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Just 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park is located in the Sauratown Mountain Range. Named for the early Saura peoples who once inhabited the area, this range towers over the surrounding country, with peaks reaching nearly 2600 feet in elevation. The park derives its name from the large quartzite escarpment that “hangs” over the valley below. Established in 1936, the park initially encompassed 3100 acres, but has grown to 7900 acres since 2015. With its proximity to the suburban areas of Stokes County, the park serves as a backyard playground for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, paddlers, anglers and campers.
The 73-site campground in Hanging Rock State Park is an ideal basecamp for enjoying all the outdoor activities the park has to offer. Campsites can accommodate tents, popups and limited RVs; there are no hookups or dump stations at this location. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, grills and tent pads. Drinking water is available at several locations in the campground, and there are two bathhouses with hot showers. There are also five primitive group campsites with picnic tables and fire circles; drinking water and vault toilets are available nearby. If you don’t feel like roughing it, the park also offers 10 vacation cabins. Each of these are equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping accommodations for up to six.
When you’re ready to play, there are more than 20 miles of multiuse trails in Hanging Rock State Park for hiking, biking and riding. Trails vary in length and difficulty, so drop by the visitor center and pick up a trail map. For the mobility impaired, there is a 0.1-mile path to the Rock Garden. Anglers can enjoy casting for bass, sunfish, and catfish either by boat or wading on the park’s small lake. Canoe and rowboat rentals are available for paddling on the lake, or you can bring your own gear for paddling or fishing on the Dan River. Rock climbing is permitted on the 400-foot-high Cook’s Wall and Moore’s Wall. For just kicking it under the trees, the park has several picnic areas, as well as an exhibit hall and concession stand.
CC Camp Road does NOT lead into the park. This is a dead-end private road. GPS directions that route you through CC Camp Road are wrong.
You MUST have a reservation to camp. You can make reservations until 9 p.m. on the day of check-in. Staff will not be making face-to-face reservations. Upon arrival, you can check-in at the "self-check-in station" in the campgrounds.
Today we did the Moores Wall Trail. It’s a great 5.3 mile round-trip. It takes you to the top of hanging rock and the observation tower medium strenuous hike with lots of stairs and about 1000 feet of elevation gain. Would definitely recommend and will be doing again.
Wonderful park!!! Amazing trails with gorgeous lookouts! Beautiful waterfalls! If you're new to hiking, this is the park for you! Very clean, family friendly, and dog friendly! Oh, there are camp grounds and also a lake!
Have fun! 😁
Be sure to keep the park clean! 😎
-Take Care and Live Well- 🤙
This park is one of my favorite places to hike. Trails can often be busy, especially the popular Hanging Rock Trail. It's not uncommon for groups of photographers around Golden hour and sunset. Great for kids, pets, and it offers trails of different skill levels. Sweeping mountain views, waterfalls, swimming, and great camping options. I love this park! (Pictures from mid-October, very busy during peak foliage)
