Raven Rocks via Appalachian Trail

Raven Rocks provides one of Northern Virginia’s most accessible dramatic viewpoints, a series of cliff-edge outcrops overlooking the Shenandoah Valley with the Blue Ridge Mountains rising beyond. The trail follows the Appalachian Trail from Snickers Gap, climbing gradually through hardwood forest before reaching the rocky spine that leads to the overlooks. The rocks themselves invite exploration, with multiple vantage points offering different perspectives on the spectacular scenery. This relatively short hike delivers mountain-top views within easy reach of the Washington DC metro area, making it popular but never too crowded thanks to multiple viewpoints spreading hikers along the ridge. Autumn colors and clear winter days provide the most expansive views.