If you want to get out of the house and into the outdoors but don’t want to drive too far, I’ve got a great place for you. I like this one because it’s good for just about everyone. If you’re a beginner, there’s easy well-maintained trails, if you want to add some oomph to it, you can run them. If you’re bringing a pup or kids, it’s good for both. Here’s my guide on how to plan a day hiking at Raven Rock State Park with everything you need to know to plan your day out.
How To Plan A Day Hiking At Raven Rock State Park
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FAQ for hiking at Raven Rock State Park
Where is it located?
Lillington just under an hour from downtown Fayetteville.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, but not stroller friendly. As always, you know your children best so use this guide and your best judgment to decide what’s best for your family.
Is it dog-friendly?
Yes, and they have to be on a leash.
Who is it good for?
Beginner hikers, families, solo adventures, trail runners, mountain bikers, horse riders. For the sake of streamlining this post, I’m focusing on hiking.
How long does it take?
There are many trails in the park. You can do just one or spend the full day doing as many as you can fit in. It’s really up to how much time you want to spend there.
Highlights
River rapids, Raven Rock lookout, easy hiking day outdoors not far from Fayetteville.
What facilities are available?
Picnic tables, toilets, and a visitor center.
What should you bring with you?
- Good hiking shoes (if you’re a beginner looking for shoes, I recommend these
 otherwise sneakers are good here) - Water and snacks or lunch (I use this water bottle and always have a few of these when I’m hiking)
- Sun protection
- Camera (this is my favorite action camera and I also recommend this for a travel camera)
 otherwise sneakers are good here)
and 
when I’m hiking)
)
Large map of the trails near the parking lot
How to get there
You can use ‘Raven Rock State Park’ in Google Maps to get you to the parking area.
As you drive in, there’s one parking area to the left and if you go further, there’s another parking area by the Visitor Center.
Do you need to go early?
At least on weekends, the parking area fills up fairly quickly. Once it’s full they block the entrance and only let a car in as another leaves.
If you want to make the most of your day there, I’d recommend going early to avoid having to wait in line to get in.
I’ve been here twice now and waited in line to get in. Both times it was only around 20 minutes of waiting time but I’d imagine it would be a lot longer in summer.
Picnic tables by the parking lot
How to find your way around the trails
The trails are well maintained and very easy to follow by looking out for trail markers on the trees. I also liked that many of the trail markings had the initials of what trail you are on and a distance of how long you have to go as well.
You can also get a map from the Visitor Center or toilet block to help you find your way around. You can also download this from the state park website here before you go.
Some of the trail markers have initals of the trail you’re on
Some are basic trail markers to follow
Which trail should you start with?
There’s really no wrong answer here. To make it easy though, if you’re planning a full day hiking here, here’s how I’d plan the day.
- Start with the Campbell Creek Loop Trail and Lanier Falls trail.
- Picnic lunch in the area by the parking lot.
- After lunch, Raven Rock Loop Trail to see the lookout point and Raven Rock.
- Come back to the parking lot on the Raven Rock Loop Trail and add in the Little Creek Loop Trail and American Beech Trail if you have time.
That’s just a simple day plan if you’re not sure where to start, but there’s more to do and of course you can customize it however you like.
The Raven Rock lookout point is a nice spot for photos with amazing views over the river so don’t miss that one. The rapids (Lanier Falls) are also pretty cool to see.
Raven Rock lookout with amazing views!
The rapids
What to expect while hiking at Raven Rock State Park
The trails have different types of terrain with a mix of rock, dirt, and sand. In terms of hiking skill, there’s nothing too tricky about getting around on them and the trails are wide and very well maintained.
There are a couple of steep sections around the trails – nothing too crazy but enough to get a workout in.
If you’re a beginner hiker or will be hiking with kids, it’s a great place to go.
Keep an eye out for wildlife too. While I was there I saw about a gazillion squirrels, birds, and a family of deer.
Always time for a selfie
Safety tips for hiking at Raven Rock
Overall, this is a pretty safe area to go hiking so just use the standard safety precautions that you would anywhere.
I think the only notable mention would be close to the water there are no fences or anything. Be careful near the edge and if you have kids or dogs make sure you’re keeping them close so they don’t fall in.
Other than that, stick to the trails, check the weather forecast, bring snacks and water to keep you going, and use your common sense.
Peep that baby deer
Other guides you might enjoy:
- How To Plan A Day Out Hiking in Weymouth Woods, Southern Pines
- What To Bring On A Short Hike – Essentials To Always Have On You
- Traveling Solo While Married – What To Expect And Is It OK?
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