Raven Rock State Park » Ecology
Make advance reservations at state parks online or through our toll-free call center. Call 1-877-7-CAMP-NC (722-6762) or select a park from the dropdown box on the left to navigate to the reservations page for that park.
Serious plant pests can be introduced into our parks by campers who bring in firewood. To prevent this, many of our parks sell firewood. For campers who choose to bring in their own firewood, please use wood harvested from a source local to the park. Campers should
not bring firewood from outside of North Carolina.
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Bridle Trail Status- trails NOT suitable for riding due to heavy rains; Raven Rock Rumble Saturday, November 21, 2009; Temporary Trailhead Change for Campbell Creek Loop Trail; Construction of Visitors Center in Progress
... details ±Wet Bridle Trails – Not Suitable for Riding:
Bridle trails West Loop and East Loop are currently too wet for riding and are expected to remain too wet through the weekend of November 22nd.
Remember that horses are allowed only on designated bridle trails. Riding on the power line easement, closed sections of the old West Loop, or areas other than designated bridle trails is unlawful. Hikers are allowed to walk on bridle trails, but should yield the trail when riders approach.
The new parking area is now complete. The parking area has been expanded and includes a new entrance and new exit for easier parking and turning. As a reminder - if you bring dogs they must be on a leash and under control at all times.
Raven Rock Rumble:
The Raven Rock Rumble will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Please use caution when approaching the park. For additional information on the race please visit www.ravenrockrumble.com
Campbell Creek Loop Trail Detour:
Campbell Creek Loop Trail head has been temporarily rerouted to begin behind the park office. Please park by the park office to access the trail head.
New Visitor's Center Construction:
Construction on the new Visitor's Center and new picnic shelter for Raven Rock State Park has begun. Completion is anticipated for January 2010.
Updated 11/16/09
Updated: 2009-11-16 08:11:52
One of the best reasons to visit Raven Rock is the exceptional beauty of its wildflowers. A variety of
species reveal magnificent blossoms in early spring. Look over patches of Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot,
saxifrage and trailing arbutus. Gaze down paths lined with Solomon's seal, bellwort and spring beauty, or
let your eyes wander through a haze of greens and yellows as leaves break their winter dormancy and begin
to color the forest.
Raven Rock has a diverse topography. Along the river are high bluffs and low floodplains. Some of the
largest trees in the park are found in the floodplain where common species include river birch, beech and
sycamore. The river bluffs and cool, moist ravines are home to mountain laurel and rhododendron, as well as
elm and red maple. The flat, dry uplands are characterized by pine and oak/hickory forests where sourwood,
dogwood and blueberry comprise the understory.
The many streams of Raven Rock create an ideal habitat for aquatic invertebrates and fish. Salamanders are
particularly at home along the river bluffs. The Piedmont forest is home to many reptiles. Spotted turtles
live in small streams and larger turtles, such as the yellowbelly slider and the snapping turtle, are found
in the river. Lizards such as the Carolina anole, fence lizard and skink also inhabit the forest. Among the
many harmless snakes found in the park are the northern water snake, rat snake and the eastern hognose
snake. Though rarely encountered, the venomous copperhead also resides in the park. Exercise caution when
on park trails.
The spring migratory season brings many species of birds to the park. At the peak of the season, it is
possible to see as many as 20 species of warblers in a single day. Wood ducks nest in hollow trees along
the river and many other species such as hawks, owls and woodpeckers are also found.
Mammals in the park include white-tailed deer and eastern cottontails. Weasels, raccoons, mice and shrews
inhabit the woodlands while beavers and muskrats are at home along rivers and creeks. Several species of
bats may be seen as they hunt for insects.