Hanging Rock State Park Upper Cascades Hiking Trail in Danbury NC

Hiking Trails and Waterfalls at Hanging Rock State Park ©Katrena

Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury, North Carolina, offers a nice variety of small waterfalls with hiking trails that work well for those who wish to introduce kids to the world of hiking and the love of natural beauty. Hanging Rock does not have an entrance fee, and the parking lot and welcome center with bathroom facilities and a beautiful view is located conveniently nearby. Hearing the rush of water and seeing nature's beauty cascading in a rush of water at the trail's end can be thrilling for kids and adults!

Upper Cascades Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock in Danbury ©Katrena

The Upper Cascades Trail at Hanging Rock offers quick gratification as walkers only need to cross a road and hike 0.2 mile. Strollers, wheelchairs, and crutches do not work well on this trail as it is heavily graveled. No bathroom facilities are located along the trail, but this is a good one to try first with the kids as it is the shortest and is not a steep climb. A large rock along the side of the trail works well for a resting spot and photo opportunity.

Hike to Waterfall at Hanging Rock State Park in NC ©Katrena

The Upper Cascades trail ends with entrance to a large overlook of the Upper Cascades. My kids enjoyed the view long enough to discover that they could get close and personal with the waterfall itself by heading down the stairs from the overlook. Ah, the joy of splashing at the base of a waterfall! This area drew the kids like a magnet and would have probably held them there for an hour or longer. This can be a fun time of discovery and time together. You might want to pack extra clothes so that the kids can enjoy this deliciously beautiful and short hiking trail at Hanging Rock.

Upper Cascades Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock in Stokes County ©Katrena

Hanging Rock State Park is located in Stokes County, North Carolina and is one of my personal favorite parks in North Carolina. Visitors can easily spend a day or even several days at this park and enjoy active fun together. The hike to Upper Cascades is free, but the return can be priceless memories. You can also enjoy the lake with swimming available during summer months, a wide variety of hiking trails, other waterfalls, and a campground.

Fun Things to See and Do in North Carolina offers a nice overview of Hanging Rock State Park. See the Hanging Rock State Park web site for directions, a map of the park, and more. Find more of my articles and pictures at the Travel NC With Kids site map.