Travel NC With Kids: Hanging Rock State Park

Showing posts with label Hanging Rock State Park. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Tory's Den Cave and Waterfall Trail - Tallest Waterfall at Hanging Rock State Park

Tory's Dan Cave and Waterfall Trail at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena

Tory's Den Cave and Waterfall Trailhead © Katrena

Tory's Den Cave and Waterfall Trail is located at Hanging Rock State Park but not via the main entrance. The address is 1185 Charlie Young Road, which is less than five miles from the main entrance. If you prefer to hike, I believe there is a 4-mile trail from the lake at Hanging Rock.

Tallest Waterfall at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena

I've been hiking at Hanging Rock occasionally for about 35 years and had not ever been on this trail. I usually hike to Hidden Falls, Window Falls, Hanging Rock, and trails with trailheads beyond the main entrance.

Small Bridge on Tory's Den Cave & Waterfall Trail © Katrena

Before this trip, I was flipping through the various trails on the Hanging Rock page on the North Carolina State Parks web site. Tory's Den Cave and Waterfall Trail is a fairly easy 0.2 mile one-way hike.

View from Bridge on Tory's Den Cave and Waterfall Trail © Katrena

Short Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock © Katrena

Pretty Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena

The trail features natural terrain with a dirt path with some steps and a small wooden bridge. Several people were hiking this trail with young children and with dogs. If you are traveling with children or furry friends, be careful near the waterfall as there is a drop-off over there, which is similar to the Hanging Rock Trail. I would not recommend trying to take a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter on this trail.

Tory's Waterfall at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena

Tory's Falls is to the left where the trail splits. You can hear the waterfall from the parking lot. It has quite a bit of height to it with lots of vegetation beyond the rocks where the trail ends. We visited on June 30 when a lot of plants were full of blooms and leaves. I would imagine more of the waterfall would be visible in winter months.

Steps Along Tory's Den Cave Trail © Katrena

Tory's Den Cave Entrance © Katrena

Tory's Den Cave is to the right where the trail splits. That part of the trail is a little longer than the one to get to the waterfall. You can find information about this cave at the trailhead at the parking lot. According to information posted, about 100 Tories lived in the cave.

View from Inside Tory's Den Cave © Katrena

The cave entrance is quite impressive. We were expecting a rather large room beyond the entrance, but the top of the cave dips down pretty low. My crew didn't try crawling through there to see the larger areas of the cave that we imagined. We could feel a significantly cooler temperature just walking into the mouth of the cave, which was a nice treat on a summer hike!

Wildlife Along Trail at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena

Rhododendron at Hanging Rock © Katrena

As with all hiking trails, it is a good idea to slow down and enjoy the journey. The path is a lot of the fun! We saw huckleberries, mushrooms, a variety of mosses and trees, and were serenaded by quite a few cicadas.

View Beside Tory's Den Cave and Waterfall Trail © Katrena

Trail with Steps at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena

Yes, we were out hiking in the midst of a pandemic. No, we didn't wear masks because very few people were on the trail and we all distanced ourselves whenever we met others along the way. It was a nice hike and a great way to safely connect with my family while enjoying the outdoors. My family does wear masks if we need to go inside an enclosed space or if we are outside and cannot distance ourselves from others.

Fun Family Activities While Social Distancing © Katrena

I did not see any bathrooms at the parking lot where this trailhead is located, so take that into consideration and communicate that with folks in your group ahead of time. Several bathrooms were open on up at Hanging Rock beyond the main entrance on the day we visited.

View at Tory's Waterfall at Hanging Rock © Katrena

If you are interested in learning more about Hanging Rock's trails, maps, directions, history, ecology, or even seeing a video, go to the Hanging Rock official page of the North Carolina State Parks web site.

Rock Formations Near Tory's Den Cave © Katrena

You might also like to read more of my articles by visiting my site map or clicking the links below that highlight Hanging Rock State Park:

Mushrooms Along Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock © Katrena

Hanging Rock Hiking Trail & Social Distancing in Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic © Katrena

Thanks for visiting Travel NC With Kids!

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Hanging Rock Hiking Trail - No Wonder This Trail is the Most Popular!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy the Serenity of Nature on Hanging Rock © Katrena

Additional articles by Katrena

Visit the Hanging Rock State Park official web site for a detailed map, programs, directions, additional activities, camping, and more.

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.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Hanging Rock State Park Hidden Falls Trail

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Hanging Rock State Park Upper Cascades Hiking Trail in Danbury NC

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!

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.

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.

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.