Raven’s Roost is an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway with stunning views and rock climbing opportunities.
Located at milepost 10 south of Interstate 64, the overlook provides great views of Torrey Ridge and the Shenandoah Valley looking west. A trail on the south end of the parking lot crosses a broad rock ledge where ravens roost, hence the overlook’s name. Ruins of an old iron furnace from the 1800s is nearby.
The Raven’s Roost trail goes down to the base of the cliff, which is great for trad and top roping. The trail is steep and turns from south to west before reaching the base. The rock is metamorphic. Although a bit smooth with no continuous crack systems, because of the angle of the strata, there are plenty of in-cut edges for climber holds on the west-facing side of the cliff making for safe climbs.
Difficulty on the ascents of the various routes range from 5.1 to 5.12 according to rockclimbing.com.
Bouldering is also available on the granite traverse wall at Raven’s Roost.
Elevation at Raven’s Roost is 3200 feet, 1800 feet above the valley floor.
For more pictures, see my slide show.
