Raven Rock Falls
Raven
Rock Falls
updated 8-18-06 - If you're in the Lake Toxaway area and only have time to check out 1 waterfall, Raven Rock would be a good one. From Hwy 64 west, turn right on 281 north and turn left on Cold Mountain Rd into Lake Toxaway Estates. It's right across from the fire station. Head up the road for 4.5 miles and park at telephone pole #61 on the left. The road turns from pavement to gravel - the numbers are tacked on to the poles. On the way up the road, you'll pass Shower Falls on the right. The trail did begin just to the left of pole #61 and is still there, but a large tree has fallen a short ways down. Look just up the road from the pole and you should see a survey stake and a trail going down from there. The trail comes out just to the right of that fallen tree and connects to the older trail. Turn right and continue towards the waterfall. That survey stake might indicate that lots are being sold along that section of Cold Mountain Rd, so access to the waterfall might be cut off in the future. The waterfall is actually on the property of Lake Toxaway Estates, but there aren't any 'no trespassing' signs. If you go, please don't litter and be on your best behavior
The trail isn't very long, but is kind of steep in places and can be slippery and tricky in wet weather. You can hear the falls soon after starting down the trail. Stay to the right and don't take any side trails to the left. In wetter weather, a smaller falls on the right will be flowing on the right side of the trail as you cross the small creek at it's base.
A little farther down the trail, you'll cross a small bridge that goes behind a falls that free falls about 15-20 feet. This is Cold Mountain Branch and it slides down more rocks for about another 75 feet before joining the Toxaway River just below Raven Rock Falls. The hurricanes of September '04 cause some trees to fall in this area. The bridge is in bad shape but still passable if you are very careful. Stay close to the rock wall because part of the rail is now missing, just don't hit your head on the rock near the end! The picture below is from it's better days. As soon as you cross the bridge, the trail follows Cold Mountain Branch down the right side. Some of the rock here has collapsed, so pay attention to your footing.
Raven Rock Falls is really nice - the river free falls 15-20 feet then spills another 20 feet over rock layered with dark and light colors called Toxaway or Carolina gneiss. The river then drops another 100 feet or so over some large rocks and boulders. If you've been or plan to go in 2006, the falls may look like the photo below. Water levels have been very low this year.
If you like exploring and walking in the water, continue down the river to see some nice cascades. You may notice remnants of the Toxaway Trail. It crossed the river (more like a creek at this elevation) quite a few times and you'll probably have to get your feet wet at some point if you try to follow it. It eventually passes by Fisher Falls pictured below. Remember, this is all private property.
