Hanging Rock State Park
add photosNot far from the cities of the Triad area, off the four-lane highways there's another North Carolina to be discovered—sheer cliffs and peaks of bare rock, quiet forests and cascading waterfalls, views of the piedmont plateau that stretch for miles.
Hike the trails of Hanging Rock State Park and let nature put life's hectic pace in perspective. Rent a vacation cabin and fall asleep to the lullabies of spring peepers and chorus frogs. Join an interpretive program and discover something new about nature's bounty. Nestled in the hills is a cool mountain lake that beckons to swimmers and fishermen. Picnic areas and campgrounds lend themselves to time spent with family and friends. Hanging Rock State Park awaits you.
8 Reviews for Hanging Rock State Park
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150 families found this helpful
"Waterfalls and Mountaintop Views"
This is another close-to-home destination for our family. Several hikes to choose from depending on what you want to see and how hard you want to hike. The views from the top of Hanging Rock are outstanding and worth the effort. Keep the young ones close at hand because there are no protective barriers to keep them from taking a flying leap over the side.
For something on an easier scale, check out the hike to the Falls. It's a wide path with a slight decline and then a series of steps down to the Falls. There is Hidden Falls and then Window Falls. I took my daughter in one of those backpack carriers when she was very young and now she's trekking on her own. The Falls aren't grand in size by any means, and there is usually a shallow pool (less than 1 foot) near the base that the kids can get their hands and feet wet, throw rocks into, etc.
When hiking at the Park, please keep in mind that there are no facilities once you pass the camping sites, Visitor Center or lake. Young children seem to have the uncanny sense of having to use the bathroom when you're nowhere near a restroom, so you'll have the pleasure of introducing them to Nature. ;)
Take the time to go through the Visitor Center near the Trailhead for both Hanging Rock and the Falls. They've got some great exhibits and the staff are a great resource if you have any questions. BTW, the Park is free.
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0 families found this helpful
"Hanging Rock State Park"
Time to relax and enjoy nature - go to Hanging Rock. there are many different trails from easy to more challenging and many lead to waterfalls. The park also offers a beach-lake swimming area which is fun for the whole family and only costs a few dollars. If you like, rent a cabin and spend the weekend.
0 families found this helpful
"Great Trip!!"
Hanging Rock State Park is great day trip regardless of the ages of your group. For those who are not inticed to climb Hanging Rock for the beautiful scenic views, there are many short, easy trails that will bring you to beautiful little waterfalls. The beach is worth the couple fo dollars and perfect for the little ones in your group. Dogs are not allowed in the beach area.
0 families found this helpful
"A great view"
We enjoyed climbing Hanging Rock and looking down on the beautiful, natural landscaping. Our trip consisted of three adult women and eight tweens, ages 12 and 13. We are all physically fit and climbed the great trail, led by our guide. The girls took a break cooling off in the water, as the mountain water streamed down the rocks.
1 family found this helpful
"Great Place for the Kids!"
I have such fond memories of going to Hanging Rock with my dad. I love the sandy beach they have to offer, the beautiful walking trails, waterfalls and scenic views. I love that they have a camp ground and areas where you can grill out with your family.
0 families found this helpful
"Hanging Rock Park"
Hanging Rock Park is a lovely place and great get away for the whole family. It is located on Hanging Rock Mountain which is part of the Saura Mt. chain the smallest mt. chain in the U.S. and totally contained within Stokes County. They are trails to hike with scenic waterfalls and a breathtaking view if you make it to the top of the moutain. There is a lake for swimming for about 3 dollars and they have paddle boats and you can even fish there. It is wonderful to camp or just to visit. Check it out!
0 families found this helpful
"Great free day trip"
We've gone hiking at Hanging Rock State Park a few times. We've hiked to the waterfalls on three different trails. The hiking isn't bad at all for an adult, but it can be exhausting for little legs. I used a backpack carrier when my child was 2 years old, and then when she was 3 (and too heavy for the backpack carrier) we only hiked the shorter, easier trail to the waterfall. There are plenty of picnic spots and the views are breathtaking.
0 families found this helpful
"Hanging Rock State Park"
This is a wonderful day trip or a weekend camping adventure. They do not charge to enter the park, so if all you want to do is hike and picnic, it's a bargin trip! They have easy to moderate hiking with waterfalls and a trip to the top of Hanging Rock with a majestic view. The trail to the top is nice but the climb is, well up a mountain. For a small fee you can swim in the lake with a sandy beach and row boat rentals. They also have campsite and cabin rentals. Very nice and clean.
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