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

• Hanging Rock State Park Window Falls Hiking Trail
• Hanging Rock State Park Hidden Falls Hiking Trail
• Hanging Rock State Park Upper Cascades Hiking Trail
• North Carolina State Parks Trivia Game

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.

Dan Nicholas Park Nature Center in Rowan County

Dan Nicholas Park Nature Center © Katrena

Perhaps you have been marooned along a riverbed amidst rattlesnakes and copperheads under the watchful eye of a kestrel. Or maybe you have simply entered the nature center at Dan Nicholas Park. If you haven't visited this Rowan County park at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in several years, you might recognize the building nestled behind the totem pole. I can remember a time when it was a large, open room with snakes in the middle and turtles at the back with a back door that led to the tiny bear habitat. The turtles now have a much larger habitat outdoors, and the bears have much more room to move in their habitat designed to look like a rock quarry.

Free Parks and Nature Centers in NC © H.W.

If you enter the Dan Nicholas nature center today, you might catch your breath as you see quite a transformation. The snakes are still there, but the cages rest amidst artificial vegetation. An aquarium houses several fish of various sizes and types. You might see a few frogs or even a chipmunk living out in this building.

Fun Family Activities in Rowan County © Katrena

If someone had led me into the nature center blindfolded for the first time after it was re-designed, I would be hard pressed to guess where I might be standing, even though I have visited the park for many years. Friendly staff members are willing to answer questions about the various animals native to North Carolina. They might hold a snake or bring out an animal from the back room that is not native to the state.

Learn About Animals at Dan Nicholas © Katrena

When we visited Dan Nicholas Park today, a lady who was also visiting remarked about how nice the nature center looked. I agree. One thing that makes this nature center particularly inviting to a family on a tight budget is that there is no admission charge. There is no admission charge for entry into the park, although guests might choose to purchase tickets for the carousel, paddle boats, miniature golf, train ride, Rowan Wildlife Adventures, gem mine, or items from one of the stores.

Free Nature Center in Piedmont of NC © Katrena

Another visitor at the park was speaking with a child who asked her something about Dan Nicholas and the lady mentioned that she had been coming to the park forever. This is a park that several generations of my family have enjoyed over the years. If you are looking for a family-friendly, affordable park in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, I would definitely put this one on the list. They seem to have something for everyone.

Park with Snakes and Aquarium Close to Salisbury NC © Katrena

Related articles:

• Meet the Bears at Dan Nicholas Park
• Dan Nicholas Campground – Enjoy the Serene Beauty
• Lazy 5 Ranch Offers Drive-through Safari and More

Thanks so much for reading my Travel NC With Kids blog. Feel free to share your own adventures at Dan Nicholas Park in the comment section below. Visit the Dan Nicholas official web site for hours, directions, prices, and more.

14 Fun Family Freebie Summer Activities in North Carolina

Looking for fun family activities and boredom busters that won't break the bank? I've got you covered! These activities do not charge an admission fee, so the main cost involved would include gas money and any extras you might want to purchase. By saving money on free admission, you might consider supporting some local businesses while you are out!

Here's my quick list of free and fun family summer activities in 2014 in no particular order – feel free to mention your own favorite free summer activities in the comments section below!

NC State Parks - free summer activity © Katrena

Go hiking at a NC State Park

Hanging Rock State Park offers trails to three waterfalls, several trails that go up to peaks or meander around the beautiful scenic area. South Mountains State Park offers a very fun, interactive educational welcome center and a really nice handicap accessible trail by the water. My kids loved the climb to get to see the beautiful waterfall up there. There are nearly 40 state parks in North Carolina – it is pretty likely that one may be near you!

NC Museum of Natural Sciences - Photo by Mark Turner

Visit the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Yep - admission to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh is free. They have exhibits, collections, educational programs, and more. If summer days are sweltering or rainy, it's also great to have an indoor activity on the potential list of fun freebies! You might also catch one of their traveling educational programs in your area.

Summer Reading Programs at Public Library © Katrena

Sign up for your public library summer reading program

The library is chock full of so many resources! Of course they have books, but you can also check out music, books on CD, movies, and many now offer eBooks that do not require something like a Kindle to read. Our area library provides a password to access NC Live, a huge database of resources with web pages that one would normally have to pay to access. While signing up for the reading program, check out their schedule of programs – we've seen a wide variety of programs from Mad Science to musical programs to magic shows and about everything in between. Kids that continue to read all summer feed their brains even when they are out of school!

Check out your local Smart Start office

This program is not Head Start – for years I thought they were the same, but they are not. Your local Smart Start office offers all sorts of educational and fun resources for parents, caregivers, and kids. If you are searching for childcare options, this office may provide quite a few tips for helping you to make a wise choice. Our local Smart Start office has a toy library where people can check out toy kids for the kids sort of like one might check out library books. You might find information there or at the library about Dolly Pardon's Imagination Library program in which kids receive a free book in the mail monthly up to age five.

Lewisville NC Free Outdoor Drama © Katrena

Go out to an outdoor drama

Wait...an outdoor drama is not free, or is it? Well, you'll have to pay an admission price for most outdoor dramas, but there are a few free ones out there. Lewisville is offering a free outdoor musical The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in early to mid-June. Asheville features Montford Park Players, a non-profit production that relies on donations as people enjoy Shakespeare productions. You might have to do a little searching, but there are some free outdoor dramas out there.

Mocksville Cruise In Free Car Show © Katrena

Cruise over to a car show in Mocksville

Don't they charge admission to get in car shows? Well, some do charge, but Mocksville offers a large free Cruise In on the first and third Monday each month during warmer months. Listen to some older music and check out some cool rides. Lots of folks will give you a little history about their vehicle if you ask. Here are the Mocksville Cruise In 2014 dates.

Hunt for barn quilts in Iredell County

Barn quilts are becoming quite popular in the Tarheel state. Iredell County is dappled with splashes of colorful barn quilts throughout much of the county. I believe the Quilt Trails facebook page is still available with pictures, but I'm not sure that the page is active. We found a helpful brochure at our local Chamber of Commerce that provided pictures and directions for quite a few barn quilts in Iredell County. If you go to your local Chamber of Commerce, you might get some excellent tips for additional fun family activities in your area. You decide to visit Iredell County again in October to see their Balloon Festival and Night Glow.

Enjoy a movie under the stars

Several county parks and recreation departments now offer family-friendly entertainment options, including movie nights under the stars at a park. Many of the movies are fairly new – for example, Salisbury Parks and Recreation is offering Frozen, Despicable Me II, and the Lego Movie in 2014. There's nothing like the excitement of watching a movie on a big screen with a group of family and friends! Many movie theaters offer summer movie programs in which you can enjoy lower prices and some air conditioning. One of our favorite movie theaters in the state is the Gem Theater, an old theater in Kannapolis with an upstairs balcony that is very near Village Park, which also shows movies in the park and has fireworks on select dates.

Peer at a meteor shower

Pull out the lawn chairs and hang out with the kids in the back yard. Meteor showers can be a blast to watch, especially if the kids see lots of those shooting stars! It looks like early morning on May 24 and the night of August 12 would be the best bets for the summer of 2014. If you are enjoying a staycation with the kids, you might try setting up a tent and camping in the back yard or visiting my Wildflower Bouquets site map for my scavenger hunts, printables, and fun game ideas.

Visit a local park

County parks often offer a wide range of recreational activities. Some recreation departments will let folks check out balls, Frisbees, tennis rackets, etc. Even if you aren't really into sports, this might be a great time to practice or learn a sport with the kids or to enjoy a picnic lunch and simply play outside. One of our favorite parks in Dan Nicholas – it features quite a few free and low cost activities for the family.

See World's Largest Chest of Drawers in High Point - Photo by Cmalaspina

See the world's largest chest of drawers in High Point

You might expect to find all sorts of things near a busy intersection, but seeing a nearly 40-foot chest of drawers is a rather memorable experience. This unusual attraction and unique photo opportunity just might knock your socks off and leave them hanging from the middle drawer!

Go to a 4th of July Celebration

One of the best known 4th of July activities in North Carolina is the Faith 4th of July Celebration, but many other communities offer a parade and fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. You might even try your hand at some fun ways to fix watermelon or fire up the grill and enjoy a meal together.

Visit the Ashe County Frescoes

These unique fresco paintings are found in area churches in St. Mary's in West Jefferson and Holy Trinity in Glendale Springs, and the public is welcome to tour the churches. Donations are accepted. While in this area, you may wish to enjoy a great family-style meal in Glendale Springs and a tour of the cheese factory.

God's Acre at Old Salem in Winston-Salem NC © Katrena

Visit Winkler's Bakery & God's Acre at Old Salem

Although tours of Old Salem do include an entrance fee, anyone is welcome at the bakery and God's Acre at the historical Moravian village without paying a fee. If you time your visit well, you might have the opportunity to see goodies baking in the old oven and perhaps even be treated to a free sample. The cemetery called God's Acre is a place that lends itself to quiet contemplation.

So, how many of these places and activities have you enjoyed or plan to enjoy? I hope you will find these free ideas helpful in making your summer plans. North Carolina also offers quite a few low cost options for entertainment. I have included links to web sites that you might find helpful within this article. If you would like to see more of my articles, simply hover over "pages" near the top and you'll see a link to my site map and other pages on this blog. I hope you and your family have a great summer!

SciWorks in Winston-Salem NC Offers Hands-on Science Fun

SciWorks in Winston-Salem, NC © Katrena

Where can you learn about laws of motion, play a piano with your feet, play an operation game the size of my mom's dinner table, pet a snake, and enjoy a planetarium show? SciWorks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, offers this nice selection of indoor and outdoor family friendly activities and more!

Located at 400 South Hanes Mill Road in Forsyth County, SciWorks encourages kids of all ages to explore and learn about science in a wide variety of ways. The science center also offers themed programs and exhibits on special days throughout the year.

Learn about Interesting Animals

© Katrena

SciWorks also has quite few regular exhibits, including:

• Healthworks
• Kidsworks
• Physics Works
• Soundworks
• TechWorks
• Mountains to Sea
• Science Lab
• Collections
• Millennium Plaza
• BioWorks
• Environmental Park
• Planetarium

A family can easily spend a day in SciWorks – the first time I visited, we were there for hours and did not even have a chance to see everything. They do have indoor and outdoor areas for eating with a microwave inside, so I would highly recommend packing a picnic and taking one's time while visiting SciWorks. They offer memberships, group rates, and four-pass family packs for folks who are likely to visit several times in a year who might be interested in a discount. Staff members have been very friendly and helpful and the special programs were well-organized and quite educational.

I plan to write more about each of the main displays, but I'll give basic tips for what I discovered at SciWorks in this article. Here are the highlights of the trips we have taken to SciWorks.

If you are planning a visit to SciWorks, check their official web site first to get their hours of operation. They tend to open fairly late on Saturdays (11:00 a.m. according to the site on today's date), so this might be a good day to sleep in or to plan something else for early morning hours. My kids love to go to the Jerry Long YMCA, so it works well for me to hit a class on the way there if I get an early start.

They have several different planetarium shows of various lengths. Some are geared toward smaller kids while others are longer. You cannot get into the planetarium shows after they start and cannot re-enter if you must leave early, so it is a good idea to plan the schedule around the shows with a scheduled bathroom break right before the show. They have restroom facilities right by the planetarium and in several other areas inside.

Take the time to check out the cool paintings on walls on the planetarium. This can be particularly interesting if your kids are learning about the solar system in school. My kids thought the planetarium shows were really neat as movies were coordinated with various star shows on the ceiling. The planetarium was dark and felt great on a hot summer day.

Sometimes you might be standing in the lobby to realize that someone is shooting huge puffs of air at you! The kids really thought that was cool and had to head over to the guy who was demonstrating some fun air shooters. He also had one of those huge balls where the kids can put their hands on it while they charge it with electricity to make their hair stick up. The kids thought that was awesome!

Lift Your Spirits and Each Other at SciWorks in Winston

© Katrena

All of the areas have hands-on learning opportunities, so it can be fun to let the kids decide where they wish to explore. If you turn to the right after checking in at the front desk, my kids absolutely loved lifting one another in a big yellow seat. The older ones could hold a spinning tire and turn themselves in a swiveling chair. Each of the displays has science-related information for those who wish to learn more about how things work.

Explore Science With the Kids in Forsyth County

© Katrena

If you travel around the huge pendulum, you'll see a fun playground-type area. My kids love playgrounds and were naturally drawn to the slide that looks like it is in a big tree. They also have some areas where the kids can go through and under areas for those who like to explore. They have a lot of stuffed (taxidermy) animals in this room. They have a really cool fish that looks like it swims upside down in one of the large fish tanks in this area.

See Animals Like an Iguana at SciWorks

© Katrena

If you travel out of this room behind the playground tree, you'll find a hallway that leads to the next large exhibits. My kids loved seeing the animals along this hallway. You can also learn about which animals lay which eggs and see animal footprints. Make sure to go all the way to the back of the hallway so that you don't miss any of the animals!

The music room was a big hit with my kids. You can make all sorts of music in fun and very distinct ways. I play the piano, so I really liked the huge piano that you play by stepping on the large keys built into the floor. They have a few simple pieces of music up if you want to try your hand, er foot, at playing them!

Learn How the Body Works

© Katrena

Kids can learn quite a bit about how the body works, from how a baby grows inside the womb to how DNA strands fit together. My kids all thought the huge teeth were cool and loved getting the chance to clean them with a large "power brush." I remember playing a game called Operation when I was a kid. They have one of these games that is the size of an adult! You can also work a life-sized skeleton puzzle.

The smallest kids may particularly like the room just past this area in which they have a little puppet stage, play food and grocery baskets, large building blocks, and a variety of dolls and playthings. The next room is rather large and offers several opportunities for the kids to try their hand-eye coordination and speed. They often have traveling exhibits in this area as well.

Fun Outdoor Educational Activities

© Katrena

The outdoor area is rather quiet and serene with just a few animals, so if the kids are getting overloaded or just need to get outside, this is a nice trail. Most of the animals would not get close enough to pet, but hand sanitizer was available in the barn. My kids particularly liked seeing the otter near the end of the trail as well as ducks and deer. They have some pretty flowers that attract area butterflies and hummingbirds during warmer months. When we last visited, they had some construction going on, so I'll be curious to see what they create outside at SciWorks.

Overall, SciWorks was a great opportunity to learn about science in a hands-on way. I particularly enjoyed the times we went when they had special programs and how nicely the staff members and volunteers interacted with the kids and encouraged them to learn about science for themselves. My kids have learned about protecting the environment, snakes, and African American scientists and more. I give SciWorks in Winston-Salem a big thumbs up!

Find more fun and educational family activities at the Travel NC With Kids site map.