Hanging Rock State Park - North Carolina

Hanging Rock State Park is in Danbury, NC. This is what we would call the foothills area. North Carolina is divided into the mountain, piedmont (where I live), and then beach area. The foothill area is where you shift from piedmont to mountains. So, you have the mountain look and feel but not the large size moutains like the Blue Ridge or Appalachian. Basically I would call the Hanging Rock Park area "mountain lite."

If you want a little taste of the mountains but don't want the harder drive angles or the slightly colder weather in our mountain areas, this would be a good bet for a day or overnight trip.

Hanging Rock is a rocky type small mountain area which you probably guessed from the name of the park. These are rocks in with lots of plants and trees (unlike the Rocky Mountains which are much rockier with fewer plants). The steams and the river in the area with the rocks make lots of pretty waterfalls.

The Visitor Center is nice. YOu can stop in and use the bathroom and see a video about the park before you begin your day or visit. In the summer, check to see about special hike programs with a guide.

Hanging Rock is a great area for hiking, because it is not as steep as the heavy mountain zone. You can get a hard climb with the rocks like on Moore's Trail at 4.2 miles and rated strenuous, but you can also take easy trails like Chestnut Oak Nature Trail which is less than a mile and very easy walking. Chestnut is a good trail for small children. There are 11 trails in all totaling 18 miles with a good range for almost any hiker.

Rock climbing is available at Cook's Wall and Moore's Wall (but not in other areas of the park). The height is around 400 feet with two miles for climbing. These are not beginning climb areas and, you do need to register on that and have the proper safety gear.

Hanging Rock has 2 picnic areas with around 100 tables. These are easy to get to and are clean. They have a couple of shelters in case of rain. If you want to buy food, then they have a light snack bar at the swimming area. I would suggest bringing a picnic, but it is nice to be able to get a snack during swimming hours.

Swimming is in the lake. Water temp for July and August works for me. I find the water cold early and late in the season. Lifeguards are on duty. But I would suggest a good buddy system esp with kids, since you can't see to the bottom of a lake.

You can also canoe or row boat on the lake. They have rentals. YOu can't bring your own boat here. Motor boats are not allowed at all.

Fishing is OK on the lake and in the streams. You need a license in NC. The main fish are bass and bream. My Dad loves to fish, and he says this is not a prime spot. It is fun for kids though, and my two boys enjoy it.

Camping is available (individual and also a group area). There are 73 sites--first come first serve. These are camp ground style rather than back woods type spots. You can use a camper, but you can't use hook ups. Campers use a bathhouse which is well maintained. If you like roughing it, then you won't find that here, and if you like luxury camping, then this is not the spot either.

You can also rent a cabin. They house six people. Although I have not rented a cabin, they look nice and the area is pretty for cabin visiting. Cabins have 2 bedrooms, kitchen and living room. You have to sign up beforehand. In the spring you must stay at least two days, and in the summer you have to stay for a full week to get one.

One thing I would mention is that the park is closed at night after 9pm. You can't get in or out unless you have an emergency situation. So plan to hang out in the evenings at the park if you stay at Hanging Rock.

Hanging Rock does not have bike trails or playground equipment.

If you want to contact the park the address is: PO Box 278, Danbury NC 27016 and phone (336) 593-8480 or fax (336) 593-9166.

Overall I like Hanging Rock for a day trip (esp since I live close). The area is pretty esp the waterfalls. The hikes are easy (though you can take on more difficult hikes). I would say this park is best for families and particularly parents with small children.