DO GO CHASING WATERFALLS
Last summer I didn’t have the best luck with finding waterfalls to visit, especially because when you have your hiking favorites you kind of just stick to it. You know the land, you know the vibes, but this summer I explored a couple and wanted to give my ratings overall.
First enter “HANGING ROCK STATE PARK, NC” into your GPS.
When you get there, you’ll notice how clean and upkeep the parks are which I love. The trails leading to the different falls, are big and easy to navigate.
You’re also covered by trees that save you from the heat but bring a small fan and bug spray.
Window Falls Trail
This waterfall was pretty small but the ambiance makes up for it. It’s still beautiful with a surrounding little pool. It has little caverns around it, which is great for just being by the waterfall and relaxing
This beautiful dainty waterfall can be found on the Window Falls Trail. Difficulty would be a 5-6. As you go down the trail for this, you’ll notice you do have to take stairs going down. Be careful there are no railings, and people with kids or dogs gave me anxiety so I let them all go down first.
On your way down, take a picture at this cute rock clearing
If you’re a nature girly like me, I need memories. So stop by the rock clearing and take some cute pictures, or the stairs that lead down to Window Falls.
Before you leave to the next waterfall
Climb back up to the top, you have to take the stairs, and you’ll find this huge cliff above the waterfalls.
Just below my feet, there’s a drop-off, but it has a tiny area where you can rest your feet so it looks like you’re falling off the cliff. (Good for pictures, Not good for life insurance)
Hidden Falls Trail
This next waterfall is beautiful, and alot more relaxing. There’s a pond where you can bring your pets, or just take pictures in.
And it’s shaded, so bring a hammock, or snacks. I personally just loved dipping my feet in and taking it all in.
Finally, we have my favorite so far…
This one is called Lower Cascade Falls
For this trail, I will say it was a bit difficult. It’s 0.7 miles, and the stairs are the real challenge.
Going down is fun, but coming back up was humbling.
Here is what I recommend for this spot specifically:
Water Shoes / Snacks / Hammock or a Towel
This is dog-friendly, all of the waterfalls are, but this one is really cute to bring your dogs to swim in. That being said, The pool isn’t too deep, it gets to your waist. Perfect when it’s hot.
I definitely will say to come here late afternoon or weekday to avoid kids.
Finally, this waterfall does have a natural slide towards the right side. It’s super slippery, and I didn’t get to try it, but I would next time.
As far as chasing waterfalls, please go and chase them. For more hiking trails, and tips let me know in the comments what you think. Do you plan on going soon?
