Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park is a nature reserve in northern North Carolina with rugged rock formations and forested mountains. The area features a lake, several waterfalls, and extensive woodlands covering roughly 7,019 acres (2,840 hectares).

The reserve began in 1935 through a joint land donation by the Winston-Salem Foundation and local authorities. Before European colonization, indigenous groups used this territory and left behind archaeological traces.

Indigenous communities inhabited the park's territory before European settlement, leaving behind artifacts and contributing to the area's archaeological significance.

Hiking trails with varying difficulty levels lead to viewpoints and waterfalls, with some routes featuring steep sections. Visitors can swim in the lake, bike on marked paths, or stay overnight at camping sites.

Canadian and Carolina hemlocks grow side by side here, which is uncommon in this region. This mix of northern and southern tree species occurs because of the particular microclimate on the mountain slopes.

Location: Stokes County

Inception: 1935

Operator: North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

Address: Hanging Rock Park Road

Phone: +3365938480

Email: hanging.rock@ncparks.gov

Website: http://ncparks.gov/hanging-rock-state-park

GPS coordinates: 36.39139,-80.26611

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25