Hidden Falls & Window Falls, Hanging Rock State Park

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Hidden Falls & Window Falls, Hanging Rock State Park

Hidden Falls and Window Falls are accessed by short easy and moderate hikes, respectively, which begin at the end of the visitor center parking lot at Hanging Rock State Park.

If you missed it, see our main page about Hanging Rock State Park.

The trail to the waterfalls, the Indian Creek Trail, cuts through one of the park’s two picnic areas. Hanging Rock, the park’s namesake peak, was visible through the bare winter trees when were there.

Two picnic shelters have fireplaces and grills, and can be rented or are otherwise first-come, first served. The park’s two picnic grounds (the second is at the lake, which is open for swimming and fishing in season) offer a total of 60 sites and 15 grills.

Hidden Falls is only 0.4 of a mile into the woods, and it’s an easy walk with little elevation change. The additional two-tenths to Window Falls requires a descent that earns this portion of the trail its “moderate” rating.

Hidden Falls …

As the trail begins to head downward, the walking surface is rock for several stretches, which could be pretty slippery if wet.

Just before the final descent toward the falls, an outcropping provides a chance to look out over a stretch of the valley below – in winter, at least.

The main overlook at Window Falls is large but doesn’t provide much of a view. You have to climb down to really see it, which isn’t difficult, but there’s not much of a viewing area at the foot of the falls, either.

The falls, barely visible at lower left in this view from the overlook, is named for a small hole, or “window,” in the rock, which you can see to the right.

A closer look at the window in the rock …

Window Falls:

Make the effort, if you are able, to look around the side of the wall where the window is to see the real hidden falls on this hike.

Beyond Window Falls, the Indian Creek Trail, which is also a part of the state’s Mountains to Sea Trail (white circle blaze), is a moderate hike to the Dan River.