Hanging Rock Trail is a wonderful hike for the individual looking for a good workout with a terrific view. It is a difficult 1.2 miles.

Hanging Rock Trail is a very popular trail and that is evidenced by the work the park has done to regrade much of the path. This trail is very enjoyable during the off-season and during weekdays. The trail begins from a nicely shaded picnic area onto a wide old road. In the beginning it descends crossing a stream then ascending up the side of the mountain. Wolf Rock Loop Trail veers right and Hanging Rock continues left. The incline becomes steep, however, benches every 300 feet offer a breather. The trail is through a beautiful forest of old pine, huge popular and spring blooming rhododendron. Once you reach the base of the peak, you'll then have several hundred more feet of very steep terrain leading to a magnificent view.

Directions: From Danbury, NC, Hanging Rock State Park is located in Stokes County, 4 miles northwest of Danbury. The park entrance is on Moore's Spring Road SR 1001, which lies between NC 8/89 east of the park and NC 66 west of the park. Travel past park entrance. Continue on main park road for approximately 1.8 miles turning left into a picnic area and parking lot. Begin on the wide descending trail.

Elevation: 1,700 feet

Elevation Gain: 300 feet

Distance: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

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