caesars Head?

wooden boardwalk with black iron fence on each side heading to the Caesars Head lookout just before the overlook at the edge of fthe head. Trees grow on each side with leaves of yellow and orange.
In Fall, even the boardwalk leading to the Caesars Head Lookout offers a kaleidoscope of color even before you get to the overlook.

The name “Caesars Head” is the source of some controversy. No one really knows the reason for the name. Some say the rock outcrop looks like a giant bust of Julius Caesar. Others think the name originated with a hunting dog named Caesar that jumped to its death while chasing a rabbit. Sill others think it’s a corruption if the Cherokee word “sachem” or chief.

Whatever the truth is, what you’ll find from the top of Caesars Head is an impressive view of the southernmost boundary of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the valley below. With its panoramic views Caesars Head State Park is one of the best places to check out the mountains in the upstate. Table Rock, Paris Mountain, and the surrounding mountains are all easily viewed from the overlook. On a clear day, you can see as far away as Georgia.

What’s Nearby Caesars Head

DuPont State Recreational Forest thumbnail
DuPont State Recreational Forest
8.4 mi
Hagood Mill Thumbnail
Hagood Mill
19.9 mi
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Sassafras Mountain Thumbail
Sassafras Mountain
20.06 mi
Poinsett Bridge Thumbail
Poinsett Bridge
23.7 mi
Campbell Covered Bridge Thumbain
Campbell Covered Bridge
30.06 mi
Paris Mountain State Park Thumbnail
Paris Mountain State Park
32 mi

Fast Facts about Caesar’s Head State Park

Type:State Park
Admission:Overlook and Picnic Tables Are Free!
Trail access: $3 adults; $1.50 seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free
Hours:9 am-9 pm during daylight saving time. 9am-6pm the remainder of the year
Location:8155 Greer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635
Website:https://southcarolinaparks.com/caesars-head
Phone:864-836-6115
Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/RYmeu7BXU9FidJvM9

Things to do at Caesars Head State Park: Spectacular views from the overlook, picnicking, hiking, fishing, hunting