Discovery/Interpretive Trail

Only 0.8 mile long, this trail traverses floodplain and ridgetop, offering an excellent introduction to the park's diverse habitats and landforms. It is named for the point at which the Uwharrie River joins the Yadkin River and the Yadkin River then becomes known as the Pee Dee River, creating an intersection of three rivers. This area was once the site of a small community called Tyndalsville.

This trail, approximately 0.6 mile long, is one of the Kids in Parks TRACK Trails. Brochures with a variety of activities for children can be found at the trailhead. This trail also goes by the Civilian Conservation Corps' (CCC) rock quarry, which supplied many of the rocks used to construct the park's buildings, curbs, and walls during the Great Depression. Rock exposed by quarrying and erosion offers insights to the area's unique geologic past. Dragonflies and frogs now take advantage of the small pond formed as a result of rock quarrying.

This interpretive trail begins at the kiosk outside the group camp gate, located at 2056 Hanging Rock Park Road. The trail surface is gravel, dirt, and rock. The trail passes five numbered posts and interpretive signs pointing out significant locations in what was once the middle of the bustling Civilian Conservation Corps Camp 3422. This camp was home to hundreds of CCC enrollees from 1935 to 1942. The men who lived here built the park roads and most of the facilities, which are still in use, including the bathhouse, picnic shelters, lake, and trails.

This trail begins at the west end of the visitor center parking lot, located at 1005 Visitor Center Drive, at the wooden handrail. The trail immediately crosses Hanging Rock Park Road. The trail starts out asphalt and turns to gravel after passing the intersection with Rock Garden Trail. A wide, gently sloping trail leads downhill to a wooden observation deck with seating for safe views of the tall, burbling falls. A set of wooden stairs takes adventurous hikers and dogs to a shallow catch pool at the base of the waterfall.

This short hike is great for kids and adults alike. There is a self-guided hike along this trail that features various points of interest. Walk along the headwaters of Little Creek and explore the banks for water bugs and reptiles. Be on the lookout for woodpeckers and box turtles along the trail!

The Rolling View TRACK Trail is a 0.75-mile loop through a mixed pine forest along the edge of Falls Lake. Look for the effects of prescribed burning on the landscape.

The Beaverdam TRACK Trail is a 0.6-mile hike one way (1.2 miles round trip). Enjoy a hike through through a mixed pine forest along the edge of Beaverdam Lake that leads to a wildlife observation platform overlooking Duck Cove.

This trail offers scenic views of Pilot Mountain pinnacle and vistas of the surrounding mountains, leading hikers through a unique fire-based forest ecosystem. Trail has activities for children. Trail starts at the upper side of summit parking area behind the restroom.

The Merchants Millpond State Park TRACK Trail follows the Coleman Trail, an easy and flat 2 mile loop. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the forest while exploring the habitats that surround Merchants Millpond.

The Lumber River State Park TRACK Trail is an easy 0.5 mile loop along Griffin's Bluff. The Trail features interpretive panels and an observation deck overlooking Griffin's Whirl, a unique reverse flow area in the river.