Name: Raven Rocks Out-and-Back
Rating: 4.4

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Overview

The Raven Rocks stretch of the Appalachian Trail provides a great route to a fantastic overlook of the valley. The up and down nature of the trail provides a nice break from trails that have very long lengths that only go up or down.

Need to Know

There are two parking areas: one directly at the trailhead and one across Route 7. Both parking areas fill up quickly, but the one on the south side of Route 7 is larger.

Description

Beginning your hike at the trailhead on Route 7, follow the Appalachian Trail's white blazes up the hillside. The trail has several steep switchback ascents and descents.

About halfway to the featured overlook, there is a small stream to cross by stepping across several rocks.

There are a few nice overlooks on the way, but the featured Raven Rocks Overlook is well worth the hike—you definitely know when you have arrived, as the view is great. The Raven Rocks is just past the Virginia / West Virginia border.

Once you are done enjoying the view, simply retrace your route to return.

Shared By:

Benjamin Smith

Full Details

Trail Ratings

4.4 from 17 votes

#1

in Winchester

#885

Overall

4.4 from 17 votes

5 Star		53%
4 Star		35%
3 Star		12%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Winchester

#33

in Virginia

#885

Overall

22 Views Last Month

4,995 Since Dec 4, 2019

		0%
		11%
		28%
		28%
		33%
		0%

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Photos

Mid November view of the Raven Rocks Trail.

Dec 3, 2019 near Purcell…, VA

View of the main overlook on Raven Rocks.

Dec 3, 2019 near Shannon…, WV

Oct 2, 2020 near Shannon…, WV

Mar 15, 2020 near Purcell…, VA

1 Comment

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 34 days ago

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Check-Ins

Dec 9, 2023

Brian B

May 2, 2022

Colin Credle

No trail map posted at the Parking Lot. Stay on the White Trail Patch. It does fork into blue trail at one river crossing. Nice views, very rocky. 5mi — 5h 00m

Mar 9, 2022

Jeffrey Riley

Jan 7, 2022

Will Heinle

Oct 23, 2021

Partha Chandramohan

10h 46m

Oct 16, 2021

JAGADEESH ALURI

Sep 6, 2021

Jonathan Fitch

Mar 28, 2021

John DuVall

vjzd

Mar 21, 2021

Conner Walsh

Chase did great 6.2mi — 2h 10m

Mar 21, 2021

Alex Berman

Jan 4, 2021

David H

Nov 29, 2020

Colin Credle

Crowded, but most people had masks. Up and down terrain, but the views were worth it. 5.3mi — 4h 30m

Nov 27, 2020

Luz Diaz

5.5mi — 3h 00m

Nov 1, 2020

JK161 k161

Sep 12, 2020

Morgan B

Aug 21, 2020

Stephen L

Aug 1, 2020

B L

Jun 13, 2020

David Hood

Strenuous inclines, small but nice summit, nice trail.

Jun 6, 2020

Andrew White

steep switchbacks but a great view. 5.3mi — 4h 00m

May 30, 2020

Mike Morin

Started at route 9 3.5mi — 8h 00m

Apr 4, 2020

Chris Ververis

Feb 23, 2020

Joe Danz

2h 44m

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Raven Rocks Out-and-Back

“An out-and-back rollercoaster hike that leads to a great view of the mountains. ”

5.3

8.5

Out and Back

1,282' 391 m

863' 263 m

1,268' 387 m

1,271' 387 m

9%

25%

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Features Views

Overview

Need to Know

Description

Shared By:

Trail Ratings

#1

#885

#1

#33

#885

Photos

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Check-Ins

Nearby Recommended Routes

Loudoun Heights Out and Back

Maryland Heights Loop

Sugarloaf Loop

Lands Run Falls

Appalachian Trail: South Mountain

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