Policies for COVID-19
Posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 4:22pm |
Fees/FAQs/Rules

The Lake Parking Lot will be closed on Wednesday, May 18th, as repairs are made. Bathrooms are available at the Visitor Center and picnic areas. All areas are still open to pedestrian traffic.
Last updated on: Tuesday, May 17, 2022The lake swimming area will open for the season on Saturday, May 28. Due to staff shortages, the area may be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer, but should be able to operate at least 5 days a week. Canoe and stand-up paddleboard rentals will be available when the lake is open. Please contact the park for more information.
Last updated on: Friday, April 29, 2022Contact the park
336-593-8480
hanging.rock@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Park entrance
1790 Hanging Rock Park Road
Danbury, NC 27016
GPS: 36.4119, -80.2541
Visitor center
1005 Visitor Center Drive
Westfield, NC 27053
GPS: 36.3952, -80.2665
Lake bathhouse
2847 Hanging Rock Park Road
Westfield, NC 27053
GPS: 36.3902, -80.2678
Lower Cascades parking area
2143 Hall Road
Westfield, NC 27053
GPS: 36.4148, -80.2647
Dan River access
1258 Flinchum Road
Danbury, NC 27016
GPS: 36.4293, -80.2487
Tory's Den parking area
1185 Charlie Young Road
Westfield, NC 27053
GPS: 36.4019, -80.2995
Climbing access
1035 Climbing Access Drive
Westfield, NC 27053
GPS: 36.3995, -80.2906
Mountain biking access
2568 Moores Spring Road
Westfield, NC 27053
GPS: 36.4187, -80.2839
Hours
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The park's main gate at Hanging Rock Park Road observes the following opening and closing hours:
- December to February:
7:00am to 7:00pm
- March to April:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- May to September:
7:00am to 10:00pm
- October:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- November:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
- Campers and cabin guests must arrive prior to the closing hour, after which the park gate is closed for the night.
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All other accesses, including Lower Cascades, Tory's Den, Dan River access, climbing access, and mountain bike trails, observe the gate hours listed below. Please plan accordingly.
- December to February:
7:30am to 5:30pm
- March to April:
7:30am to 7:30pm
- May to September:
7:30am to 8:30pm
- October:
7:30am to 7:30pm
- November:
7:30am to 6:30pm
- Closed Christmas Day
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Summer months only. Hours may vary due to staff availability. The diving platform may be closed due to staffing; please inquire with staff for hours.
- Monday:
11:00am to 5:45pm
Thursday to Sunday:
10:00am to 5:45pm
- Fee charged for all swimmers. Free swim from 5:00pm to 5:45pm.
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Hanging Rock State Park will not have boat rentals available in 2021. The concession stand is open when the swim beach is open.
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Open weekends only in spring and fall
- Open daily during summer months
- 10:00am to 5:30pm
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Open daily:
- 9:00am to 4:45pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Additional information
There are no entrance fees to enjoy the park. In addition to park-specific rules, please read the systemwide Park Rules for all North Carolina State Parks.
Climbing
All climbers must register with the park by completing a climbing and rappelling registration and activity permit which is available at the park office or at the climbing accesses. There is no fee for this permit. Prior to activity, a copy of the permit must be deposited in a registration box or given to a park ranger. An additional copy is provided for participants and must be held in their possession while engaged in climbing or rappelling.
Participants are responsible for their own personal safety, including securing proper training and equipment, and adhering to safe practices. Basic rock climbing safety equipment and techniques must be used at all time.
The following state park climbing regulations apply at all times:
- All climbers must register with the park staff and must keep in their possession a valid rock climbing and rappelling permit.
- NC state parks do not install or maintain any climbing route or fixed anchors. New routes are not permitted.
- Climbers climb at their own risk and are responsible for obtaining proper equipment and training. Unroped climbing is discouraged.
- Route selection and the decision to rely on any fixed anchors are the climber's responsibility.
- Climbing activities are permitted in designated areas only and must coincide with the park's posted hours of operation.
- All accidents and injuries must be reported to park staff.
Note: All climbers and rappellers must schedule their activity in order to leave the park by the posted closing hour.
Fishing
Anyone over 16 years old must have a NC fishing license. All North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission fishing regulations are enforced.
Swimming
Fees for the swimming area are $6/day for adults (13 and over) and $4/day for children (ages 3-12).
**During the 2021 season, the swim beach is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The beach is open Thursday through Monday following regular operating hours.**
Availability
Summer months depending on staff availability.
Monday 11am- 5:45pm
Tuesday - Sunday - 10am - 5:45pm
Boating
No private boats are allowed on the park lake.
Canoes and rowboats may be rented when the lake facilities are open. Canoes accommodate up to 2 people, and rowboats accommodate up to 3 people. Rental fees are $7 per hour.
**Hanging Rock State Park is not offering boat rentals in 2021.**
Availability
Summer Months depending on staff availability. Saturdays and Sundays in April, May, September, October
Monday 11am until 4:30pm.
Tuesday - Sunday: 10am until 4:30pm.
Permits
Event permits. Some events—such as weddings, athletic contests, company parties, etc.—may require a Special Activity Permit. If you're unsure whether such a permit is necessary for your event, call the park office beforehand. You can download a Special Activity Permit application or obtain one from the park office.
Research and collection permits. A permit is required for any project involving the collection, removal or disturbance of any natural or cultural resource of any state park unit and for projects that require placing monitoring equipment in any state park unit. Learn more about research and collection permits or fill out a permit application online.
A $25 fee will be charged for all returned checks.
Park Maps and Brochures: