Make a splash into cool mountain waters of the Dan River, dip your feet in a refreshing waterfall as it rushes by your skin flowing to the ground at Hanging Rock State Park. Stokes County, North Carolina is the perfect Mountain Getaway, surrounded by rural landscapes, remote locations and vacation rental accommodations away from traffic jams and large cities.
Experience the mighty Dan River flowing from the northwest in Westfield at Jessup Mill Access, to southeast at Pine Hall Bridge Access. The Dan passes through the Sauratown range keeping waters cool and refreshing for kayaking, canoeing, or river tubing. In the northwestern section fishermen find pleasure at Jessup Mill or Harts Access, here Brown Trout are easily reeled in from their eastern most native habitat.
Add a Waterfall between hikes at Hanging Rock to cool off. Five waterfalls to enjoy: Lower Cascades is accessed from outside the park gate on Hall Road and includes an area for wading perfect for young ones. In the corner of the Visitor Center Parking lot access Hidden Falls and Window Falls, here you can stand on rocks behind the waterfall! Upper Cascades is accessed by crossing the State Park Road onto a gravel trail, and Tory’s Den and Falls can be accessed from the rock climbing area on Charlie Young Road.
Moratock Park in Danbury has been a go to for families and friends escaping confines of their house this summer. Enjoy a picnic in the park, a dip into the river from a sandy riverside beach, or breath taking splash from the Rope Swing on the opposite river bank. Moratock is in a unique spot as Dan River waters horseshoe around park grounds.
Visitors often create their own circular float, similar to a lazy river, by way of an inner tube float they bring with them. Inside Moratock at the upstream section of the Dan River, near rock outcroppings you put in, then float around to the river access on the opposite side near the historic Iron Furnace. Watch for River Access steps on river left, where you MUST get out, walk your tube across the road, and repeat. Don’t bypass the takeout as downstream there are limited out-takes for a span of six miles. Those playing in the waters of the river should remember this public waterway IS NOT a “Lazy River” and DOES continue downstream eventually into Virginia.
Cool Cars, Hot Rods, Motorcycles and FUN along the streets of Walnut Cove return this July with monthly Cruise In’s On Main. This event has become a tradition on the final Friday of each month with LIVE Entertainment and many downtown businesses open extended hours.
The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. Experience hiking trails, waterfalls, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and more. Enjoy a leisurely float down the Dan River by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or tube. www.hangingrock.com
