Hike to Hanging Rock
North Carolina › Hanging Rock Visitor Center
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Activities:
Chillin, Photography, Hiking
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Skill Level:
Beginner
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Season:
Spring, Summer, Autumn
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Trail Type:
Out-and-Back
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RT Distance:
2.6 Miles
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Elevation Gain:
600 Feet
A relatively short and well-traveled hike with awesome 270 degree views at the summit.
Park in the main parking lot for Hanging Rock State Park, and the trailhead can easily be found in the upper parking lot (furthest away from the main building), and is clearly marked. The trail starts off by descending, but don't be fooled, it quickly turns into a steady climb that will have you wanting to catch your breath in spite of the relatively short distance.
At about the one mile mark, you'll reach a set of man-made steps, and after climbing those you'll catch your first glimpse of Hanging Rock directly overhead. From here you'll make your final push around and to the top, coming in from behind Hanging Rock.
I was lucky enough to hike there on a weeknight, and had the place nearly to myself. However, the weekends will be very crowded and heavily trafficked. But there are plenty of boulders and overlooks for you to find your own little spot.
Pack List
- Water
- Camera
- Snacks
The park is very nice. Get there early as the parking lot gets full! The loops are 7miles worth, so be prepared with plenty of water and food. The trail to hanging rock is NO JOKE! You will lose your breath for sure for such a short trail! So worth it though. I stayed until sun set ! Pretty stuff.
2 months ago
Expect crowds on a nice day. The earlier you can get on the trail the better. The rock formation at the top are pretty neat, take time to chill and snack. The views are decent. We were traveling through, home basing in Winston so this was a nice park to dive into some nature with options for decent hiking.
5 months ago
This was a fun, short hike! We went on a warm, sunny February on a weekend and the trail was quite crowded (and everyone seemed to have brought their dog). I imagine this would be a magical hike in the autumn when the leaves are changing.
7 months ago
This has to be the most popular hike in the Triad Area. It was a nice hike, but on a nice weekend day you can expect to see hundreds of people on the 1.3 mile out and back. Still, I am glad I did it. There are many other trails nearby, so if you're looking for a little more hiking after finishing this you one, there is plenty to offer from the same parking lot.
7 months agoThe hike, obviously, isn't long, but there are plenty of high steps and rocky terrain. The views are great from the top and it's a loooong way down over the edge. The Visitors Center and restrooms are very nice. In fact, if you want a gorgeous place for a picnic, there's a beautiful overlook on the center's wrap-around deck.
11 months ago
My brother, my dad, and I took on this little adventure a few weeks ago. The view was great and the different lookout points made you really feel like you were in nature as opposed to be restricted to only to only one overlook point. We got up around 4:00am and hiked up there in time for first light and the sunrise - beautiful!
11 months ago
