the Treacherous trail leading to the top of Hanging rock:
Da Phenny and Da Nelly asked me
If People had really died on the trails
YES my Handsome Weimaraner Friends!!
Yes indeed people have died on that trail...mostly due to stupidity.
Most recently an idiot taking a selfie backed off the top of Hanging Rock. This has happened several times. Also people who hardly walk to their mailbox decide it is a good idea to hike. We think the sign was put up to clear them any liability because the park has no way of monitoring one’s mentality or judgement.
Now here is the rest of the story.
This is the beginning of the trek after the 1st warning sign
2nd warning sign one of the 3 flat areas
Yes there are steps but one's stride needs to be about 3' in length
to far apart. There was one mile marker on the trail after the beginning.
It was just before this set of stairs. It advised all who were still upright
they had .8 miles to go.
We were quite encouraged thinking our destination was just around the bend.
It was NOT, if possible, the trail ahead was steeper and rockier
Just beyond where you see the end of the steps, I told my husband I was not going any farther.
Honestly I was starting to worry about getting back down.
He said we've come this far????!!! I hate not to keep going.
Edge of Hanging Rock from the ground
Back side of Hanging Rock
I did not get many pictures. I needed both hands to steady myself.
I took photos from each of the flat surfaces.
Same path down no climbing but keeping my footing on the boulders, loose rocks and dirt trails
Became a concern , it was hard to control your speed going down.
Finally he made it back down to where I was waiting.
He estimated he climbed about 10 more minutes straight up.
As we carefully walked down, he admitted going all the way was the 1st 'stupid' thing he did,
2nd being he forgot to take the camera to the top, but then I forgot to ask him if he wanted it.
Turns out there was lots shrubs, overgrowth and thickets. He could not see anything but
rock. We are thinking maybe the park service let it become overgrown to keep
idiots from walking to the edge.
Total miles up and back 2.6 miles
Next two images are from Google
Looking for a great trail in Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina? All Trails has 21 great hiking trails, trail running trails, dogs leash trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Ready for some activity? There are 12 moderate trails in Hanging Rock State Park ranging from 1.2 to 29.4 miles and from 705 to 2,575 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time!
Upper Cascade Falls .6 mile both ways
Trail head began on the other side of the road.
The only rocky surface
The white flowers you see are Rhododendron
Click here to read more about the State Park which stretches over 7,000 + acres
This is the beginning of the trek after the 1st warning sign
Yes there are steps but one's stride needs to be about 3' in length
to far apart. There was one mile marker on the trail after the beginning.
It was just before this set of stairs. It advised all who were still upright
they had .8 miles to go.
We were quite encouraged thinking our destination was just around the bend.
It was NOT, if possible, the trail ahead was steeper and rockier
Just beyond where you see the end of the steps, I told my husband I was not going any farther.
Honestly I was starting to worry about getting back down.
He said we've come this far????!!! I hate not to keep going.
Edge of Hanging Rock from the ground
Back side of Hanging Rock
I did not get many pictures. I needed both hands to steady myself.
I took photos from each of the flat surfaces.
Same path down no climbing but keeping my footing on the boulders, loose rocks and dirt trails
Became a concern , it was hard to control your speed going down.
He estimated he climbed about 10 more minutes straight up.
As we carefully walked down, he admitted going all the way was the 1st 'stupid' thing he did,
2nd being he forgot to take the camera to the top, but then I forgot to ask him if he wanted it.
Turns out there was lots shrubs, overgrowth and thickets. He could not see anything but
rock. We are thinking maybe the park service let it become overgrown to keep
idiots from walking to the edge.
Total miles up and back 2.6 miles
Next two images are from Google
Looking for a great trail in Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina? All Trails has 21 great hiking trails, trail running trails, dogs leash trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Ready for some activity? There are 12 moderate trails in Hanging Rock State Park ranging from 1.2 to 29.4 miles and from 705 to 2,575 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time!
Upper Cascade Falls .6 mile both ways
Trail head began on the other side of the road.
The only rocky surface
At the end of the deck is another set of steps down to the falls.
I was a little surprised access to the rocks was allowed.
Upper Cascade is one of ~12 waterfalls in the park
The white flowers you see are Rhododendron
I often wonder what nature can create all alone... without us humans... spectacular! I guessed it that people in our time are often stupid and that some of this guys would do efurrything to get some likes at instagram... maybe insta likes are the new bit coins?
ReplyDeleteWell I think that looks a grrreat hike. Gail is always complaining about how at her work place there are now big signs telling you to hold the hand rail when walking up and down stairs. Given she has many colleagues who are, like her, are into hill walking (and many of the trails in the Scottish hills are very rough/steep/rocky/boggy/etc.) she says she thinks it would be useful occasionally to practice walking up and down stairs without clinging onto the rail. But, as with the signs in your beautiful park, it's no doubt all about liability and fear of being sued...
ReplyDeleteToodle pip!
Bertie.
We have a hanging rock too, first they had a picnic then made a movie.
ReplyDeleteMerle........
Dad got all excited when he saw these pictures. He and mom have made several trips out to Hanging Rock State Park, though it's been a while now. Dad remembers he was actually a little chicken to go out to the edge like where those people are standing, but mom went right out there. Dad did end up going out to the edge, but his stomach kept him on edge, no pun intended. Having left Chapel Hill for Wilmington we're farther away than we were, but seeing these made dad want to go out for a good hike. Maybe during their next vacation. Thanks for the wonderful memory photos.
ReplyDeleteOh what a beautiful place for a hike but I must say - you were able to handle a whole lot more of that walk than I EVER would have! Some view from up there though - beautiful waterfalls and trees everywhere. Glad you had fun!!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Pam
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteMy word - I am in awe... of your having stuck to that climb! On the first three read throughs I was trying to reconcile eight miles with your two point six mentioned later... then it finally clicked that it was POINT eight miles. These ageing eyes totally missed that little sucker, even with the bifocals on!!! YAM xx
Wow - it's just gorgeous! Sleeping Giant has steps like those and they are not easy to climb because they're so large between steps. Our Sleeping Giant is open again after being closed for over a year due to the tornado ripping through but Molly and I will wait until autumn when it's cooler.
ReplyDeleteHoly Carp! That was an amazing walk and you are way braver than our Mom!!
ReplyDeleteThe Florida Furkids
At one time maybe... but not no more! Congrats to you!
ReplyDeleteWow, it's beautiful. But dang, I can barely stay upright on flat even ground. Probably not a good place for a klutz like me to go.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an amazing hike. Those are the places I love to go and see.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a nice time on your hike even if the park was trying to scare you into not going. Being out in nature is good for the soul as long as you don't take a dive off a rock while taking a selfie. We're glad you and hubby made it down in one piece.
ReplyDeleteHubby and I used to do this all the time, but not anymore. Hubby has the worst knees on the planet. He pays dearly for even a small walk on a flat surface. How wonderful you were able to do this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday, my friend. Big hug. ♥
That sure is a beautiful place but the lookout spot seems pretty scary to me!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing it. It looks like the Cumberland Gap State Park we were in at Tri State area...VA/NC/TN. The trail we took was about like that one. I thought..oh, I can do this when I started out and it was a hot sweaty humid day too. Well, I did it but I moaned and complained and generally acted like I was (and I was) miserable for 2/3's o the hike.
ReplyDeleteI can walk 3 miles on flat ground but would not even attempt to do this. it is gorgeous and I will be content with the photos... I agree with Katie, it does look like Cumberland. you did great in my book
ReplyDeleteC;
ReplyDeletethanx for sharin the awesome photos !!! and your both tried; that's what's important.... not sure which gets more oh a thumbs UP; the woods or the waterfall...thanx again for sharing !!! ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥
Oh wow, that really was quite the challenging hike. EVen more kudos to both of you for doing so. It sure does look challenging. If we could have been there, we would have helped pull you up, but we don't think you would like coming back down at the pace we like:)
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
A gorgeous area. You were so good to make it as far as you could. Pottering around the 'easy' walks would have been enough for me...lol! Cannot 'do' heights. (I would have bought a postcard.)
ReplyDeleteWow! That is an incredible view. It is crazy how many people die trying to take a picture of themselves. I just read where someone fell at the Grand Canyon. #SelfieSuicide
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful!! So glad you challenged yourself...but knew your limits!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, but no place that I want to go. XO
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the beautiful photos of your hike. A good challenge is always good sometimes. Love the waterfall photos. Looks very peaceful. Have a fantastic rest of your day.
ReplyDeleteWorld of Animals
Gorgeous scenery. Nature has so much beauty but can be so dangerous.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful place but mom says she would be to scared to hike to hanging rock!
ReplyDeletehugs
Mabel & Hilda
Granny almost fell off her chair, when she saw the rocks...she doesn't need a warning sign to get up there...MOL😸Beautiful pictures anyway😸Pawkisses for a wonderful week ahead🐾😽💞
ReplyDeleteDad saw some of the waterfalls when he was in the park but did not do Hanging rock. Thanks for the great photos
ReplyDelete