First Day Hike to Kick Off 2012

My New Years Resolutions includes being more active and getting outdoors.  So why not start with a First Day Hike at Hanging Rock State Park? After 2 hours of traveling, Bailey (dog) and I were ready to hit the trails. We started down the Indian Creek Trail about .4 miles to Hidden Falls and another .4 miles to Window Falls. We spent about an hour at the Window Falls exploring and wading in the freezing water, finding a hidden waterfall behind the window in the rock. Back at the parking lot we hit the trail head of Hanging Rock Trail up to Hanging Rock. This is a moderate 1.3 mile trail that's well marked and well maintained. The trail was moderately heavy with fellow hikers enjoying the great weather as much as I was. The view on top of Hanging Rock was spectacular. Bailey was fearless walking around the cliffs. After lunch on the rock, we headed back down to the parking lot. Now it's off to see the Upper Cascades Falls. Hanging Rock State Park is great park of picturesque of cascades and waterfalls, high rock cliffs, spectacular views and a mountain cave. Another New Years Resolution is to visit every State Park in WNC.

Total: 5 Miles                     WNC State Parks: 1