( Log Out /  (See below for essential tips on parking). The view from Raven Rocks is one of the best in the area. It is possible to continue north from here on the AT to the Devil’s Racecourse, Blackburn Trail Center, and beyond, but this is probably best left for an overnight backpack. There are 2 river/stream crossings, one of which is littered with large rocks and tree spines. It was more strenuous than I remember, and this is what made it pleasantly enjoyable for me. Virginia – West Virginia border, Appalachian Trail. After a couple hours of driving, I Read more…. We saw at least 3. Download file: Raven Rocks Hike.gpx Hike Summary and Thoughts. Travel them on foot, on mountain bike, or on horseback. ... finally emerged from the forest and arrived at the outcrops of Raven Rocks. Dogs are also able to use this trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/raven-rocks-via-appalachian-trail Questions on gear, planning, or anything in between? Lifegoals. This 5-mile out-and-back to Raven Rocks covers a piece of the Roller Coaster, a hilly affair that ends at a scenic vista overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley to the west. It feels like you’ve uncovered a best kept secret, or you’ve found a peaceful sanctuary that few people know about. You’ll see a large AT sign board (but no map) marking the trail. • Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Topographic Map. There is a house in plain view from the end – when I reach the end of this hike, I can’t help but think about the sunrise view those folks get every morning. A short spur trail heads left to a natural spring, while the main path continues northward. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Raven Rock Loop Trail is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Sunset, South Carolina that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This came highly recommended to me by 2 fellow hikers on yesterday’s trail. Although harmless to us, there may be other wildlife on the trail as well. The second creek crossing, closer to the end of the trail, is much larger and a bit more tricky to navigate. Drop us a note! The view at the end is on a ridge – you can sit and eat your lunch with nothing but the forest beneath and a wide open space in front. Lessons Learned: pack more food! Now about ½ mile from the trailhead, the rocky track descends another set of switchbacks then makes a final plunge into Pigeon Hollow, formed by a seasonal stream often devoid of water. On a clear day, Massanutten Mountain, which ends abruptly at Signal Knob (2,106’), is visible across the valley to the southwest. Following along Little Creek, you will wind through the woods and find your way to a large staircase that descends to the Rock. The park's namesake trail is very popular for its iconic features, such as Raven Rock and the Overlook. After cresting a high point at around 1/3 mile, the AT drops down a sharp switchback and then rounds another outcrop with a window view to the northeast, framed by a stand of hemlocks. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. I would suggest allotting at least four hours for the round-trip to and from Crescent Rock, including a lunch break. (Note: This parking lot—with space for no more than 10 cars—fills up quickly. The first creek crossing is fairly close to the start of the hike, with all the pleasant acoustic elements associated with water flowing on rocks. Climbing sharply again, hikers enter the final leg and pass the Virginia-West Virginia state line at Mile 2.3. Raven Rocks Hike trail map Virginia To reach the Raven Rocks hike, follow route 7 to Bluemont, turning right on Pine Grove Road near the top of the Snicker’s Gap hill. If it is full, DO NOT park on Pine Grove Road, as you are likely to be ticketed or even towed. The trail here skirts the wooded western slopes of Blue Ridge, a lengthy crest of upturned quartzite extending from southern Pennsylvania to central Virginia. Map of Appalachian Trail to Raven Rocks; created using National Geographic Maps/AllTrails, alltrails.com (Check out the PDF version, interactive map, and MapMyHike track), Just over an hour’s drive from Washington, DC, Raven Rocks is even closer to the nation’s capital than popular Harper’s Ferry or Shenandoah National Park. Instead, turn back the way you came, reversing the dips and climbs back to Snickers Gap. From the small parking lot off Pine Grove Road, climb a set of steps to begin the hike, then follow the gradually-sloping Appalachian Trail (AT) as it heads northbound. Raven Rocks Hike trail map Virginia . Both the rocks and the wood will be extremely slippery, so watch your footing (and mind your footwear!). The first trail access can be found along the WV County Road 73/16 also known as Coopers Rock Road. ( Log Out /  Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account.