Friends of Raven Rock

By Heather Benjamin In some ways, summer is prime hiking season—full of sunshine, long days, and lush, green trees—but in North Carolina, it can also be hot and humid. Ranger rescues spike in the summertime, often for preventable oversights by visitors who overexert themselves or become dehydrated. Take care of yourself on your summer hikes, and help rangers stay available for rescues of the seriously injured. Here are some tips for making the most of your summertime outdoors: A little…

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by David Brown As one stands under the majestic metamorphic rock outcrop that is the focal point of today’s Raven Rock State Park, you may wonder how this landmark got its name. There are multiple stories associated with the rock, which was known by several names as early European settlers moved to the area in the 18th and 19th centuries. Patterson’s Rock In the 1740s, Gilbert Patterson of Scotland settled in the area of Buies Creek. Legend says Patterson was…

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by Carmalee Scarpitti, FRARO board member Many parks feature shared-use trails that may be open to hikers; people on bicycles, scooters, or skateboards; horses; and other pack animals. The Raven Rock Avent Creek Access area features shared-use trails open to hikers and equestrians. Horseback riders enjoy seeing other user groups on the trails. Sometimes, though, tensions can arise when trail users don’t know how to properly interact with other users. This shared-use trail use sign, displayed on trails all around…

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Trail snapshot Trail description This short hike is great for kids and adults alike. It is a “TRACK Trail” self-guided hike that features various points of interest. The trailhead is to the right of the picnic shelter at the day use parking lot. You’ll see a TRACK Trail sign with activity brochures that you can use to help you spot critters, and a few steps further along is a holder for info on the many kinds of trees along this trail,…

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