Hanging Rock State Park
Park State park with hiking trails and cliffs
Granite ridge and waterfall country north of Winston-Salem with a summit trail to Hanging Rock; hikers come for panoramic cliff viewpoints, swimming in park lakes, rock scrambling and seasonal wildflower displays.
Hanging Rock State Park is a North Carolina state park known for its prominent rocky outcrops, cliffs and a collection of lakes and waterfalls. It is a regional destination for hiking, climbing on rock faces and visiting waterfall viewpoints.
Key park features include a summit rock formation that provides panoramic views, a series of waterfalls and forested trails of varying difficulty. Day-use recreational activities focus on hiking, picnicking and seasonal fishing in park lakes.
The park is located in Stokes County in north-central North Carolina, accessible from nearby small towns and the surrounding foothills of the region.
- Hiking highlights: The park features several short to moderate hiking trails leading to rock outcrops, waterfalls and viewpoints popular for day hikes and rock scrambling.
How to Get to Hanging Rock State Park #
The park is located near Danbury, NC, off Hanging Rock Park Road. From I‑77 take local routes toward state park signage; the main parking area and visitor center are clearly marked. It’s roughly a 20-30 minute drive from Mount Airy.
Tips for Visiting Hanging Rock State Park #
- For dramatic light, aim for sunrise at the Hanging Rock summit or ledges.
- Bring bug spray in warm months - the trails through rhododendron can be insect heavy.
- Start at the visitor center to get current trail conditions; weather can change rapidly on the ridge.
Best Time to Visit Hanging Rock State Park #
Spring and autumn are best for foliage and trail conditions; summer is good for water features but busier.
Weather & Climate near Hanging Rock State Park #
Hanging Rock State Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1243 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (124 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
