This past weekend, I had the absolute honor of being part of a dear friend’s wedding vow renewal, and while I was there, I also got to conquer some new heights in North Carolina. What made it even more special was that they chose Hanging Rock State Park for their ceremony. That gave me the perfect chance to explore a few new trails while I was in the area.

Trail Experience

I didn’t end up doing the full Hanging Rock Trail because I wanted a route that gave me more distance and a little variety in terrain. The main trail is about 1.3 miles and rated moderate to strenuous. It’s a solid climb, but I was more in the mood for something longer that would still challenge me.

That brought me to Wolf Rock Trail. This one branches off from Hanging Rock Trail near the top. It’s around 2.5 miles and takes you through shaded forest, past rocky outcrops, and up to some really nice viewpoints. It gave me exactly the kind of steady workout I was hoping for.

While walking the Cook’s Wall Loop, which extends from Wolf Rock, I had a surprise encounter with a doe just a few feet away from the trail. It was one of those quiet, magical trail moments that stays with you. The loop itself is about 2.2 miles and considered the toughest part of the whole hike. There are some serious climbs and descents along the rocky ridgeline, but the views make it worth it.

Another trail I had hoped to do was Moore’s Wall Loop. That one is 4.7 miles and takes you up to the highest point in the park—Moore’s Knob. It’s a mix of steep sections, stone staircases, and some amazing scenery. I didn’t get to fit it in this time, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.

A Few Thoughts

I’m usually not a big fan of out-and-back trails, but since I was looking for a solid workout, I didn’t mind it this time. You’ll want to have a decent fitness level for some of these trails because they don’t play around with elevation.

I was really glad I invested in good hiking shoes. These trails are rocky, uneven, and not made for flip-flops, even though I did see a few kids bouncing along in theirs. That terrain can be tricky, and the right shoes make a big difference.

Since I only had the weekend, I didn’t get to explore as much as I would have liked, but I made the most of the time I had. Between the vow renewal and the hiking, it was a weekend I won’t forget.

I’m already looking forward to returning and conquering those heights again.

Have you hiked Hanging Rock? I’d love to hear what your experience was like.