- Highlights: Views
- Distance: 8.7 mile loop
- Elevation Change 1,332 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt and rocks
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trailhead Parking: Lake Parking Area, 2847 Hanging Rock Park Road
- Trail Markings: Various blazes, signs at trail junctions
- Website: AllTrails and Hanging Rock State Park
- Beer Pairings: Foothills Brewing—Jade IPA & People’s Porter
Trail Map:
The Hike:
This was our first visit to Hanging Rock State Park and we are already planning to return. We hiked on a cloudy day and some of the views were partially covered with clouds. Hanging Rock is famous for waterfalls and amazing views. The park has five vistas and this hike visits four of them. The trails were very well marked and well maintained.
We began our hike at the Lake parking area. The Hanging Rock Connector begins on the north side of the parking area and joins the Hanging Rock Trail. The AllTrails hike we used doesn’t actually include the Hanging Rock Summit. Even on a cloudy day, it is definitely worth adding to the hike route.
We then followed the blue triangles on the Wolf Rock Trail to Wolf Rock. The clouds had subsided a bit and we had some nice partial views. After Wolf Rock, the trail becomes the white diamond-blazed Cook’s Wall trail. House Rock offered some decent views despite the clouds. By the time we reached Cook’s Wall, the clouds had increased and the views were partial at best.
We returned to the loop on the Cook’s Wall trail and went left at the junction with the blue square-blazed Magnolia Springs Trail. Looming storm clouds, distant thunder, and limited views convinced us to cut our hike short. We followed the red circle blazes back to the Lake Parking Area. The park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the lake bathhouse is a living memorial to the work crews. This park and its great trails deserve at least two days. We’ll be back.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Green Heron Ale House is located about 10 minutes from the trailhead. Unfortunately, they are only open on weekends and we were hiking during the week. Plan B involved a 45-minute drive back to Winston-Salem to visit Foothills Brewpub. They have 16 taps of craft beer, a full service restaurant, indoor and outdoor seating, and live music on Wednesdays and Sundays. They are also dog and kid friendly.
Pete gives high marks to People’s Porter (5.8% ABV • 42 IBU), an English-style porter with notes of chocolate, toffee, and just a hint of espresso. Kathy really, really liked Jade IPA (7.4% ABV • 86 IBU) an American-style IPA brewed with Pacific Jade hops and dry hopped with Chinook and Citra. Cheers!
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.