Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock Visitor Center
4.4
9 Reviews
Hanging Rock
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Details

Distance
2.45 miles
Elevation Gain
515 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Dog Friendly
Scenic
Picnic Area
Family Friendly
Forest
Bathrooms
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About this place

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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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Sarah Dakin
12/6/2017
Gorgeous And Popular
I have been to hanging rock dozens of times and with every experience I am met with another vision of astounding beauty. Definitely a ...
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HBCUs Outside
11/23/2017
The View!
I’ve done this hike multiple times. A clear day hike is amazing, a sunset hike is magical, and a cloudy day is interestedly eerie. ...
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Liz A.
10/4/2017
Amazing
Great views
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Debbie S
7/10/2017
Worth It
The park is very nice. Get there early as the parking lot gets full! The loops are 7miles worth, so be prepared with plenty ...
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Sarah Levant
4/9/2017
Crowded But Beautiful Formations
Expect crowds on a nice day. The earlier you can get on the trail the better. The rock formation at the top are pretty ...
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Jeremy Meek
2/26/2017
Fun Hike To A Great View!
This was a fun, short hike! We went on a warm, sunny February on a weekend and the trail was quite crowded (and everyone ...
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Charles Kittler
2/13/2017
Nice hike, remarkably crowded.
This has to be the most popular hike in the Triad Area. It was a nice hike, but on a nice weekend day you ...
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Steve N.
11/4/2016
Nice Little Hike, Lots Of Stairs
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 ...
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John Thomas Bicket
10/18/2016
Sunrise Hike
My brother, my dad, and I took on this little adventure a few weeks ago. The view was great and the different lookout points ...
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