Inside Raven Rock State Park

Raven Rock State Park is a park of wonder: bragged upon, marveled about, and on many “to do” lists. In the coastal area, there isn’t much topography. So making it to an area with striking cliffs looming high does something for the soul.

While Raven Rock isn’t just a quick trip down the road, it can be done within the day. This is a hefty 2.5-hour trip (one way), past Fayetteville and up into a gorgeous area on the banks of the Cape Fear River. The drive is easy, primarily on highways, and easily navigable.

Visitors flock to Raven Rock State Park because of the geological formations. The famous “raven rock” itself is impressive. No trip to the park is complete without seeing the landmark.

But beware: the well-groomed hiking path isn’t hard, but the descent to the bottom, to hang under the rock’s girth, requires a significant staircase (which then, of course, requires a climb back up). It is, however, worth it.

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Camping is available, although it is primitive and hike-in only. The Visitor’s Center has good amenities (clean) and the educational exhibits are well done and interactive.

Raven Rock State Park

This park is extremely popular, with many fantastic trails to choose from as well as horse paths (mountain bike trails are also available). Yet the park seems to effortlessly accommodate visitors. In fact, at a whopping 5,000 acres, it is likely that you won’t even be able to take in the entire park in one visit.

Raven Rock State Park

The hardest part of the visit to Raven Rock State Park may be deciding which parts of the park to see in just one day. But don’t let that intimidate you. Go ahead: add it to your “to-do” list!

Learn more about Raven Rock State Park:
www.ncparks.gov/raven-rock-state-park
3009 Raven Rock Road
Lillington, NC
910-893-4888

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Allison, the founder of Cape Fear Family Magazine, has a long and diverse background in journalism and publishing that began when she started her own newspaper in fifth grade. Eventually, she went on to the University of Virginia and graduated with distinction in English. A writer for places such as StarNews, Greater Wilmington Business Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, and Redbook, she believes that words connect and build communities. She has been published in multiple books, including a Chicken Soup for the Soul and a Norton Anthology called The Double Bind. As former Managing Editor for North Brunswick Magazine and South Brunswick Magazine, her love of local magazines blossomed. When she moved to the area from Chapel Hill in 2015 with her husband and their young sons, she yearned for a community to help her take advantage of the area with her active family. Luckily, as a content marketer, SEO-professional and social media manager, she had plenty of experience to allow her to launch Cape Fear Family Magazine. Allison loves to paddleboard, recently tried surfing, loves to travel, and believes that raising kids is a whole lot of fun.