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
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
Click here to read more about the State Park which stretches over 7,000 + acres
Of course I can now see it in the original as clear as day!!
