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Raven Rock State Park, Lillington

4.7
#45 of 159 in Nature in North Carolina
Must see · State Park · Nature / Park
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Raven Rock State Park is a North Carolina state park in Harnett County, North Carolina in the United States. Located near Lillington, North Carolina, it covers 4,694acre along the banks of the Cape Fear River. Raven Rock State Park is located on the eastern edge of the Piedmont.
Raven Rock State Park sits along the fall zone, an area where the hard, resistant rocks of the foothills give way to the softer rocks and sediments of the coastal plain. The underlying rocks of the area were formed more than 400 million years ago by intense heat and pressure.
Through the ages, flowing waters and swirling winds gradually eroded the land, carving and sculpting Raven Rock. This immense crystalline structure rises to 150ft and stretches for more than a mile along the Cape Fear River. The rock was originally called Patterson's Rock for an early settler who found refuge there when his canoe capsized nearby. In 1854, its name was changed to Raven Rock, inspired by the sight of ravens that formerly roosted on rock ledges.
The Siouan and Tuscarora Indians hunted the area until European settlers arrived in the mid-18th century. The first settlers were primarily hunters and trappers who were searching for high country similar to their native country, Scotland. Later, stores, mills and quarries were built. Many of the woodlands were farmed, and as the forests returned, much of the land was harvested for timber. Using our online itinerary creator, Lillington attractions like Raven Rock State Park can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Raven Rock State Park reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
151 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • This was a well-marked path and a pleasant, scenic walk. I felt safe. Parking was easy and the look-outs easy to find. 
    This was a well-marked path and a pleasant, scenic walk. I felt safe. Parking was easy and the look-outs easy to find.  more »
  • The campground is lovely with full hook up options with area with a picnic area and fire pit. I have stayed at site 14, 18 and 22, (handicap site.) The bathhouse is nice, and is closed every day for.....  more
    The campground is lovely with full hook up options with area with a picnic area and fire pit. I have stayed at site 14, 18 and 22, (handicap site.) The bathhouse is nice, and is closed every day for.....  more »
Google
  • Lovely park in a rural area. We visited on a warm September Sunday. After waiting on line for roughly 10 minutes the park ranger waved us in. I enjoyed hiking through the deeper timber. Land was largely level, making for an easy hike. Parking was solid but the lot was almost full. Thumbs up for a fun experience.
  • Great state park to have an outdoor adventure! Great scenery with plentiful rest areas. There's a loop trail that runs along a scenic creek. Nice overlook of the Cape Fear River. Raven rock itself was a sight to see. Came here with my family, packed a lunch and was one of the best picnics we've had.

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