Raven Rocks Overlook is famous for the unique cliff that rests at the edge of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The overlook holds beautiful views and certain times of the day, and certain times of the year, it is especially beautiful.
Raven Rocks Overlook at milepost 289.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular overlook for its wide view and rocky cliffs.
The view from the rocks is framed by two large oaks with wind-gnarled tops, and a split rail fence rims the cliffs. The nearby mountains to the west are dappled with homes.
As always, when you make a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, check for closures.
A small parking lot with space to hold 8 – 10 vehicles is all the available parking.
Why Stop at Raven Rocks Overlook
Raven Rocks is a great spot to to stop and take photos. The large rocks standing high above the narrow valley is a great spot for people that want an epic picture but don’t want to hike up a mountain.
There are some other overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway with awesome rocky overlooks, but not many.
Best Times to Visit
Raven Rocks is a good stop any time of the year or day but it is best at certain times.
In fall, when the colors peak, good becomes great as the mountains alight with yellows, reds, and oranges.
But even better than that is sunset. The wide western facing view is amazing for catching those evening rays. In fact, it is on our list of the best places to see sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Raven Rocks is very popular for sunset. Plan on getting to the overlook 30 – 45 minutes before sunset. If you are early enough you can explore the cliffs and find a few hidden alcoves to enjoy the show – mostly in private.
If you are visiting Price Lake or Blowing Rock for any amount of time you should carve out some time to see sunset.
Nearby Thunder Hill Overlook is another spot you should consider visiting for sunset. It is only one mile away with a larger parking lot and more space to spread out.
If you are going to visit both I would go to Raven Rocks first then Thunder Hill. The parking fills up faster at Raven Rocks and the sun sets just a little sooner than at Thunder Hill.
A Little Bit of Bad
Unfortunately it is not all great news. Someone or, many someones, have tagged the overlook with graffiti. It doesn’t change the view but the spray paint makes the overlook more like the underside of a bridge than this beautiful spot deserves.
Despite the one drawback Raven Rocks Overlook is amazing. It is best at sunset and great during fall. If you can’t visit during those times you’ll find a unique overlook with an unusually great spot to gaze out over the nearby mountains.
If you love finding beautiful views, you’ll also want to check out our post on the most beautiful overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
You may also want to visit these other nearby overlooks for more incredible views:
- Yadkin Valley Overlook (MP 289.8)
Leave a Reply