Description

Elevation: 2142 ft.
Raven Cliff Karst Area is a campground and park facility nestled along Cripple Creek. This site offers campsites, picnic shelters, and fishing access for those interested in trout and smallmouth bass. The geology of this area is unique in that it contains a significant amount of karst topography. In addition, this area was once a furnace site for iron ore. The red-stained, iron-limestone Raven Cliff towers 200 feet above the creek. As the name implies, common raven nest along these cliffs. In addition, the surrounding woodlands support a variety of nesting songbirds. Yellow-throated, hooded, and black-and-white warblers are common even in picnic areas. Open areas along the creek allow for good views of hunting green heron. During migration, songbird diversity increases within the hardwood forests. Migrating waterfowl and shorebirds should also be found, especially in the fall, along the creek.

Directions

From New River Campground, return to SR 94 and turn left, heading south 0.9 miles to Rt. 602. Turn right and take Rt. 602 west 9.6 miles to Rt. 619. Turn right, heading northeast for 1.6 miles to the turn-off for Raven Cliff Recreation Area on the right. Turn right and travel 0.8 miles to the recreation area.