Ask A Ranger: Hemlocks at Hanging Rock State Park with Ranger Mary
How can an insect no bigger than the period at the end of a sentence take down an entire tree? We sit down with Ranger Mary Griffin from Hanging Rock State Park to find out.
COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 5/28/2021)
Posted on: Friday, May 28, 2021 - 10:04am |
New URL for the webstore
Posted on: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 - 10:58am |
Park News
6/26/21 Lake Operations Please Read
Due to extremely limited staffing the lake will operate on a restricted basis on Saturday, 6/26. The diving platform and half of the swim beach will remain closed the entire day. Swimmers will be called out of the water hourly in the afternoon so the lifeguards can take a short break. If the crowd becomes too large, we will have to close the swim area completely and refunds will be given to swimmers who have not enjoyed the majority of the day. Please bear with us as we work to balance safety and recreational enjoyment for all our guests.
Last updated on: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Summer 2021 Swimming and Diving Platform Info -- Please Read
The lake swimming area at Hanging Rock State Park will open on Saturday, May 29, and will operate 5 days a week (Thursdays through Mondays) through the summer. The area will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays; swimming is not allowed when the lake is closed.
Boat and canoe rentals will not be available this year.
Due to limited staffing and large crowds, expect partial or full-day diving platform closures at the lake swimming area during times of peak visitation, especially weekends. We are doing our best to balance recreational avalibility with safety in our swimming area.
No pets are permitted at the swimming area. They are allowed everywhere else in the park as long as they are on a leash and attended at all times.
Visitor center closed
Beginning on October 5, 2020, the visitor center at Hanging Rock State Park will be closed due to construction. The closure is expected to last several months until at least spring of 2021. We apologize for the inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience as we work to improve the park.
Last updated on: Monday, November 9, 2020
Contact 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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The swim beach is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the 2021 season. The beach is open Thursday to Monday, following the hours listed below.
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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
News archive
Each of North Carolina’s state parks has special events during the year and news about facilities, trails, staff and park supporters. And, visitors are frequently finding new ways to explore a park’s unique cultural and natural resources. Check these pages to keep abreast of the news at your favorite parks.
Ask a Ranger: Exploring Park Ranger Careers in State and National Parks
We sat down with Ranger Austin Paul who has been fortunate enough to have experienced being a park ranger in both state parks and national parks. He takes us on the journey that led him to both state parks and national parks, as well as some of the similarities and differences between state and national parks.
Accepting donations for our holiday food and toy drive!
Hanging Rock State Park is currently accepting donations for nonperishable items and toys for those in need in Stokes County. Stop by the park's visitor center to donate today!
Hanging Rock State Park Expansion Master Plan
A park expansion master plan is complete for the 750 acres of land that the State of North Carolina acquired north of Hanging Rock State Park.
Park Maps and Brochures:
