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Raven Cliff Karst Area

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.

Wildlife Sightings

Birds Recently Seen at Raven Cliff Karst Area:

    70 species have been reported at this site to date.

    Recent Checklists:

    Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
    28 Jul 202523Laura Aron
    28 Jul 202523Mike Evans
    13 Apr 20252debbie testerman
    13 Apr 20251debbie testerman
    29 Mar 20242DWR Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail Team

    See more recent checklists…

    Amenities & Accessibility Considerations

    Site Amenities

    • On-site Parking
    • Restrooms

    Other Site Amenities: Bike Trails, Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails

    Maps & Directions

    View on Google Maps

    From Wytheville, head south on US-21/Grayson Rd, turn left onto SR-690/Cripple Creek Rd, turn left to stay on SR-690/Cripple Creek Rd, turn right onto SR-646/Tank Rd, turn left onto SR-619/Gleaves Rd, then turn right onto Raven Cliff Lane and follow it to the parking area.

    Site Information

    Managed By:

    • National Park Service

    Access Requirements:

    Contact Information:

    • Visit Website
    • Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.

    About the VBWT

    The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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