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.
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)
Made sure to go on a weekday so it wasn't busy, only came across one other hiker, so plus on the solitude there. The trail itself was pretty cool, so many things to distract you on the way up :) The views were awesome (being dead winter you could see forever), but I can def see how some of the panorama could be blocked in the spring. Overall a pretty cool place!
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Friday, December 23, 2011
This is a great hike that's close to Northern Virginia. I tend to love hikes that have dramatic views (with bonus points awarded to stream crossings). This hike had both and did make me sweat, despite being in good shape. I keep very active and I pushed to complete it in 2.5 hours with 20 mins at the top to snack. Better views this time of year due to the lack of foliage which gives great sneak peeks as you're on your way up. I ran into only one other hiker as the weather was cool and slightly windy. Wear something to protect from the wind and have at it.
If I had to hike this when the trail was crowded, it would probably be a three star, or slightly under, hike. I like my solitude.
By:
Greg
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, December 18, 2011
Not as challenging as I thought it would be and very crowded. Not a good hike for solitude even in the middle of December. Beautiful view even though it was a bit hazy the day of the hike.
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, October 23, 2011
Overall a good workout If you like hiking in a mall when shoes are on sale. Lol way to many hikers on this Sunday one ok view at the top with way to many people hanging around to enjoy a nice quite lunch. Not a hard climb or hike at all
By:
Janae
Rating:
Date of Hike: Monday, October 10, 2011
Wasn't too hard and beautiful view at the top with the red leaves still on the trees, but TONS of stink bugs at the top view from the rock, so we couldn't even sit and enjoy our lunch at the top. They wouldn't stop flying into us. Had to hike back into the forest to get away from the stink bugs, otherwise would have eaten one accidentally. It was beautiful even on the trail because of the leaves changing colors, tons of red and orange this week. Otherwise the majority of the trail might have been boring.
icon 
Share Hike:
