Scenic USA - North Carolina

Each day Scenic USA presents a new and interesting photo feature from somewhere in the United States. Chosen from a wide variety
of historic sites, city scenes, backcountry byways, points of interest and America's best parklands, this site offers the viewer hundreds
of unique vacation destinations and photographic subjects. Each feature is coupled with a brief explanation. For further detailed
information, links to other sites are provided, but are never to be considered an endorsement.

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls - Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina

Photos by Ben Prepelka

     Hanging Rock, one of North Carolina's most popular state parks, is best known for its prominent quartzite The Window at Window Falls - Hanging Rock State Park ridges and ancient outcroppings. A hiker's paradise, nearly 20 miles of trails cut through the dense forestland, along Sauratown Mountain ridges and out to Hanging Rock. Some of these prominent ridges have taken on the interesting names of Devil's Chimney, Moore's Wall and Wolf Rock.
     Totaling nearly 7000 acres, Hanging Rock State Park's natural features also include five waterfall sites. Window Falls - Hanging Rock State Park Short, but steep, pathways wind among the rock lined mountainside, leading parking visitors to both upper and lower Cascade Falls. Hidden Falls and Window Falls are located near a small natural rock window formed in a rock fin. Tory's Falls is best accessed just outside the park.
     Following the red blazed Indian Creek Trail, the junction for Hidden Falls is about four-tenths of a mile from the parking lot. Tucked into a small ravine, Hidden Falls is surrounded by mountain laurel, rhododendron, ferns and wildflowers. The Window (inset) and Window Falls (inset) is just beyond Hidden Falls. Because of the short distance between them, the descent to Window Falls is nearly irresistible.

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