The Enjoyment of Raven Rocks

This video was passed on to us and features the very first conservation easement held by the Captina Conservancy.  At just over 1000 acres, perhaps this video will help explain why the landowners wanted it protected.  You can learn more about the people behind saving Raven Rocks here: http://www.raven-rocks.org/.

Raven Rocks is located in southern Belmont County.  It is privately owned, but the public is invited and encouraged to explore this hidden feature that reveals itself in a big way as soon  as you take the path into the woods and head down the stairs.

As a gentle reminder, this place is protected by a conservation easement.  It is meant to be enjoyed forever, not abused and destroyed by humans.  Stairs have been constructed to allow for easier access and to prevent slope erosion by visitors, but there are no rails for the steep edges.  Please, spend some time here, but remember the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace so others can experience having their breath taken away as well. 

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and how they apply to visiting Raven Rocks

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: rocks are slippery in the rain and dew. The ravine is noticeably colder than the start of the trail.  This site is not handicapped accessible.  Watch your step as it is uneven terrain.  Be CAUTIOUS if you intend on going immediately following a heavy rain or after snow melt as conditions of the stream can be very flashy.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: there is no camping permitted in Raven Rocks.  Please use the stairs provided for your safety.  There is no marked trail through the ravine (it's easy to see where it goes), but step lightly while exploring the rest of the area.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: for your convenience, there are recycling and trash barrels provided at the trail head, but please do not leave trash bundled outside of the barrel if it is full (haul it back with you - pack it in pack it out).  Don't forget the cigarette butts and juice box straw wrappers!
4. Leave What You Find: people have been enjoying this site for thousands of years and our goal is for it to be around for another thousand years at least.  So ,"take only pictures, leave only footprints".
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: this one is easy too as there are no campfires permitted in Raven Rocks.
6. Respect Wildlife: Raven Rocks provides a unique microclimate which allows plants and animals to flourish where they shouldn't be able to geographically.  The stream that flows through most of the year is a headwater stream.  The crisp, clear waters are vital for aquatic organisms.  
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: people go to the outdoors for many reasons.  It is certainly not to see messages like "Micky was here 10/14" spray painted next to the waterfall or "JM+RA" scratched into a rock with the moss torn away.  Whether it's for peace, pictures, fresh air, or whatever, respect this property the way you want to see and use it. It's not a library, so you don't have to be quiet, but maybe you don't need your music to play above the bird chatter.

Learn more about Leave No Trace here: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/