National park · United States
Hanging Rock State Park
Visit Hanging Rock State Park for a half‑day hike to Hanging Rock (1.8 mi) or a full‑day loop on Moore's Wall (4.7 mi) in spring or fall; park entry $5 per vehicle, camping $15‑$30 per night.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
13 km² (5 sq mi)5 sq mi (13 km²)
approximate
Established
1930
Best months
Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 13 km² (5 sq mi)5 sq mi (13 km²)
- Approximately 12.5 km² of forested land and a 12‑acre lake (check).
- Established
- 1930
- Best months
- Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Hanging Rock State Park, created in the 1930s, protects a rugged section of the Sauratown Mountains with hardwood forests, waterfalls, and the eponymous rock outcrop. The park offers over 20 mi of marked trails, a lake for paddling, and a campground, making it a popular day‑trip destination near Winston‑Salem and the Piedmont Triad.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1930.
Size and age
13 km² (5 sq mi)5 sq mi (13 km²) · national park since 1930
Approximately 12.5 km² of forested land and a 12‑acre lake (check).
Why go
- Over 20 mi of marked hiking trails with views of the Sauratown Mountains.
- The 1.8 mi Hanging Rock Trail leads to a panoramic rock outcrop.
- Moore's Wall loop offers a gradual ascent and a 360° observation tower.
- River access for kayaking on the Dan River.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCool, low crowds
- FebCool, occasional rain
- MarMild, wildflowers
- AprPleasant temps, full trail access
- MayWarm, some heat on exposed sections
- JunHeat, thunderstorms possible
- JulHot, bugs, occasional storms
- AugHot, high snake activity
- SepCooling, clear skies
- OctMild, foliage colors
- NovCool, fewer visitors
- DecCool, occasional frost
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White‑tailed deerAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Wild turkeyAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Peregrine falcon (nesting)Mar–Jun | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Copperhead and timber rattlesnakeApr–Sep | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Winston‑Salem
Take US‑52 N, exit to NC‑66 N, then Moore Spring Road to park entrance
30–45 min
From Raleigh
US‑64 W to NC‑66 N, then Moore Spring Road
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
From Charlotte
I‑77 N to US‑52 N, then NC‑66 N
2–2.5 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center & Headquarters | Museum, trailhead for Hanging Rock and Moore's Wall, parking | Open daily; fee required |
| Moore's Wall Loop | 4.7 mi loop with observation tower | Open; no fee beyond entry |
| Dan River Access | Launch point for paddling, fishing | Open; parking fee optional |
| Campground | 73 tent/trailer sites, group sites, cabins | Reservation recommended |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate for major features; derived from park maps.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle entry | US$5 | vehicle | Paid at gate |
| Camping (tent/trailer site) | US$15–30 | site/night | Varies by season |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Camping reservation no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$5
- US$15–30
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on North Carolina State Parks – Hanging Rock State Park before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 ft.
- Fire
- Only use designated fire rings; no open fires outside campgrounds.
- Camping
- Allowed only in the designated campground; back‑country camping prohibited.
- Trail use
- Stay on marked trails; off‑trail biking not permitted.
- Collecting wildlife
- Gathering plants, animals, or shells is prohibited without a permit.
Where to stay
In the park
Hanging Rock Campground
Tent/trailer sites, group sites, cabins; basic amenities.
Near the park
Danbury (town)
Motels, B&Bs, and restaurants a few miles from the park.
Safety
Snake bites medium
Heat exhaustion medium
Storms high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor center and short loops (Hanging Rock Trail) have paved paths suitable for limited mobility.
- Moore's Wall loop includes steep sections; not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all trash; use refillable water bottles.
- Stay on trails to protect fragile plant communities.
- Choose cabins or campgrounds that use renewable energy where possible.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Hanging Rock State Park?
Vehicle entry is $5 per car; additional fees apply for camping ($15‑$30 per night) and cabin rentals.
What are the best hikes in Hanging Rock State Park?
Hanging Rock Trail (1.8 mi round‑trip) and Moore's Wall Loop (4.7 mi) are the most popular; both offer scenic views and are well marked.
When is the best time to visit Hanging Rock State Park?
Spring (Mar‑May) and fall (Sep‑Oct) provide mild weather, fewer crowds, and colorful foliage.
Is camping allowed in the park?
Yes, at the designated campground with 73 sites and group areas; reservations are recommended.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Dogs are permitted on most trails if kept on a leash no longer than 6 ft.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Hanging Rock State Park
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