We know you must be longing to enjoy flowers in bloom along the North Carolina “Hanging Rock Scenic Byway” named for outcroppings of the Sauratown Mountains. Those ancient peaks, an indication of diverse natural splendor below. A visit to Cascade Falls introduces you to a double drop of 200 feet at upper cascade and another 60 feet at lower cascade. Visitors will want to explore places like Tory’s Den, a cave used as a hiding place for loyalists to the king in Revolutionary War times. The story of Tory’s Den is that Redcoats used it as a hideout where nearly 100 “Tories” would hide. But their campfires were spotted by night and they were quickly routed.
Byway towns like Danbury date back to pre-colonial times when Indian villages still dotted the piedmont. Founded in 1849, as a town evolved from Indian village to trading post to a pre-Civil War city. In Danbury you will want to visit The Arts Place of Stokes a centerpiece of Historic Downtown, featuring a regional arts market with items from local artist for sale. Across the street snap a selfie with the Historic Courthouse, Built in 1904, a design by Wheeler and Runge in Classical Revival and Beaux Art styles. Beside the courthouse observe a stop on the NC Civil War Trail, Moody Tavern, known for being Stoneman’s Headquarters in 1865, and later a tourist court.
Outside Danbury venture down to Moratock Park, a unique county park where the Dan River horseshoes around park property, take a dip, canoe or tube ride on the mighty Dan. This park includes an additional stop on the Civil War Trail where Moratock Ironworks Furnace can be observed. Just down the road, along segment 8 of the Mountains To Sea Trail, stop into Priddy’s General Store for a sandwich and reflection on a “General Store” of yesteryear. Visitors enjoy traditional bluegrass and flat footing here throughout the year and on Memorial Day weekend with an outside Pickin’ at Priddy’s.
Enjoy the rivers, mountains, and small towns along the byway that links the Middle Mountains. In the town of Pinnacle, find the Horne Creek Historical Farm, where old ways of life on the North Carolina piedmont are recreated.
Along the way on Route 66, in Westfield take a canopy tour at Carolina Ziplines, to feel the wind in your hair while soaring through the air. Additional stops include municipalities of Walnut Cove and King known for the many locally owned small businesses, unique dining and quaint small town charm. Snap a selfie with a new wall murals in King and tag us #StokesROCKS
We’ve missed you and look forward to the return of happy faces enjoying a Stokes County State of Mind.
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
