Hanging Rock State Park, NC
Piedmont peak — summit cliffs, lake swim & waterfall loops
🚗 2½–3 hours from Johnson City · ~130 miles from Bristol · Bristol via I-77 S toward Winston-Salem, then to Danbury
Best season: Spring–fall; lake swim Jun–Aug
Getting there
Get driving directions from Johnson City ↗ · Open in Google Maps ↗
Map shows Hanging Rock State Park, NC. Times vary from Kingsport and Bristol.
Hanging Rock State Park rises abruptly from the Piedmont — quartzite cliffs, a namesake summit knob, and a swimmable lake that feels out of place this far east of Asheville.
Summit trails are moderate; families often prefer the lake and shorter waterfall loops.
Highlights
- Hanging Rock summit trail
- Lake Hanging Rock swimming beach
- Lower Cascades & Tory's Falls trails
- Moore's Knob scenic overlooks
Sample one-day itinerary
Leave early — park fills by 10am summer Saturdays.
Hanging Rock trail 1.5–2 hours round trip.
Cool off at beach; depart by 4pm for long return.
Know before you go
- NC State Parks fee; overflow parking on busy days.
- Summit cliffs exposed — stay on marked trails.
- Near Winston-Salem — combine only if you accept a very long day.
Links & resources
More day trips
25–35 min 📖 Jonesborough, TN
25–35 min 🌊 Erwin & the Nolichucky Gorge
30–45 min 🛥️ South Holston Lake
30–45 min
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