Outdoor adventure near Winston-Salem is closer than you think.
Hanging Rock State Park is an outdoor recreation hub just 30 miles north of downtown Winston-Salem in the ancient Sauratown Mountains. Experience stunning vistas from the rocky cliffs of the namesake mountain, hike to five beautiful waterfalls and cool off with paddling adventures on the Dan River and at the park’s lake.
While the park covers a large area, trailheads and park amenities are close together, making it easy to explore the area’s many natural wonders with a daytrip from Winston-Salem. For those up for a challenge, hike to the five waterfalls or the top five overlooks in one day and be rewarded with a chance to score exclusive commemorative patches.
The Sauratown Mountains are named for the Saura Indians. Hanging Rock is a Monadnock, an isolated mountain that rising above the surrounding landscape due to its resistant rock composition.
In 1936, to prevent private development of the area, the Winston-Salem Foundation and Stokes County Committee for Hanging Rock donated more than 3,000 acres to North Carolina for the purposes of establishing a state park. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the facilities, including the 12-acre lake and bathhouse that was list on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Through land acquisitions in the 1970s, the park added areas including the Lower Cascades Waterfall and Tory’s Den, a rock outcropping thought to have served as a hideout for British Loyalists during the American Revolutionary War.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There is no fee to explore Hanging Rock State Park. Hours for Hanging Rock State Park vary by season. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ncparks.gov.
The gate to the main parking area (where the visitor center and many trailheads are accessed) does close at the posted time. The park has signage on the trails indicating when the lot closes so you can exit prior to close.
Hanging Rock State Park is located about 30 miles north of downtown Winston-Salem.
To reach the main parking area, take US Highway 52 to US Highway 66 to Moores Spring Road. The main parking area/visitor center is located at 1790 Hanging Rock Rd., Danbury, NC. There are five other access points:
- Lower Cascades Parking Area: 2143 Hall Rd., Westfield, NC
- Tory’s Den Parking Area: 1185 Charlie Young Rd., Westfield, NC
- Dan River Access: 1258 Flinchum Rd., Danbury, NC
- Climbing Access: 1035 Climbing Access Dr., Westfield, NC
- Mountain Biking Access: 2568 Moores Spring Rd., Westfield, NC
Yes, there is a visitor center at Hanging Rock State Park. The visitor center address is 1790 Hanging Rock Rd., Danbury, NC. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily.
The visitor center has a large parking area, restrooms, information desk, small museum, interactive exhibits, gift shop and a deck with interpretive signage and scenic views. It’s a great place to start your Hanging Rock State Park adventure.
The visitor center parking area provides access to many of the Park’s trails, including the Indian Creek Trail to Hidden Falls and Window Falls, the Hanging Rock Trail to the mountain summit and the Upper Cascades Trail to Upper Cascades Falls.
Yes, the trails at Hanging Rock State Park are pet friendly. Pets must be on a leash at all times.
Please note that pets are not permitted to swim in the lake or to enter park buildings.
Hanging Rock State Park offers a pair of self-guided hiking challenges that encourage you to experience the park’s most iconic natural features earn the opportunity to purchase commemorative patches exclusive to those who complete the challenges.
The Waterfall Challenge is to visit the park’s 5 named waterfalls all on the same day. The 5 waterfalls are:
- Hidden Falls
- Window Falls
- Lower Cascades
- Upper Cascades
- Tory’s Den Falls
The Overlook Challenge is to hike in a strenuous 10-mile loop (in one outing) that provides access to 5 stunning mountain vista points:
- Hanging Rock
- Wolf Rock
- House Rock
- Cook’s Wall
- Moore’s Knob
Pick up the checklist sheets at the visitor center gift shop. After completing your checklist, bring it back to the gift shop to purchase your commemorative patch(es).
Most visitors to Hanging Rock State Park enjoy hiking some of the park’s 48-miles of trails. There are many other ways to experience the park:
- Biking: There are 15 miles of trails for mountain bikers to explore. Most trails leave from the Moore’s Spring Access. All of the trails are rated Intermediate except for the Rattler, which is rated Advanced.
- Horseback Riding: Equestrians can enjoy up to 6 miles of designated horseback riding trails.
- Paddling and Boating: Hanging Rock State Park features a 12-acre lake and paddling launch access to the Dan River. No private boats are allowed on the lake. The lake offers kayak and canoe rentals. For the Dan River, kayak/canoe/tubing rentals and shuttle services are available from local outfitters.
- Swimming (seasonal): At the lake, there is a designated swimming area with a bathhouse. As of 2026, the cost to swim is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-12.
- Fishing: Fishing is available at the lake and on the Dan River. You must have an N.C. fishing license.
- Picnicking: The main picnic grounds are near the Visitor Center and feature 60 tables and 15 grills.
- Rock Climbing: With many rocky cliffs, Hanging Rock State Park is a destination for many rock climbers. Climbing is permitted in designated areas such as at Cook’s Wall and Moore’s Knob Cliffs. You must have a permit.
- Camping: A 73-site campground is within a couple minutes of the Visitor Center.