Discover the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area

Covering more than 10,000 acres and encompassing two state parks, the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is as expansive as it is pristine. Explore the extensive trails as you hike through the hardwood forest, or set out to see the area’s stunning variety of waterfalls.

Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area hiking trail

Experience the beauty of South Carolina’s Upstate at Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area

With hiking trails for every skillset and plenty of terrain to cover, the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is the perfect destination for your next family-friendly outdoor adventure. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or see the different natural habitats as you explore one of South Carolina’s best natural gems.

The Scenic Middle Saluda River Is the Centerpiece of Jones Gap State Park

To experience some of South Carolina's best hiking trails, be sure to visit the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. It boasts 11,000 acres of pristine and untouched woodlands in the Upstate.

Hike to the El Lieutenant Rock Dome

Adventurous hikers will enjoy the views of El Lieutenant Rock Dome after a challenging, 4.6-mile loop on the Coldspring Branch and Bill Kimball trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Stairs, switchbacks and chains help ease the descent before giving way to a spectacular, 300-foot cliff.

Hike to Rainbow Falls

Traverse the Middle Saluda River on the Rainbow Falls Trail, then catch your breath while taking in the sights of the falls. This 2.4-mile hike concludes with picturesque views of the falls cascading over 100 feet of shimmering rock.

Explore the Unspoiled Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area on the Middle Saluda Passage

The Middle Saluda Passage offers experienced hikers a variety of trail options, with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and waterfalls at every turn. Take in the surrounding wildlife and vegetation while cooling off in one of the mountain streams along the way.

Observe Migrating Raptors at Caesars Head State Park

Watch as many as 6,000 hawks in one day as they make their annual migration to warmer climates through Caesars Head State Park. An official North American Hawk Migration site since 1988, the park allows visitors the opportunity learn from experienced birders during its Hawk Watch program.

Observe "Caesar's Head" at Caesars Head State Park

Often missed due to its inconspicuous pathway, Caesars Head overlook offers an alternate view of the Blue Ridge Escarpment that is definitely worth seeing.

Symmes Chapel at Pretty Place

Experience breathtaking views of the Carolina mountains from the pews of Symmes Chapel at Pretty Place, an open air sanctuary that sits atop Standing Stone Mountain in Greenville County.

Explore Wildcat Branch Falls

Take a break while driving along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway to explore this series of waterfalls formed by the Wildcat stream. Be sure to grab a bag of freshly boiled peanuts before the short hike to Wildcat Branch Falls.

Discover Bald Rock

The natural scenic overlook at Bald Rock offers stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding South Carolina mountains. It is roughly the size of a football field, so even those who are wary of heights will be able to get in on this photo op.

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