Best time to go: 04/30 - 08/31
Raven Rocks is well worth the hour drive and 3 hour round trip hike. The trail is not long (as the raven flies), but it traverses three ridges and two valleys, which can make for slow progress.
The closest parking lot (just off Route 7 near Bluemont) is small and fills up by 10a on weekends, and there are no alternative parking areas within an easy hike. For this reason, plan on going either on weekdays or early on a Saturday or Sunday.
From the trailhead, you’ll proceed down into a valley where you will hear (but not see) a bubbling brook under the rocks. Up a mountain and down another where you’ll find a shallow stream you can get across without getting your feet wet.
The final ascent will take you across the Virginia / West Virginia state line before opening up into a beautiful view of the valley and mountains beyond.
