Parapente Raven's Roost, VA

This paragliding site in Virginia, USA, is situated at an elevation of 971 meters with a height difference of 480 meters. It is considered difficult and is occasionally used, with some potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The launch area is small, leaving little room for error, and the landing zone is located in a narrow valley below. The site record is 32.3 km, and it is suitable for experienced pilots (P3+) who have obtained the necessary permit. The launch is from a cliff, and you stand just beneath a retaining wall, often with tourists watching from above. For a visual reference, you can watch a video of a launch from this site on YouTube: [Watch the video]( ). Additionally, you can read more about the experiences of other pilots and see photos on the USHPA Free Flight Facebook page: [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/ushpafreeflight/posts/launch-is-no-joke-a-cliff-you-stand-just-beneath-the-retaining-wall-with-all-the/2610613375618789/). Richard Gillespie's launch from Raven's Roost Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a notable example. He flew 20 miles to Tye River, VA, and described the experience as touching cloud base a few times and enjoying refreshments at Devil's Backbone Brewery afterward. George Huffman, a local paragliding instructor, mentions that flying in national parks is possible with the right preparations and permits from the National Park Service. Each district manager has significant autonomy over activities in their respective parks.