Trail Overview

Raven Cliff is a scenic Forest Service road that follows Upper Creek, offering stunning views of the water along the way. The trail features sandy beaches, small rocky waterfalls, and rapids, with numerous walking paths leading to the river's edge for swimming, rock climbing, fishing, and playing in the sand. Many of these areas also include campsites equipped with fire pits, seating, and tables, making them ideal for tent camping. While some sections of the road are narrow, most campsites have designated pull-offs or parking areas to accommodate multiple vehicles. Additionally, some sites are pull-in spots, allowing for vehicle camping as well. At the end of the trail, the road transitions into a walking path that leads to Burnthouse Branch Falls, a picturesque 50-foot waterfall cascading over moss-covered, jagged rocks.

Photos of Raven Cliff - FS 197

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Difficulty

This Forest Service road is well-maintained and primarily composed of hard-packed gravel, making for smooth and easy travel. Most of the trail is accessible to a wide range of vehicles, though there are a few small ruts and exposed roots that can generally be avoided. Some campsites may have minor muddy puddles, which could pose a slight challenge for certain vehicles but are unlikely to be a major issue.

Technical Rating

Chris L

Jun 25, 2025

Open

The beginning quarter mile of the trail is fairly steep and showed some ruts approximately 6 inches deep but easily navigable. The rest of the trail was easy but muddy. Quite a few campers along the trail.