Discover trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking overlooks
Hanging Rock State Park offers a diverse network of trails, scenic overlooks, and outdoor recreation set against the dramatic Sauratown Mountains. Visitors can hike to breathtaking views, explore waterfalls, swim or relax at Hanging Rock Lake, and enjoy fishing, paddling, and picnicking throughout the park. With options for camping, rock climbing, and nature programs, the park welcomes both adventure seekers and families. Whether you’re chasing summit views or a quiet walk in the woods, Hanging Rock State Park delivers unforgettable outdoor experiences year-round.
The Dan River winds through Stokes County, offering relaxed adventure and scenic beauty at every bend. Popular for kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and fishing, the river provides calm stretches for beginners and gentle challenges for experienced paddlers. River access points, shaded banks, and nearby trails make it easy to enjoy a full day outdoors. Whether floating on a summer afternoon, casting a line, or taking in the quiet views of farmland and forest, the Dan River is a centerpiece of Stokes County’s outdoor experience.
Things to Do
Stokes County’s parks, trails, and greenways offer endless ways to explore the outdoors at your own pace. From rugged mountain hikes and scenic overlooks to peaceful greenways and riverside walks, the county blends natural beauty with accessible recreation. Visitors can hike, bike, paddle, fish, picnic, camp, and enjoy wildlife year-round at destinations like Hanging Rock State Park and along the Dan River. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a quiet escape, Stokes County’s trail systems and parks invite you to get outside and stay awhile.
Rising dramatically from the rolling Piedmont of northern North Carolina, the Sauratown Mountains are a scenic jewel of Stokes County, offering some of the most unexpected and breathtaking mountain views in the state. This ancient quartzite range forms a striking skyline of rugged cliffs, forested ridges, and sheer rock faces that feel worlds away from everyday life, yet are easily accessible in central North Carolina.
For hikers, the Sauratown Mountains are a true highlight of North Carolina’s trail network. Sections 7 & 8 of the renowned Mountain-to-Sea Trail winds across the crest of the range, connecting Hanging Rock State Park with nearby Pilot Mountain from the mountains to the coast. This nationally celebrated trail offers everything from gentle woodland walks to challenging ridge-top climbs, rewarding adventurers with panoramic views that stretch across the Piedmont on clear days. Along the way, interpretive signage and diverse ecosystems highlight the area’s geology, plant life, and wildlife, making every step both inspiring and educational.
Equestrian enthusiasts will also find a special connection to the Sauratowns through the Sauratown Mountain Horseback Riding Trails. These dedicated trails provide riders with a peaceful and scenic way to experience the mountains, passing through hardwood forests, along creek crossings, and over gentle ridges ideal for leisurely rides or longer excursions. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or enjoying a guided outing, horseback travel here offers a timeless way to connect with the land. Within the State Park the Tory's Den and Ruben Mountain Trials are perfect for horseback.
Winding through the heart of North Carolina’s foothills, the Sauratown Mountain Scenic Byway offers a breathtaking journey across rolling farmland, quiet river valleys, and the dramatic peaks of the Sauratown Mountains. This picturesque drive showcases historic communities, lush forests, and sweeping mountain views that change with every season. Ideal for leaf-peeping, weekend cruising, or a peaceful escape, the byway invites travelers to slow down, explore local charm, and experience the natural beauty and heritage that define this remarkable corner of the Piedmont.
