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.

Directions

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.