Raven Rock is one of the better state parks we’ve been to – particularly being less than an hour from all parts of the Triangle. It has a great, new visitor’s center, copious trails, intriguing scenery, and the Cape Fear River. Sarah and I actually came to Raven Rock in November of 2014. At this point in my life, 5 years does not seem like that long of a time on the one hand – we both totally remembered the hike, and how we discussed/argued about wedding planning for most of it. On the other hand, life couldn’t be more different now than it was then though – two rings and two kids later.

The most memorable moment of the trip happened before we even got out of the parking lot. I had put Harvey sitting upright in his pack and turned away from him to rummage through the car, while Sarah readied Della and we both heard a thud and a cry. I’d forgotten to adjust the bar frame out so Harvey wouldn’t be able to teeter, and he had fallen straight back onto the concrete and hit his head and elbow.

Though he quickly stopped crying, and we started the hike, I was so awash with guilt and dread that he might have a concussion (though in retrospect it was clear right away he didn’t) I didn’t really take in as much of the hike as I would have liked. But I remember enough to know we descended about a dozen flights of stairs in order to visit the park’s namesake, “Raven Rock” rock-cliffs just off the shore of the Cape Fear river. I have a feeling if we visit again in 5 years with a couple of elementary kids, life then will seem as different as life now seems to our last visit.

Hike Info:

• Strava Link (For some reason the last half mile didn’t register)
• Starting Point: Park Office (3009 Raven Rock Rd, Lillington, NC 27546)
• End Point: Same
• Length: 3.0 Miles
• Approximate Hiking Time: 1 Hour, 30 minutes

Other Activities:

• Vicious Fishes Brewery (Fuquay-Varina Location)
  • Neat brewery and restaurant in downtown Fuquay
  • White Russian Strong Ale tasted exactly like a White Russian – it was a little freaky. Sarah was a huge fan.

Our story from the day!