Less than an hour from Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park is home to five waterfalls, over 40 miles of hiking trails, a lake for swimming, and picnic areas. Three of the waterfalls here are short hikes from the Visitor Center, making it easy to see more than one in a day. 

At the Visitor Center, you’ll find restrooms, a water fountain, an exhibit, and a small store with drinks and a few snacks. There is no entrance fee for this park, and all waterfalls are kid and pet friendly. 

You can find park hours on their website. 

Waterfalls to see: 

• Upper Cascades (Easy) – An easy 0.4-mile walk from the Visitor Center takes you to a wooden overlook and stairs down to the base of this waterfall that flows over a jagged rock face. A short detour on the Rock Garden Trail lets you wander among massive boulders. This is the best choice for anyone who wants to see a waterfall without much effort.
• Hidden Falls (Moderate) – Just 0.4 miles from the Visitor Center on the Indian Creek Trail, this smaller cascade is a nice stop on the way to Window Falls.
• Window Falls (Moderate) – Another 0.2 miles past Hidden Falls, this waterfall is named for the “window” in the rock face beside it. The unique formation makes it one of the park’s most popular spots. The hike back to the Visitor Center has some steep stairs, making this a moderately challenging route at 1.2 miles round trip.
• Lower Cascades (Easy) – A favorite summer swimming hole framed by dramatic rock outcroppings. The mostly flat 0.8-mile round trip ends with steep stairs to the base and a pool perfect for cooling off. While this one is kid-friendly, small children may struggle with the section of stairs. This hike starts from the Cascade Creek Trailhead just seven minutes from the Visitor Center. (pictured above)
• Tory’s Falls (Easy) – Located in a separate section of the park, this 0.5-mile trail leads to a tall, narrow waterfall and passes Tory’s Den, a small cave with local history. The den is a fun place for kids to explore, but expect plenty of stairs. Parking is in the Tory’s Den parking area, less than 15 minutes from the Visitor Center.

Known for its massive granite dome, Stone Mountain State Park also offers great hiking, fishing, and picnicking, making it well worth the hour drive from Winston-Salem. There are two beautiful waterfalls here—one along the popular Stone Mountain Loop trail and the other a local swimming hole that’s off to itself. 

There is no fee to visit this park, and you’ll find restrooms at the Upper and Lower Trailheads, along with the picnic area. At the Visitor Center, you can browse an exhibit about the local area and a small store. Download Google Maps of the area as there is minimal cell phone service at the waterfalls. 

Check their website for park hours.

Waterfalls to see: 

• Stone Mountain Falls (Strenuous) – A highlight of the 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail, this 200-foot waterfall is one of the most impressive in the area. While the trail is kid and pet-friendly, it’s strenuous, so may not be best for younger kids. For a shorter option, start at the Upper Trailhead and head directly to the falls for a 1.2-mile round trip. Multiple flights of steep stairs lead to the base of the falls, so this is still considered a moderate route. If you want a good workout along with a beautiful waterfall, this is the perfect choice.
• Widow’s Creek Falls (Easy) – Just 0.1 miles from its parking area, this family-friendly waterfall has a shallow pool at the base, making it a popular swimming hole. This is perfect for anyone with small kids, but be very careful as the rock section of the waterfall is incredibly slick.

Carter Falls (Easy) 
Located near Elkin, Carter Falls offers a beautiful payoff for a short hike. It’s 0.8 miles round trip from the main trailhead with a brief rock scramble right before the waterfall. For a longer hike, start at Grassy Creek Vineyard and follow a 4-mile route that includes a stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail—the state hiking trail that stretches from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. This one is great for kids and pet-friendly, however there are no amenities at the main trailhead. Combine this waterfall with a visit to some local wineries and it makes the perfect day trip. 

Shacktown Falls (Easy) 
A short 20-minute drive west of Winston-Salem, you’ll find Shore-Styers Mill Nature Park, where the centerpiece is Shacktown Falls. The falls are only 12 feet tall, but North Deep Creek is wide and perfect for wading in the water. Bring water shoes as the creek bed is rocky and can be slippery. The parking lot is small, but you can see the falls from the road, and there’s a short dirt path down to the creek. There are no amenities at this park, but it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a free place to splash around in the water. 

RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls (Easy) 
RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls, also known as “The Bullhole” by locals, is a town park with a large waterfall created by a stone dam along the South Yadkin River. The wide pool below has a sandy beach, making it a great spot for swimming and relaxing on warm days. If you plan to get in the water, wear water shoes or an old pair of tennis shoes to protect your feet from the rocky bottom. An entrance fee is charged daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on weekends in April, May, September, and October. $5 per car or $3 per motorcycle Monday to Friday, and $15 per car up to 4 people or $25 per car for 5 or more Saturday and Sunday, or on holidays. Restrooms and picnic tables are available inside the park making this a popular choice for families who want to cool off on hot days. Find park hours on their website. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Waterfalls can be slippery and dangerous. Please do not climb on the falls and be careful as you’re exploring.

Learn about more things to do in Winston-Salem and places to stay while exploring these beautiful waterfalls by downloading a Visitor Guide and signing up for our e-newsletter.