Since its creation as a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps project, Hanging Rock State Park has offered the best of a traditional outdoor experience with 73-site campground, picnic grounds, stocked lake for swimming and canoe rentals and more than 20 miles of hiking trails that climb onto spectacular views and weave alongside clear streams and waterfalls. There is also access on the Dan River for paddling, 8.4 miles of mountain biking trails and rock climbing opportunities with permit. A complex of vacation cabins is available for longer visits. Free interpretive programs complement the education offerings of a park museum that explores the natural and cultural history of the Sauratown Mountains.
Camping
Tent and trailer camping
The tent and trailer campgrounds offer two one-way loops that lead to 73 campsites. One site is wheelchair accessible.
Each campsite has a picnic table, grill and tent pad accommodating up to six people and two tents.
Some campsites can accommodate RVs. There are no hookups or dump station provided. Check the reservations website for details.
Drinking water and bathhouses with utility sinks and hot showers are nearby. The bathhouses are closed December 1 to March 15; during this time, only a pit toilet is available.
Sites not reserved are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Group camping
Five campsites located near the entry gate offer a primitive, wilderness camping experience for groups of six to 16.
Each group site has picnic tables and a fire circle. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are nearby. Reservations are required.
Vacation cabins
Cabins are available year-round except December 24 and 25. Reservations are required.
Each cabin has a bathroom, living room, kitchen with dining space and two bedrooms. Each cabin accommodates up to six people. You must bring your own linens.
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins. Two of the cabins are wheelchair accessible.
Animals are not allowed in the cabins or cabin area, with the exception of service animals.
Activities
Hiking
The park is a great place for a hike!
Boating and Fishing
Fishing is permitted year round on the lake for bass, sunfish and catfish. Anyone over 16 years old must have a NC fishing license. Fish from the shore, the wheelchair accessible pier or from a rental boat.
Rowboats and canoes are rented for use on the lake during the spring, summer and fall. Private boats are not allowed.
The Dan River Access on the north side of the park provides parking and a ramp for fishing, paddling and tubing. Bring your own equipment or take advantage of nearby outfitters who provide equipment and shuttling services for kayaking, canoeing and tubing.
Fishing the Dan River in the park is generally for smallmouth bass and sunfish. The best practical access for fishing is by boat or wading.
Climbing
Rock climbing is available in the park by permit. Cook's Wall and Moore's Wall, a series of cliffs up to 400 feet high and extending almost two miles, provide opportunities for seasoned climbers and novices alike. All other areas of the park are closed to climbing and rappelling.
Swimming
Tucked into the hills is an inviting 12-acre lake, formed by the damming of Cascade Creek. A popular center of activity at the park, the lake is a source of beauty as well as fun. A hardwood forest extends to the shoreline from surrounding slopes, and paths along the lakeshore lead to the dam and offer views of the lake and surrounding woodlands. A stone and timber bathhouse includes restrooms, dressing rooms, a snack bar and a lounge area with a view of the lake and Moore's Knob. See the Fees/FAQs/Rules for information about operating hours and costs.
Mountain Biking
Enjoy riding your mountain bike on single track, with rock ledges, fast flow, stream crossings, and great views of the Sauratown Mountains.
Picnicking
Two picnic areas offer 60 picnic sites and 15 grills in total. One area is near the trailheads for Indian Creek and Hanging Rock and is shaded by the large trees of the hardwood forest. The other picnic area is on a shaded, terraced hillside near the lake. There is one wheelchair accessible picnic table here. Drinking water and restrooms are near both picnic areas. The refreshment stand at the lake is open during the summer.
Shelters for group picnics are located in both picnic areas. Each shelter offers tables, a grill, and a fireplace. The picnic shelters are available by reservation for a modest fee. If the shelters are not reserved, they are available on a first-come basis free of charge. For directions to a specific shelter, please stop by the visitor's center.
