Hanging Rock, one of North Carolina's most popular state parks, is best known for its prominent quartzite 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.
   The natural features of Hanging Rock State Park, totaling nearly 7000 acres, also include five waterfall sites. Short, but steep, pathways wind among the rock lined mountainside, leading 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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