Stokes County, NC
Stokes County, NC, is home to several beautiful waterfalls, mostly within Hanging Rock State Park, one of the Top 10 parks in the state hosting every amenity available to state parks in North Carolina. Hanging Rock is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities including waterfalls, mountain biking, bouldering, horseback riding, cabins and campground. Waterfalls are easy activities for day trip visits, but better enjoyed on a multiple day trek across the county to enjoy local events, businesses and rural charm.
Lower Cascades Falls is one of the most picturesque in the county featuring a 35-foot drop into a large, clear pool. Accessible via a short 0.8-mile round-trip hike great for photos and wading or pack a picnic to enjoy the company of others on the same trek. Lower Cascades is located outside of the main park gate on Hall Road in Westfield.
Upper Cascades Falls is one of the smaller, less visited waterfalls in the park and is accessible for people of all abilities from the Visitor Center parking lot. At this waterfall there is a platform overlook deck, and those wanting to adventure further are able to work their way to the rocky base where the water hits and trickles down. Pro Tip, this waterfall is best viewed after a good rainfall for higher water flow.
Tory’s Falls is the tallest waterfall dropping from around 240 feet, usually a thin flow, especially in dry months. The trail to the falls is 0.3 miles one-way but does not lead to the base. While in the area take the hike out to Tory’s Den to experience the only cave like outcropping in the rocky surroundings. Tory’s Den and Falls are located outside of the main park gate on Charlie Young Road.
Window Falls gets its name from a rock formation that creates a “window” near the falls. This waterfall features a 15-foot drop with a picturesque setting, and is located along the Indian Creek Trail on a hike of about 1.6 miles round trip.
Hidden Falls is a smaller but serene waterfall along Indian Creek Trail, Often paired with Window Falls for a short, enjoyable hike. Features a picnic shelter near the trailhead.
Hanging Rock State Park offers over 20 miles of trails, rock climbing, a lake, and scenic overlooks. If you’re planning a visit, spring and after heavy rains are the best times to see these falls at their fullest.
It’s 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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