As a North Carolinian living in the central piedmont area, we are very fortunate to have access to both the sandy, white beaches of the coast and the thunderous mountains of the appalachian mountain chain; both within a short 3-4 hour drive. But many of the hidden treasures of North Carolina are hidden within the place we call home. One of these hidden treasures is Raven Rock state park.Raven Rock state park was established in 1969 and is one of North Carolina's most underrated
state Parks. It is located in Harnett County, NC and shares many of its borders with the Cape Fear River. In this new age society filled with XBox, Playstation, and Wii; a quiet, relaxing afternoon hike has been replaced with a loud afternoon in front of the television. My nephews, like almost all children, have fallen victim to this disease. Neither, having experienced the enjoyment of the outdoors.Raven Rock was originally known as Patterson's Rock (named by an early explorer who capsized his canoe nearby), and recieved its offical name in 1854. The name was inspired from the numerous sightings of Ravens on the high outcroppings and the roostings on the rock ledges. 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 Cape Fear river runs through the heart of the park, and over the ages the destructive force of flowing water and wind carved the rock outcropping, today known as "Raven Rock". Raven Rock has qualities to offer almost any enthusiast. It offers several hiking trails, horseback riding, camping, canoeing, fishing, and picknicking. All of the hiking trails are moderately short, the longest being a 2 mile loop, but trying to tackle them all in one afternoon can be a tiring task, especially to many avid young gamers. But if you can it offers several spectacular views overlooking the Cape Fear River and the fish traps.
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