November FSO- Hike to Cooks Wall in HRSP

November 4, 2023
9:00 AM - 9:00 AM

The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) invites citizens to participate in its First Saturday Outing on November 4th. The outing is a 4.5-mile hike on the Cook's Wall Trail in Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury and Westfield, North Carolina. Participants will meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot at the Lake Bathhouse, 2847 Hanging Rock Park Road (GPS 36.3902, -80.2678). Google Maps

The coordinator for the outing is Tom Taylor, an avid hiker and DRBA board member. "This is a moderate hike that climbs about 400 feet but has great rewards," Taylor said. "There are two grand viewing areas seeing south and east. Cook's Wall is an area where vultures are frequently observed. If the atmosphere is clear, distant parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains can be seen."

About the hike:

The state park's website also describes this fascinating hike, saying, "The trail's surface is gravel, dirt, and rock, and it has some uneven steps." From the lake parking lot, the trail quickly ascends to the ridge connecting Hanging Rock and Cook's Wall, then gradually wraps around the mountain, offering many views from cliffs. Sweeping vistas of the south and west offer views of Sauratown and Pilot Mountain in the distance.

House Rock, a feature located about halfway along this trail, is named for a "house-like" portion of the formation, which is a rock shelter overhang cavity that resembles a living room.

What to bring:

All participants are asked to dress in layers of synthetic fabric, wear hiking boots, be prepared for rain, bring hiking stick(s), lunch or snacks, and water, and sign a waiver.

For trip information, contact trip coordinator Tom Taylor, at 336-402-6100, tnt2703@yahoo.com

Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.danriver.org. Find us on Meet Up, too!