![]() ![]() So to sum up, it was another great state park we loved and would do again, free to enter and pet friendly. But he did mention there was room for our dog up at the top, a lot of the people we saw, got to the top with their dogs, I just didn't want to risk it the first time around. But it was manageable, I stopped just a little bit before the top with our dog, my husband went alone to the top, as it was getting too crowded with people. We had read reviews before going and were a bit concerned about the hanging rock trail as it gets very narrow and is hard when it gets crowded if you have a dog, especially our 85lbs one. Our pup loved it, loved to see the waterfalls. we didn't see anyone on the Falls trails, nor at the beginning of the hanging rock trail, but it started to get crowded by the end, so we called it a quit. Very beautiful state park again, score for the state of North Carolina, we went bright and early once again, and there were only 2 other cars parked when we started, which was amazing (on a side note, the day we went, the office was closed and didn't have maps outside or signal with our phones so we started with the waterfalls trails, by the time we were going to start the hanging rock trail, a park ranger had come and pulled out some maps for guests), as the hours went by, the parking started getting full, but not to full capacity. No time for the Wolf Rock trail this time, next time hopefully. We had time to do the Window Falls trail as well as the Hidden Falls trail, the Upper Cascade Falls, and the Hanging Rock Trail. Again, we stayed for about 5 hours in this park, it was our first visit and def not our last. This park seems to have a little more options when it comes to trails, although I'm sure the Hanging Rock Trail is the more common of all since you get to see the hanging rock. I would love to do the entire Indian Creek trail in the future, and would do that alone and save my legs given that it is also of moderate difficulty. Our legs were like jello by the end of this. Both were absolutely beautiful and very accessible. Window Falls (about 0.6mi in) had MANY stairs descending to the falls, Hidden Falls was much easier, but still quite an uphill climb back toward the parking lot. We then hit two of the waterfalls along the Indian Creek trail. The descent was a bit rough on the knees given a path as steep downhill as it was going up at times (esp on the stairs). Many people were sitting and snacking at the top (we brought a light lunch along). It is not slippery for the most part (but could be after a heavy rain), but you have to be mindful of the height of the rocks - you may be doing some climbing to get a good view/shot. There were multiple areas where people took photos at the edge of the rocks (our photos as displayed are benign in comparison). We got to the top (with a few stops) in under 40 minutes. It is a moderate difficulty hike, but as long as you take it easy (and there were plenty of people taking breaks on the benches along the way) - you will make it. Your start with a descent down about 0.25mi miles of concrete before starting a sharp ascent, which levels after about 0.3mi, and then come the wooden steps, followed by rock steps. The maps are great and the trailheads are very clearly marked. ![]() It was great to see people of many abilities and nationalities present as this is a very popular park despite its rural location. I did get a little carsick on the way, but it was better on the way back. Also, be warned that the road is very windy-curvy when you get further into Danbury and closer to the park. They definitely need more than 4 stalls in the women's bathroom though, given the very high volume (which becomes more cumbersome with entrances from the outside, as well as inside the visitor center). Parking was ample, although we got in late morning (park opens at 7am). She has previously hiked the strenuous Moore's trail and experienced the Observation Deck, but had never done the Hanging Rock trail. ![]() ![]() Went today with a friend and her husband. ![]()
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