The best walks and hikes in Hanging Rock State Park
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621
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Hiking in Hanging Rock State Park features routes that navigate a landscape of sheer cliffs, dense forests, and rock outcrops. The park's trail network includes paths to waterfalls and several prominent peaks, including Moore's Knob, the highest point in the park. The terrain offers a mix of gradual climbs and more strenuous ascents with stone steps.
Best hiking trails in Hanging Rock State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Hanging Rock Trail — Hanging Rock State Park, a…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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(2)
24
hikers
12.6km
04:15
400m
330m
Embark on the Indian Creek Trail for a moderate hiking experience through diverse woodland scenery, where the pleasant sound of water often accompanies you. This route runs parallel to Indian…
2
hikers
7.75km
02:52
330m
100m
Embark on the Moores Wall Loop Trail for a moderate hiking experience through Hanging Rock State Park. This 4.8-mile (7.7 km) route challenges you with 1074 feet (327 metres) of…
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6
hikers
6.78km
02:16
120m
120m
The Wolf Rock Loop Trail offers a moderate hiking experience through diverse natural beauty, including dense forests and impressive rock formations. You'll cover 4.2 miles (6.8 km) and gain 393…
6
hikers
3.21km
01:20
240m
10m
Embark on the Moore's Knob Lookout Tower Trail, a moderate hiking route that spans 2.0 miles (3.2 km) with a significant elevation gain of 784 feet (239 metres). You can…
5
hikers
3.69km
01:16
20m
190m
Embark on the Cooks Wall Trail for a moderate hike spanning 2.3 miles (3.7 km), offering a rewarding experience in Hanging Rock State Park. You'll navigate a varied landscape of…
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Popular around Hanging Rock State Park
Tips from the Community
Moore’s Knob Tower, located in Hanging Rock State Park, is a popular destination for hikers in North Carolina. Originally a fire lookout tower, it has been replaced by a stone observation tower that offers sweeping views of the surrounding area - on clear days you might be able to see the cities of Greensboro and Winston-Salem! There are two main routes to reach the tower: a shorter hike of 3.8 miles on the Moore’s Knob Loop Trail starting at the lake, or a longer 4.5-mile loop.
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With an elevation of almost 2,600 feet, Moore's Knob is the highest mountain in the Sauratown Mountains. The Lookout Tower on top of the mountain nowadays serves as an observation platform and a panel provides information about the surrounding area.
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Balanced Rock is one of many masterpieces of nature, that can be found in Hanging Rock State Park. To get there, it only takes a very short detour from Moore's Wall Loop Trail and Moore's Knob. Make sure to not miss the sight of such a perfectly balanced rock on top of another one.
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Located close to Cole Gap Mountain and along Wolf Rock Trail, Wolf Rock is a nice viewpoint over the area. From here, you can see the two cities of Winston-Salem and Greensboro in the distance.
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House Rock is located along Cook's Wall Trail and is named like that because the overhanging cliff forms something like a rooftop for the 'house' below. Standing on top of the cliff, offers you a great overview.
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Next to the parking lot at State Park Road, there is a lake called Hanging Rock Park Lake. The lake can be accessed from the parking lot or from the Cook's Wall Trail and Moore's Wall Trail Loop. The lake includes a small beach where you can enter the lake and refresh yourself.
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Hidden Falls is a nice, little waterfall along the Indian Creek and flows over multiple stone steps. To get here, you have to follow Indian Creek Trail until the sign 'Hidden Falls'. From here it's just a short detour from the main trail.
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Once you've reached Window Falls, there is a viewing point on top of the falls but you can also climb down to the lower part of the waterfall where you can climb behind the waterfall (depending on weather conditions) and get soaking wet. The falls are named for a hole in the rock, that looks like a little window.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Hanging Rock State Park?
Yes, the park has options suitable for families and casual walkers. The Rock Garden Trail is an easy, wheelchair-accessible path that winds through an area of large boulders. For a short adventure, the Tory's Den Cave and Waterfalls Trail is a simple 0.2-mile (0.3 km) walk to a cave and waterfall.
Which trails have the best waterfalls?
The park is known for its beautiful waterfalls. The Indian Creek Trail is a great choice as it provides access to both Hidden Falls and Window Falls. For a different experience, you can find trails leading to the 35-foot Lower Cascades or Tory's Falls, which drops 240 feet over a series of rock terraces.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Hanging Rock State Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the hiking trails in Hanging Rock State Park, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet and be aware that they are generally not permitted inside park buildings or in designated swimming areas.
What is the most challenging hike in the park?
For a strenuous challenge, many experienced hikers take on the Five Peak Challenge, a demanding 10.1-mile (16.2 km) route that summits Moore's Knob, Hanging Rock, Cook's Wall, Wolf Rock, and House Rock. A shorter but still difficult option is the Moore's Knob & Balanced Rock trail, which involves a steep climb with many stone steps to the park's highest point.
How many hiking trails are in Hanging Rock State Park?
Hanging Rock State Park features an extensive network of over 20 hiking trails, covering more than 48 miles (77 km). The trails cater to all skill levels, from easy walks to strenuous mountain climbs.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Hanging Rock State Park?
The park is highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning, long-range views from the various peaks and the unique geological features like sheer cliffs and massive rock formations. The well-maintained trails and beautiful waterfalls are also consistently mentioned as highlights.
Which trail leads to the observation tower?
The trail to the observation tower is the Moore's Wall Loop Trail. This strenuous 4.7-mile (7.6 km) loop takes you to Moore's Knob, the highest point in the park, where the tower provides 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Are there any accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the Rock Garden Trail is a short, paved, and wheelchair-accessible loop trail. It offers a pleasant walk through a unique landscape of massive boulders and is suitable for visitors of all mobility levels.
Is there an entrance fee for the park?
No, there is no entrance fee to access Hanging Rock State Park for hiking or general sightseeing. Some activities, such as boat rentals or campsite reservations, do have associated fees.
Where can I find a trail map?
You can view and plan your routes directly on komoot. For official park maps and the most current trail conditions or closures, it is best to check the official Hanging Rock State Park trails page before you visit.
Besides hiking, what other activities are available?
The park offers a wide range of activities. You can go swimming, fishing, or boating on the 12-acre lake, with kayak and paddleboat rentals available seasonally. Experienced rock climbers can tackle Cook's Wall with a permit, and there are also designated trails for mountain biking and horseback riding.
Is camping available in Hanging Rock State Park?
Yes, you can extend your visit by staying overnight. The park has a family campground with sites for tents and trailers, as well as group campsites. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
Most popular routes in Hanging Rock State Park
Most popular attractions in Hanging Rock State Park
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