Hanging Rock State Park is a state park in North Carolina, situated within the Sauratown Mountains. This region is characterized by prominent quartzite outcroppings, diverse ecosystems, and a landscape that includes hardwood forests, sheer cliffs, and several waterfalls. The park's varied terrain, with its isolated peaks rising from the surrounding countryside, provides a setting for several sports like hiking, jogging, and road cycling.
Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Hanging Rock State Park can explore…
36
Routes
5
(31)
Average rating
665
People visited

5.0
(1)
23
hikers
12.6km
04:15
400m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

2
hikers
7.75km
02:52
330m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

6
hikers
6.78km
02:16
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

6
hikers
3.21km
01:20
240m
10m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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15
runners
8.31km
01:18
250m
250m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

6
runners
17.7km
02:35
470m
470m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4
runners
9.04km
01:23
230m
230m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

2
runners
15.5km
02:22
380m
380m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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5
riders
40.5km
02:18
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

2
riders
63.2km
03:11
660m
650m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

2
riders
109km
05:04
1,160m
1,160m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Hanging Rock State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, and road cycling. The park features over 20 miles of trails and routes suitable for different fitness levels. A 12-acre lake also provides seasonal swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.
The park is known for its prominent quartzite outcroppings, such as Hanging Rock Summit, Moore's Knob, Devil's Chimney, and Wolf Rock. It also features at least five significant waterfalls, including Tory's Falls and Window Falls, and a mountain cave. A 12-acre lake and access to the Dan River are also present.
Yes, Hanging Rock State Park offers a diverse trail system with options ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs. Trails like the iconic Hanging Rock Trail provide cliffside views, while others, such as the 4.7-mile (7.6 km) Moore's Wall Loop, offer challenging ascents. For more details, refer to the Hiking in Hanging Rock State Park guide.
Popular hiking trails include the Hanging Rock Trail, known for its cliffside views, and the Moore's Wall Loop, which leads to an observation tower. The park also features trails to various waterfalls and unique rock formations. Many trails are part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.
Yes, Hanging Rock State Park is home to at least five significant waterfalls. These include Tory's Falls, Upper Cascades, Lower Cascades, Window Falls, and Hidden Falls. These waterfalls are accessible via various hiking trails within the park. For specific routes, consult the Waterfall hikes in Hanging Rock State Park guide.
Hanging Rock State Park offers several trails suitable for families, ranging from easy walks to moderate hikes. These trails often lead to scenic points like waterfalls or provide gentle paths through diverse ecosystems. For specific recommendations, see the Family-friendly hikes in Hanging Rock State Park guide.
Yes, Hanging Rock State Park provides various road cycling routes on well-paved surfaces. These routes cater to different fitness levels, with some, like the 'Hanging Rock Lake loop from Danbury,' requiring good fitness. More information can be found in the Road Cycling Routes in Hanging Rock State Park guide.
The highest point in Hanging Rock State Park is Moore's Knob, which reaches an elevation of almost 2,600 feet (792 meters). A stone observation tower at the summit offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Sauratown Mountains and countryside.
Hanging Rock State Park is highly rated by komoot users, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars across its routes. More than 1,000 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to a total of 37 routes available for various sports.
Komoot offers several guides for Hanging Rock State Park, including Hiking in Hanging Rock State Park, Family-friendly hikes in Hanging Rock State Park, and Waterfall hikes in Hanging Rock State Park. Guides for jogging and road cycling are also available.
For official information, visitors can refer to the park's official website at ncparks.gov/state-parks/hanging-rock-state-park. The Visitor Center can also be reached by phone at +1-336-593-8480 for inquiries.
The park's diverse ecosystems include hardwood forests, sheer cliffs, and quiet coves. It supports species more commonly found in western North Carolina, such as Carolina and Canadian hemlock. The park is also a habitat for the rare Wehrle's salamander and peregrine falcons.

