Stokes County, NC
Nestled amid North Carolina’s scenic mountainous landscapes and beautiful beaches sits Stokes County, in the Piedmont region of the state. Home to the towns of Danbury and Walnut Cove, City of King, and many rural communities where southern hospitality of a wave or simple hello will make you feel right at home.
One of the Top 10 state parks of North Carolina finds its home here, Hanging Rock, named for the rock out cropping projecting out from surrounding rock formations. The Sauratown Mountain range spans the county with vast beauty to explore: starting with the mountains themselves. Featuring scenic ridges, knobs and elevated vantage points, including Moore’s Knob, Moore’s Wall, Cook’s Wall, Wolf Rock, House Rock, and Hanging Rock to a cave like formation, known as Tory’s Den.
Because of the mountainous landscape, hiking is a fan-favorite activity. More than 20 miles of wooded passageways form a network of trails at Hanging Rock State Park, including waterfalls, high rock cliffs, beautiful views, and small mountain caves to explore.
Or, for the bravest adventurers, consider rock climbing along Cook’s Wall or Moore’s Wall. The climb takes you to an elevation of over 400 feet.
Visitors can end their day with a picnic along the trails, then settle into your tent or camper, as you sit by the campfire at one of the campsites or rustic cabins. The campground offers a peaceful place to relax with family and friends during any season.
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.
Cutting diagonally across Stokes County for nearly 54 miles, from northwest to the southeast losing about 500 feet in elevation as it goes. The Dan offers great outdoor recreation activities for boating, paddling, tubing, fishing and swimming. But it pays to do your research, and to have a plan. Especially for transportation to get back to your starting point.) And yes, there are places on the Dan where Class I, II, & III rapids are found.
Weekend wanderers will find a calendar-filling list of new experiences close to home. Hop on hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas or flowing waterfalls. Sit back and relax with a glass of wine at a local vineyard. Or go shopping for arts and treasures you can only find here. Find local self-guided tours and itineraries, including a two day twelve stop points of interest at hangingrock.com
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
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