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| Hanging Rock State Park Hidden Falls Trail in Danbury, NC © Katrena |
Hanging Rock State Park, located at 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road in Danbury, North Carolina, is one of my all-time favorite hiking destinations. This park has such a wide variety of sites, from beautiful views atop the mountain to a lake with opportunities for boating and swimming in addition to trails featuring five waterfalls. There is no entry fee for Hanging Rock State Park, so hiking this trail is also free.
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| Hidden Falls Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena |
The Hidden Falls Trail is 0.4 mile one-way easy/moderate trail that begins at the parking lot near the hanging rock trail. This trail is much shorter and easier than the hanging rock trail. It is shaded and includes a dirt path with some roots and rocks.
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| Fun & Free Family Activities in NC © Katrena |
The trail starts out flanked by picnic tables. Bathroom facilities are just past the picnic area, but those facilities require walking down and up some steps and are a bit more rustic than the facilities at the visitor center.
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| Hiking Trails in North Carolina © Katrena |
The trail is well-kept and easy to follow, but I think it would be difficult to try to push a stroller on this trail. If you have a little one who needs to ride, a baby hiking backpack or sling would work much better for hiking trails. As you continue on the trail, if you listen carefully, you will be able to hear the waterfall in the distance. You'll come to a sign indicating that Hidden Falls is to the right.
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| Waterfall Trail in North Carolina © Katrena |
The waterfall is a very short distance from that sign. It is somewhat hidden by the surrounding trees. Some hikers climb to the top of this short waterfall. When we visited in July, 2016, a butterfly was enjoying the area at the base of the falls.
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| Hidden Falls - Great Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock © Katrena |
The water is cool and refreshing. Simply listening to the falling water can be rather therapeutic and relaxing. If you are hiking the trail and able to handle a moderate hike, I highly recommend also hiking to Window Falls, which lies 0.2 mile below Hidden Falls along the same trail. You might want to pack a change of clothes because many kids enjoy playing in the water that pools below the falls.
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| Enjoy Beauty of Nature at NC State Parks © Katrena |
Visit the official
Hanging Rock State Park web site for trail maps, information about their programs, directions, and more. Hiking is a great way to engage with the kids and encourage exercise.
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| Reduce Stress by Hiking © Katrena |
Additional articles by Katrena:
Thanks so much for visiting my
Travel NC With Kids blog. Have you hiked at Hanging Rock State Park? Feel free to post comments in the comment section below.
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