Raven Rock State Nature Preserve

Just down the river from Portsmouth, Raven Rocks is 2.5-mile challenging trail giving the hiker expansive views of Portsmouth and the expansive Ohio River bottoms below it.

“Raven Rock is a promontory of Mississippian age sandstone overlooking the Ohio River Valley. While various legends exist as to how the hill received its name, from the air, it takes on the shape of a bird with outstretched wings. According to folklore, Native Americans used the rock as a lookout, spotting European settlers as they entered the region via flat boats on the Ohio River.”

“Today, the preserve continues to offer a panoramic view of the Ohio River valley. Weathering of the sandstone has resulted in three natural arches, the largest with a 10 foot span. The preserve is home to the potentially threatened blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) and the state endangered small-flowered scorpion weed (Phacelia dubia).” (https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/raven-rock-state-nature-preserve)

A permit is required—available online or at the park office near Shawnee Lodge on SR 125.

The trailhead is at Malone Cox Road and HW 52 across from the Doug Coleman Memorial Splashpad.