Hanging Rock State Park North Carolina
Explore stunning waterfalls, challenging hikes, and panoramic views at this North Carolina gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hikes
Hanging Rock State Park North Carolina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hikes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore stunning waterfalls, challenging hikes, and panoramic views at this North Carolina gem.
"This is a great place to spend a couple hours or more, and the park is not far from Winston-Salem, NC."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be rocky and slippery, especially near waterfalls. Good hiking shoes are a must!
💧 Hydrate & Snack
Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer hikes. Limited services inside the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hanging Rock Summit
Hanging Rock Trail
Iconic rock formation offering panoramic views. A moderate to hard hike, but the vistas are worth the effort.
Lower Cascades Falls
Lower Cascades Trail
A picturesque waterfall with a pool at its base, perfect for wading and photography. A shorter, accessible hike.
Hidden Falls
Indian Creek Trail
A charming 10ft waterfall reached via a short hike with some steep steps. Great for cooling off.
Moore's Knob Lookout Tower
Moore's Knob Trail
The park's highest point, offering expansive views from a historic lookout tower. A challenging but rewarding climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Snakes
Plan Your Waterfall Chase
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be rocky and slippery, especially near waterfalls. Good hiking shoes are a must!
💧 Hydrate & Snack
Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer hikes. Limited services inside the park.
🎣 Fishing License Needed
If you plan to fish, ensure you have an NC Inland Fishing License for those 16+.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails
Many trails are pet-friendly, but always check park rules and keep your furry friends leashed.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be rocky and slippery, especially near waterfalls. Good hiking shoes are a must!
💧 Hydrate & Snack
Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer hikes. Limited services inside the park.
🎣 Fishing License Needed
If you plan to fish, ensure you have an NC Inland Fishing License for those 16+.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails
Many trails are pet-friendly, but always check park rules and keep your furry friends leashed.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The park offers stunning photo opportunities, especially at the waterfalls and summit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hanging Rock State Park for its stunning natural beauty, diverse hiking trails, and numerous waterfalls. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths and the peaceful atmosphere, noting it's not overly crowded. Some find the hikes challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking views from the summit. A few mention the presence of snakes as a minor concern, and some wish for more dining options within the park.
"Great place to spend the day. We hiked 2 separate trails and found 4 different waterfalls. Still so much left to explore, definitely coming back a other weekend to do more hiking and find more adventures"
Daniel Chapman
"𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 – 𝐀 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬
Hanging Rock State Park is an excellent spot for hiking, located just about an hour from Greensboro. I recently went there with some colleagues from work, and we had a great time exploring the trails.
The park offers beautiful scenic views, well-maintained hiking paths, and a peaceful natural setting that makes it perfect for a day trip. It’s a great mix of challenging and moderate trails, so there’s something for everyone. I also noticed a lot of families with kids enjoying the park, which speaks to how accessible and family-friendly it is.
One of the best parts is that it’s not overly crowded, so you can truly enjoy the environment without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Plenty of parking spots too, which made the experience even more convenient.
Overall, if you enjoy nature, hiking, or just want to get out of the city for a bit, Hanging Rock is definitely worth the visit!"
Most Rahaman
"This is a great place to spend a couple hours or more, and the park is not far from Winston-Salem, NC. We really enjoyed the water falls at this park. The trails to the falls are not too far or strenuous, and are worth the walk. It is a very peaceful area, and a pleasure to explore. We went earlier, in the morning on a Saturday and the crowds were not too bad. It was a good idea to bring some good hiking shoes or boots, due to the rocks in some areas, these were slippery. Ensure that you check out the rock window at Window falls, there is a wonderful hidden, view of the waterfall."
B. G.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hanging Rock State Park is located at 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC 27016. It's about 45 minutes from Winston-Salem, 2 hours from Charlotte, and 2 hours from Raleigh.
Yes, the park generally has ample parking, especially if you arrive earlier in the day.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Hanging Rock State Park due to its rural location. Driving is the most practical way to get there.
Driving times vary: approximately 40 minutes from Winston-Salem, 2 hours from Charlotte, and 2 hours from Raleigh.
While some trails are more challenging, the park offers a variety of paths. The Lower Cascades trail is relatively accessible, but some areas may require navigating stairs or uneven terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry into Hanging Rock State Park is generally free. However, there might be a small fee for specific areas like the lake/beach during summer months.
Park gates typically open from 7 AM and close between 7 PM and 10 PM, depending on the season. It's best to check the official park website for exact hours.
No, advance ticket booking is not usually required for general park entry. It's a first-come, first-served basis for parking and access.
For fishing, individuals aged 16 and older require an NC Inland Fishing License. No other special permits are typically needed for day use.
Yes, the park is open on holidays, but expect higher crowd levels. Arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Hanging Rock Trail, Lower Cascades Trail, Hidden Falls Trail, and Moore's Knob Trail. The park offers over 20 miles of trails with varying difficulty.
The hike to the Hanging Rock summit is typically considered moderate to hard, with steep inclines. It can take around 1.5 to 2 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace.
Yes, the park is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including Lower Cascades, Hidden Falls, Upper Cascades, and Window Falls.
Yes, there is a lake with a beach area and a diving platform that is open for swimming during the summer months.
Absolutely! The park offers accessible trails, beautiful scenery, and opportunities for swimming and exploring waterfalls, making it a great family destination.
Snakes and spiders are present in the park. It's advised to stick to marked trails and be aware of your surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Hanging Rock State Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or dine in nearby Danbury.
Yes, picnic areas are available throughout the park, offering a great way to enjoy a meal amidst nature.
The town of Danbury, NC, located near the park, offers several local dining options.
You can find grocery stores in Danbury, NC, for stocking up on picnic supplies before heading into the park.
It is highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks, as dining options within the park are limited to picnic areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Hanging Rock, the various waterfalls (Lower Cascades, Hidden Falls), and the Moore's Knob Lookout Tower offer incredible photographic opportunities.
Yes, the park has several beautiful waterfalls like Lower Cascades and Hidden Falls that are excellent subjects for photography. +1
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing softer tones.
Drone usage is typically restricted in North Carolina State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the park's specific regulations.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Respect their natural habitat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
The park's numerous waterfalls, such as Lower Cascades and Hidden Falls, offer stunning photographic subjects and refreshing stops. 🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waterfalls
Hidden Falls offers a more secluded experience, accessible via a short hike with some steep steps, perfect for a refreshing dip. Each waterfall trail offers a different perspective of the park's natural beauty. While some hikes are short and relatively easy, like the path to Hidden Falls, others, like the trails leading to the main cascades, involve moderate terrain. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the paths can be wet and rocky.
When planning your waterfall chase, consider the time of day for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Early mornings are often ideal for capturing the serene beauty of these natural wonders.
Hiking Trails for Every Level
For those seeking the highest vantage point, the Moore's Knob Trail leads to a lookout tower, presenting expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape. This trail is considered more challenging due to its elevation gain.For a less strenuous but equally rewarding experience, the Lower Cascades Trail and Hidden Falls Trail are excellent choices. These trails are shorter and provide access to beautiful waterfalls, making them popular for families and casual hikers.
+1When choosing a trail, consider your fitness level and the time you have available. It's always a good idea to wear sturdy hiking shoes, as many trails involve rocky and uneven surfaces.
Camping and Cabin Options
While specific cabin rentals within the park might be limited, the surrounding areas, including Danbury, NC, offer various cabin rentals near Hanging Rock NC. These options can provide a more comfortable and private lodging experience for families or groups.
Camping at Hanging Rock NC provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the park's tranquility after day-trippers have departed. It's an excellent way to enjoy early morning hikes or evening strolls without the rush.
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