Take the Kids: Hanging Rock State Park

From winding roads and picturesque views to caves, waterfalls, campgrounds, and more. You have no choice but to become one with nature at this 9,011 acre state park.

North Carolina's own Hanging Rock State Park is full of natural beauty just waiting to envelop you. I've only visited twice but it's one of my favorite places. I can't get enough of what it has to offer.

Our first family visit was around four years ago. We had a blast and returned the following year. My young daughters, like me, were absolutely fascinated. After standing in waterfalls, conversing about creatures and crevices, splashing in waterholes, and exploring various terrain... can you blame us?

The place is beautiful!

And now that temperatures are rising, we're itching to get back outside. How about you? Spring is only a few weeks away.

This park is located in Danbury. The drive from our home is approximately 1.5 hours. From Raleigh it is just over a two hour drive. Long enough to take a nap. Short enough to survive "are we there yet" questioning.

Although we packed snacks and post-hiking sandwiches, I remember stopping at Bojangles on the way. Definitely not energizing food but hey... there was protein and we were hungry.

While on the trails, we usually eat granola, dried fruits, trail mix, and the like. These foods provide energy versus making us feel sluggish. Equally important is staying hydrated before, during, and after a hike.

I vividly recall our last trip to Hanging Rock. It was an especially hot summer day but we kept cool in the plentiful shade and waterfalls. While hiking back from one of the lower cascades, we stopped to rest on a row of large rocks.

Another family soon appeared with multiple children in tow. They all seemed exhausted and also stopped. To our surprise, none of them were hydrating or snacking. Turns out, they didn't have any water with them. Luckily, we bring extra and had enough to share.

Please... always carry essentials with you during outdoor adventures.

To spend your day at Hanging Rock State Park, there are a plethora of options. For a more low-key experience, consider fishing. It's allowed year round and permits are required for those 16 and older. There's also paddle access on the Dan River and swimming in the lake. Take advantage of canoe rentals and casual walks on one of the many trails.

To fulfill more adventurous or strenuous yearnings, consider mountain biking. There are 8.4 miles of biking trails for your enjoyment. Horseback riding is allowed in some areas and rock climbing with a permit.

Check out this activity descriptions page

For my fellow hiking lovers, there are varying degrees of ease/difficulty per trail. Choose your preference to make it to one of the spectacular views and even to Tory's Den Cave. All trails are marked and be advised, some places have steep stairs to climb. See a list of trails.

As you can see, possibilities abound at Hanging Rock. My family clearly hasn't scratched the surface of things to do. Our next goal is renting a cabin for an overnight stay. Wish us luck!

Visit the website for information about events and programs, park news and fees. There are downloadable maps for your convenience to help with parking and access points.

Many state parks still have pandemic-related policies and restrictions. Contact individual locations for specifics. In case the visitor's center is currently closed here, you'll get a look at it in one of our YouTube videos embedded above.

Have you visited Hanging Rock State Park? If so, what's your favorite trail or thing to do there?

Tandra Wilkerson is a regular Go Ask Mom contributor. You can read more of her adventures on her blog, Thriller Mom.