There are a lot of reasons to love Hanging Rock State Park. That’s why it is probably my favorite state park in North Carolina. However, I am torn between giving it two stars and giving it five stars. In general, I would give the park five stars, but for the camping facilities, I would rate it two stars. There is so much to do without having to leave the state park. First, let’s look at the park itself, and close to the end I will discuss the campground.
To get to the park, you drive through beautiful rolling hills. The park has a modern visitor center with a nature center and friendly rangers. There are lots of trails to explore, but they are not just trails to nowhere. There are five waterfalls to see, a climbing access area, Cook’s Wall, and much more. Moore’s Wall Loop Trail is a 4.3 mile strenuous hike, and it begins by walking by the lake. There is a platform about halfway through the hike in which you can see the skylines of Greensboro and Winston-Salem. My favorite trail is the Hanging Rock Trail, which is listed as moderate. Parts of it are moderate, very short stretches are easy, and much of it is strenuous. The last part of the Hanging Rock Trail is the most difficult, but the view at the end is worth the hike because it is spectacular. From the hanging rock (I should say rocks since there are more than one), you can see for many miles across several counties. The shortest hike to see a waterfall is relatively easy and is only three-tenths of a mile one way. The lake has a swimming beach with mountains in the background, and there are also rowboats and canoes for rent. According to what I understand from their website, canoe rentals and concession stands at the lake are open weekends only in the spring and fall (10am - 5:30pm). I was hoping to take my kayaks next time, but unfortunately, private boats are not allowed. Two large picnic shelters are also close to the lake.
Here is why I would give it two stars. The camping sites are shaded and spacious with picnic tables, lantern poles, and fire rings, but the bathroom facility is outdated (built in the 1960s). Even though it has hot water, it is NOT handicap accessible, and the shower doors are narrow. If you are not a skinny person, you might have trouble squeezing through the shower doors. There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups; however, there is access to water by way of frostproof hydrants. The campground hosts were very helpful and answered my questions. You can also purchase bundles of firewood since taking your own firewood into the park is frowned upon. If you are like me, however, and camp to experience the outdoors, you will not want to stay at your campsite very long. There are just too many things to explore at this state park. If you are going and want to truly experience the park, plan to camp at least three nights. One day you can explore Upper Cascades falls and the hanging rock. On another day, you can hike the Moore’s Wall trail and cool off in the lake. On another day, see a couple more waterfalls or hike the Reuben Mountain Trail.
There is also a group camping area. I took the Boy Scouts there once, so I decided to visit this time to see if it was still the same. They have added bathrooms and more well-defined tent sites—quite an improvement since the last time.
