Hanging Rock State Park

Known as the mountains away from the mountains, the quartzite monadnocks that comprise Hanging Rock State Park tower over the land around them with peaks at 2,500 feet above sea level; the lower foothills only reach 800 feet in elevation. The rock ridges are the product of years of erosion, giving them the sheer face we see today, namely, Hanging Rock. The state park lies in the Sauratown Mountain Range, which is named after the Saura Indians that once inhabited the region. Comprised of 7,000 total acres, the state park is home to a variety of wildlife including the white-tailed deer, ribbonsnake, and various frog species. 

Hanging Rock is visible long before the park entrance. Luckily, most of the climb to the park is by car. The park has many attractions for visitors of all abilites, including ADA-accessible trails. A hike on the right trail will give way to scenic ridges and rock walls for bouldering (provided one has the correct equipment). The visitor center is a central location for many trails with opposing elevations giving way to both waterfalls or a climb to the top of Hanging Rock. A short walk from the visitor center will lead to the 73-site campground and cabin lodging area. In the other direction is Hanging Rock Lake, where visitors can sunbathe on the sandy shores, swim, rent canoes, or fish in designated areas of the lake. Early spring is the time to beat the crowds before all summer activities are underway. The sights are breathtaking regardless of elevation, and it is most definitely a place to see in all seasons.