The
view from Raven Rocks is
one of the best in the area. Although the distance is only
5.5 miles with a vertical gain of 1,530ft, as you can see from
the elevation profile, there are three strenuous ascents on
this out and back hike. Raven Rocks is also a popular area with rock climbers, as it can be accessed by a road 0.4 miles from
the east.
Make sure to wear sturdy footwear, as the hike that remains entirely on the white blazed Appalachian Trail,
is very rocky.
Begin the hike by heading north on the white
blazed Appalachian Trail, as it crosses over the first ridge,
then making several steep switchback descents before reaching a small run in 0.8 miles. 100 yards past
the run cross over an unblazed trail and remain on the Appalachian
Trail.
After ascending the next ridge come to a nice view of the
Winchester Valley to the west, before descending and arriving at the Raven
Rocks Hollow stream in 1.2 miles from the last run.
Climb the final ascent of 0.4 miles, passing a sign marking the Virginia, West Virginia border, then reaching Raven Rocks where
you will find fantastic
views towards the south west and the Shenandoah Valley.
During spring and fall, the Raven Rocks 100ft wall is a
favorite spot with local rock climbers. To return retrace your route 2.7 miles back to the parking
area at VA679 and Rt7.
Overall this is a great little out and back hike that is perfect for the shorter days in the winter.
Interactive Hike Map BelowPrintable
Topo Hike Map (PDF) Hike route in Drag the map with your mouse using the icon Zoom with the controls on the left Click the icons in the map below for location shots
Calculate roughly how many calories you could burn on the Raven Rocks hike:
=
Hiker
Reviews For The Raven Rocks Hike (5 Most Recent)
Hiked this by myself: started at 7am and got back to the car at 9:45am, which includes 45 mins sitting at the top. It was a great morning for a hike with temps in the high 60s, low 70s, and at that hour, I didn't see any other hikers until I was on my way back down. The trail is definitely rocky so make sure to wear good shoes with good soles - my running shoes are a bit worn out so at the end I started to feel it.
The best part of this hike is indeed the "summit". After the last ascent, you come to a nice open area with flat rocks and amazing views of West Virginia. There was a nice breeze and I ended up reading a book on the rocks for 30 minutes. (Since the views face west, I'm sure it would be a good sunset hike, too.)
By:
Sona
Rating:
Date of Hike: Thursday, May 20, 2010
Great day w/ temps in the 70's. Nice day hike w/ my girlfriend.
By:
Leesburg Bob
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, May 15, 2010
Great hike. 70 degree, sunny day brought out many other hikers. Mt. Laurel was in bloom. Trail is in very good shape
By:
Jeffrey
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, February 27, 2010
Raven Rocks is a great place for an easy winter hike, especially in the snow! Mostly flat, few technical sections, well-marked, and just the right distance. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly last weekend and were very clearly (no boot/ski tracks) the only ones there...okay, maybe a deer or two.
By:
R.W.
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, December 06, 2009
I did this hike a day after it snowed several inches. The trail is blazed very well and fortunately there were several other hikers whose footsteps I could follow. I think this is a great short hike that you can do without having to be up early in the morning. With several accents and descents this is a great hike if you are looking for exercise. The view from the top is very cool as well. Without the packed snow I think this trail would have been more challenging because it is rocky. I would like to do this hike in the spring or early fall.
icon 
