Rockvale occupies an enviable position in close proximity to the Causeway Coast World Heritage Site with its unique landscape and long history as a visitor attraction dating back to the 19th century. More recently, the area has gained worldwide fame for the use of many of its most picturesque sites as locations for the Game of Thrones TV series. The Dark Hedges, which is 5 miles south of Rockvale, featured as the King's Road. Ballintoy Harbour, 3 miles north as the crow flies, was used for scenes at the Iron Islands.

The wood lies in a secluded valley and is accessed along a dead-end lane, but is accessible, being little over an hour's drive from Belfast.

The word "Rockvale" appears on early 20th century Ordnance Survey large-scale maps, denoting the name of the farmstead on the site which now forms the core of the woodland. The buildings are long-abandoned, however, and have been reduced to a few low rubble wall remnants. Tree species such as ash, elm and sycamore have become established among the stones. Blackthorn forms an understorey, in some areas forming a dense thicket. Grazed up until recently, there are still grassy areas which would make excellent short-term campsites.

Woodland flowers including primroses, bluebells, wood anemones and wood sorrell have established themselves. Under some semi-mature, spreading beech trees just above the concrete lane there is a particularly good show of bluebells in the Spring.

The original farm access, now secured with a new wooden gate, is used to enter the wood. You will find a ride stop at the top of the slope a few metres up from the gate, with space for parking behind. If you follow the level ground leading on from here you will find a rustic bench with an elevated view over the fields on the oppsite side of the valley and the hills beyond. Further back there is a small overgrown field which could be used as a camping area.

There are plans to extend the track to access the open land beyond the wooded area. For now you make your way on foot through the widely spaced blackthorn trees at the end of the track and to your right you will find a mosaic of small grassy areas, trees, scrub and wet heath. This variety of vegetation adds to the appeal of Rockvale as it offers a great diversity of habitats in a very small area. Indeed this area further back from the lane has been designated as part of an Area of Special Scientific Interest in recognition of its unusual mix of habitats and in particular rare flowering plants.

The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenant