Hike to Raven Rock
Bluemont, Virginia
Details
Distance
5 miles
Elevation Gain
1000 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jack Staples
This is a great hike right off of Route 7 on the Appalachian Trail that leads to a great view and some backcountry camping opportunities.
Starting at a small parking lot right off of Route 7 (wuick right onto Pine Grove Road) this hike takes you North on the Appalachian Trail in a very hilly/rocky part of the trail. Expect to gain and lose 300 feet+ multiple times! It's about 2.5 miles each way so budget at least a few hours to go out and back, or even better you can bring a tent and set up camp right behind the overlook in a well defined camp area. The sunrise views (this is an easy-facing lookout) are amazing and it's usually much less crowded than Bears Den. If you're up for a more challenging hike, this is a great place to go!
P.S. If you are interested and experienced in rock climbing, there is a great rock wall here about 70 feet tall that is frequented by rock climbers during the warmer months.
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Hike to Raven Rock Reviews
Good hike, decent views. Better hikes in the Shenandoah, but this is only about an hour from DC, which is nice.
3.0
This part of the AT is very rocky and there are seldom few parts of trail that is flat and smooth. You're constantly needing to watch your footing. It is also very hilly and you're consistently either going up or down an incline. Once you do get to the overlook it isn't overly crowded which is nice and there's plenty of room to sorta find your own spot to relax.
4.0
This hike was a great workout/experience. The loss & gains in elevation keep you on your feet and your heart rate up without making you feel like you're continuously going upward. The summit view is amazing and the perfect place to picnic. Parking can be a bit annoying, its a small lot and you're at risk for towing if you park along 679. I parked off highway 7 and at the time I was the only car, but returned later in the afternoon to find it populated with several cars and mine wasn't towed! So yay! would definitely recommend.
5.0
I was really excited for this trail as I love doing different sections of the AT. It was our mistake to go on a Saturday. We assumed because it was a cold November day there would be less people. Wrong. The trail was hugely crowded. We were always in sight of other hikers. Once to the top, there were probably 20 others. In addition to the crowds, it was more rocky than other sections I've done. So rocky that it made it hard to look up. This trail is a good workout. Lots of steep incline which I enjoyed. The views are quiet beautiful as well. If you're like me, and like to hike to get away from all the hustle and bustle of life, avoid this trail on the weekend!
3.0
Have been coming to this spot since I was a kid and it never gets old. The hike is the perfect length and is well worth the view. I've also done a few of the climbs here too which are a blast in the spring, summer and fall. Easy enough for anyone looking for a good intro to some local climbing.
5.0
This is definitely my favorite hike in this area, its challenging enough to get a good workout and offers some of the best views around here. It gets pretty busy on weekends so be sure to arrive early. I've stuck to weekdays and have mostly had the entire trail and overlook to myself.
4.0
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Nearby
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
Hike to Hollow Brook Falls
Hike Cool Spring Path
Hike to the Piedmont Overlook
Camp at Sky Meadows State Park
Trail Run the AT in the G.R. Thompson
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