We decided fairly last minute to take the girls up to Hanging Rock State Park. This is a great park with a lot to do and a trail for any level. We took a leisurely hike on the Hanging Rock Trail. This is probably the most hiked trail in the park as it leaves from close to the visitor's center and rewards you at the top with the view from the park's namesake.
I was disappointed when we started not remembering that the trail was paved. This is one topic I have an inner struggle with. I am all for having the nature and hiking accessible for everyone, but I hate seeing paved trails in wilderness areas. I realize I am being selfish here, but I can walk on pavement at home in suburbia.
Thankfully, after about a.10 to .20 of a mile, the pavement ended. Keller and Brewer were with us so the length of the trail factored into our decision of which trail to hike. According to the map, the trail is an out and back with 1.3 miles each way. The out hike is predominantly up hill with lots of rock stairs and railroad tie stairs. Keller was in her element today and loved every minute of the hike up. I was extremely proud of her. Brewer, on the other hand, was carried to the top (Mom, I am very proud of you for carrying her up).
The top is a little tricky with two kids under 5. At least it was with us because the rocks were a playground for Keller and she really wanted to explore. They are a little cumbersome to navigate with big drop offs.
We had a great teaching moment on the descent. This park has a pretty heavy attendance and lots of rock climbing. A 15 year old who was playing around and climbing rocks with no gear or protection slipped and fell, impaling himself in the neck with a stick. Thankfully, it sounded like he was going to be alright, but we witnessed the evacuation and were able to use it as a teaching moment for our kids on wilderness safety.
Keller was pretty tired as we got closer to the bottom, but stayed strong until about .20 miles to go when I had to shoulder (literally) her tired body. A great little hike that took about 2 hours with a nice rest and snack at the top. We scouted out the camping facilities before we left and it is nice to know they have tent sites, camper sites and cabins for rent. There is also a group camping area that we did not see in person.
The park has hiking, mountain biking, horse trails, swimming pool, lake, rock climbing, canoeing, etc. It is a great park and an easy drive from the Triad area of NC. I can't wait to come back for some more adventure.
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