From the Raven Cliff Falls parking area, you will need to hike approximately 0.6 mile on the Cold spring Branch Trail, but from the moment you step onto the strenuous, 2.1 mile Bill Kimball Trail, you'll traverse some of the most scenic terrain in South Carolina. Also known as Mountain Bridge Trail #5, we recommend this out-and-back trip for experienced hikers only, as some parts are very steep and rocky. There are several places where the trail crosses and sometimes becomes part of a stream, but in most cases you can keep dry by using rocks to ford the water. The main feature of this trail is a large rock formation known as El Lieutenant, so named because early observers felt it resembles Yosemite National Park's famous El Capitan. You will encounter three faces of the 300-foot El Lieutenant, but the last is the most impressive. Where the Bill Kimball and Cold spring Branch Trails rejoin, many hikers turn right (south) and make a loop by returning on the Cold spring Branch Trail. The nearest restrooms and drinking water are available at Caesars Head State Park.

There is trailside camping available at nearby Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park.

Directions: From Greenville, Drive northwest on US 276 to the Raven Cliff Falls parking area, which is on the right, one mile beyond the entrance to Caesars Head State Park. At the south edge of the parking area, begin your hike on the orange blazed Coldspring Branch Trail. Hike for 0.6 mile, then continue straight on the pink-blazed Bill Kimball Trail.

The strenuous, 2.1 mile Bill Kimball Trail, just near Caesar's Head State Park, traverses some of the most scenic terrain in South Carolina.