Hanging Rock Bike Trails

Saturday marked Amaroq's and my first camping trip to Hanging Rock State Park and we made the most of every hour. We left early and headed straight for the Bike Trailhead, a section of the park I'd never explored before. After crossing the road, we picked up the Round-necked Trail, a winding path that climbed to bluffs overlooking the Dan River before looping back as an out-and-back.

Near the trailhead, I noticed the bridge over Cascade Creek had washed out, so we crossed back over the road and joined the Original Loop instead. The Original Loop wound through gorgeous, quiet forest before connecting with the Major Tom Trail.

We followed it up to a ridge along the edge of the property, where Moore's Knob came into view - stunning, though the harsh midday sun made a photo impossible. From the top, we descended via the Rattler Trail, passing a trail-building crew hard at work on the way down.

A detour at the Farmhouse parking area brought us to a small waterfall on Cascade Creek.

A worthwhile stop before we looped back and finished out Major Tom and the Original Loop. 

Hungry and satisfied, we grabbed pizza at Rocky River Cafe. I had my heart set on a beer from Green Heron Ale House, but they were closed for the season, so we headed back to the park for one more hike, the new Hanging Rock Trail.

Near the base of the rock, the new section branches off along an old road and makes a sweeping switchback to the summit. It was crowded at the top, but I enjoyed a good conversation with a park ranger about trails in the area before we made our way back down. By then, it was finally time to check in.

With the tent pitched, we took a leisurely walk down to the lake and on to Upper Cascade Falls.

The sun had dropped low enough to soften the light, and I got a decent shot at last. Then it was back to camp with a fire crackling, the day finally slowing down around us.