Crow’s Nest

Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve is a large wilderness area (approximately 3,000 acres) located on the southern border of Stafford County, Virginia, between Potomac Creek and Accokeek Creek.  The preserve is named after a black sailing ship called The Crow that once docked in the Potomac Creek during the 1800’s. Crow’s Nest was also occupied by Union troops during the Civil War. It is home to nesting bald eagles and was a temporary home to Pocahontas. The rich history of the area and convenient location make Crow’s Nest a great place to enjoy the beauty and solitude of nature.

Website: Crow’s Nest

Trail Map: Click HERE.

Click HERE for a History of Crow’s Nest.

Know Before You Go: Visiting a natural area preserve can be a wonderful and unique experience. A key to having a good visit is being prepared for the adventure. Most natural area preserves have no restroom facilities. Those preserves with facilities have only a port-a-potty. Likewise, preserves do not have trash cans, access to drinking water, or on-site staff. You’ll need to plan your trip around bathroom breaks, practice “leave no trace” by packing out all trash, bringing plenty of water, and carrying a cell phone for emergencies. Last, preserve parking lots are small, ranging from four to 20 spots. A full parking lot indicates the preserve has reached capacity. If you arrive and the lot is full, please return at another time. Do not park illegally on adjacent private property, along the access road, within a public road right-of-way, or in any other non- designated location.

A gravel, one-way road leads to the Raven Road Access parking lot. There are pullouts along the way just incase you need to pull over to let another car go by.