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| Hanging Rock Trail at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena |
Hanging Rock State Park, located in Stokes County at 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road in Danbury, North Carolina, offers a wonderful variety of hiking trails, water activities, camping, and more. Any time I have traveled to Hanging Rock State Park, I gravitate to the Hanging Rock hiking trail.
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| Section of Hanging Rock Trail after Pavement Ends © Katrena |
The Hanging Rock trail offers a 1.3 mile one-way hike to the summit of Hanging Rock, the iconic overhang that gives this state park its name. The trail starts at the parking lot near where the welcome center is located and begins with stairs. The first section of the trail is paved sidewalk, but after a short distance, the paved area gives way to a natural walking surface.
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| Kung Fu Panda Steps on Hanging Rock Trail in Danbury © Katrena |
Those who work at Hanging Rock State Park do an excellent job maintaining the trails. I have hiked at this park numerous times and have always found them to be clean and well marked. Whenever hiking at a park, it is always a good idea to pick up a trail map and ensure that everyone has appropriate clothing, footwear, and water. The nearest restrooms are located at the Welcome Center.
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| Hiking Trail to Hanging Rock in Surry County © Katrena |
The Hanging Rock trail is nicely shaded, wide in most areas, and includes numerous benches along the way. There are also several rock walls and large rocks lining the trail that a person could sit on if needing to rest. After walking down the stairs, the trail begins downhill. Do not let this fool you...you can be rest assured that the majority of this hike is generally uphill. As you begin to walk downhill, you can see an observation deck on the right toward the parking lot. That deck offers a great view of Hanging Rock.
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| Under the Overhang on Hanging Rock Trail © Katrena |
As the trail turns into a dirt path, you'll begin ascending the mountain. The grade is fairly steady for the majority of the trail until a little way past the sign for Wolf Rock trail on the right. Shortly after that point, you'll walk along a fairly flat ridge and get a pretty good view from this vantage point after the leaves drop in Autumn. Enjoy the flat ground. Savor it. Kung Fu Panda steps will be next.
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| Hanging Rock Trail - Moderate Climb © Katrena |
My kids nicknamed the steps. Yes, there are quite a few of them. Some of the stairs are wider and steeper than others. As you climb, you will eventually see the large overhanging rock above you. As you pass an area that has a fence around it, you will begin the final ascent to the summit.
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| The End of Hanging Rock Trail - Keep Going Until You Can Go No Farther! © Katrena |
This next area of the trail is a bit more natural as you step over and around large rocks. You will be going up and around to the back of the mountaintop. As you get to the top, you'll see a large rock on the right. You have a pretty nice view from the top of the rock and beyond it, but this is not the best view. The trail does not end here.
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| View from Hanging Rock © Katrena |
We met some hikers at that big rock on the back side of the summit who looked a bit disappointed because they thought they had reached the end of the trail...just keep going as far as you can go on the trail. There will be no question when you reach the end of this trail because it ends at the edge of a large cliff.
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| View Looking Down from Hanging Rock © Katrena |
If you have kids hiking with you, make sure they understand to stay with you and ensure that they are in safe areas at the end of the trail. There are no safety rails. It is a long way to the ground at the edge of Hanging Rock. You can see different terrain and scenery from various places along the edges of Hanging Rock. Those who have hiked here before often have their favorite rock where they like to sit and enjoy the view.
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| Spectacular View at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena |
I love to see the reaction of folks who are hiking this trail for the first time. I remember taking my nephews up here, and one of them exclaimed, "I'm on top of the world!" The view is spectacular. Many birds soar
below this point. Depending on the weather, you can see for many miles. When there is a mixture of clouds and sun as there was when we hiked here in July, 2016, you can watch the clouds cast shadows on the patchwork quilt of colors and textures below. My photos cannot do this hiking trial justice, but I tried to give you a taste for this beautiful place and the trail that leads to it.
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| Best Hiking Trails in North Carolina - Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena |
I like to pack a picnic for this hike and simply enjoy the serenity of the mountain and its majestic view for a while. We've met quite a few other hikers on the mountain and a few furry friends too. If you are fit enough to tackle a moderate 2.6 mile round trip hike, I highly recommend Hanging Rock trail. This is the park's most popular hiking trail with good reason.
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| Enjoy the Serenity of Nature on Hanging Rock © Katrena |
Additional articles by Katrena
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| Amazing View Atop Hanging Rock © Katrena |
I hope you enjoy my articles on
Travel NC With Kids! Have you been on this hiking trail? Feel free to share your story in the comment section below.
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