Raven Rock

Located on the Cape Fear River 40 miles south of Raleigh, Raven Rock State Park was created in 1969.  Encompassing 4,667 acres, the park is named after a huge chystalline rock structure that stands 150 feet above the river.

The Siouan and Tuscarora Indian tribes lived in the area before Scottish settlers arrived in the mid-18th century.  Before railroad construction changed the nature of travel across the state, Raven Rock was an important landmark for river pilots navigating to and from the coast.

Today, there are many trails in the park, but the most traveled is the Raven Rock Loop Trail, which has an overlook section and a path that leads down to the river, where I spent time photographing beneath the trees and cliffs.