Hanging Rock State Park
Open
Open
Open
Closed for the Season
Closed for the Season
About the Park
Located in Stokes County 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park started as a Civilian Conservation Corps project and has become a park that offers every part of a traditional outdoor experience. Trails lead to picturesque mountain views, rock outcrops, waterfalls, and even a mountain cave. Some are open to horseback riding and mountain biking, and a portion is part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Campgrounds, a swim lake, and access to paddling on the Dan River complete the gamut of recreational opportunities.
Camping
- Vacation cabins
- Tent sites
- Trailer and RV sites (no hookups)
- Group tent sites
- Showers
- Firewood
Activities
- Hiking (48 miles)
- Biking (15 miles)
- Horseback riding (6 miles)
- Paddling
- Swimming (seasonal)
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Rock climbing
Amenities
- Boat rentals (seasonal)
- Concession stand (seasonal)
- Amphitheater
- Auditorium and classroom
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center and exhibits
- Beach access (lake, seasonal)
- Bathhouse (seasonal)
Plan Your Visit
Park Hours
The park's main gate at Hanging Rock Park Road observes the listed opening and closing hours:
| Month | Hours |
|---|---|
| January | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| February | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| March | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| April | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| May | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| June | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| July | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| August | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| September | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| October | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| November | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| December | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Campers and cabin guests must arrive prior to the closing hour, after which the park gate is closed for the night.
All other accesses, including Lower Cascades, Tory's Den, Dan River access, climbing access, and mountain bike trails, observe the gate hours listed. Please plan accordingly.
| Month | Hours |
|---|---|
| January | 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| February | 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| March | 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| April | 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| May | 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| June | 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| July | 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| August | 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| September | 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| October | 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| November | 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| December | 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
Swimming at the lake is permitted between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend (May 25 through Sept. 2, 2024) during operational hours.
| Mondays | 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays | Closed |
| Wednesdays | Closed |
| Thursday | 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
Lake operational hours may vary due to staff availability. The diving platform may be closed due to lifeguard staffing; please inquire with park staff for hours.
A fee is charged for all swimmers. Free swim is available from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Boat rentals are available between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend (May 25 through Sept. 2, 2024) during operational hours.
| Mondays | 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays | Closed |
| Wednesdays | Closed |
| Thursday | 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Lake operational hours may vary due to staff availability.
The last rental is at 4:30 p.m. and all boats must be returned by 5:30 p.m. A fee is charged for all boat rentals and visitors must be at least 16 years old to rent.
Personal boats and watercraft are not allowed on the lake.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Photo Gallery
Top: Hanging Rock, C. Peek
Gallery: Upper Cascades Falls, staff photo | Fall colors at the park, E. Farr | Park lake in autumn, C. Peek | Sunset over the Sauratown Mountains, L. Li | Hidden Falls, D. Cook