Hanging Rock

Danbury, North Carolina

4.4/5

based on 9 reviews

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Distance

2.45 miles

Elevation Gain

515 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kenton Steryous

Hanging Rock is 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.

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Features

Chillin

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Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Picnic Area

Scenic

Hanging Rock Reviews

Charles Kittler

Hanging Rock

02/13/17

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.

4.0

Steve N.

Hanging Rock

11/04/16

The 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.

4.0

John Thomas Bicket

Hanging Rock

10/18/16

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!

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hanging Rock

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Hanging Rock Reviews

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Nearby

Hanging Rock and Cole Gap Mountain Loop

Hike and Rock Climb Moore's Knob

Lower Cascade Falls

Hike the Sauratown Trail

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