Moores Knob Trail is a 4.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Danbury, North Carolina that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
4.2 mile loop to the top of Moore's Knob with 360 degree views from the top, including the nearby Hanging Rock (namesake of the park), and Sauratown Mountain and Pilot Mountain in the distance. The loop starts by the lake/campground. It joins up with several other trails including Tory's Den and a nature trail. There are 2 options that meet at the summit. the 1.6 m option w/ lots of stair steps is wide and more traveled. The 2.6 m option is more single track trail with lots of rocks.
There is always plenty of parking even on busy days at two main parking areas, not including the campground. The visitor's center has restrooms. There is a bathhouse at the lake (but there is a small fee, 2012: Adult $5 Child $4). There is a campground, picnic shelters, and activities at the lake including swimming.
(336) 593-8480 hanging.rock@ncparks.gov 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC 27016-7417 GPS: 36.411906, -80.254122
Go to Hanging Rock State park (rouhgly 15 miles north of King, NC) off of 66. Enter the park and continue all the way to the main parking area at the lake. Follow alongside the lake (clockwise) to the head of the trail. From Walnut Cove, NC take Hwy. 89 west to Danbury. Turn left at Stokes-Reynolds Hospital on Hanging Rock Park Road 1.5 miles to the park. From Winston-Salem, NC take Hwy 8 north to Danbury. Turn left at Stokes-Reynolds Hospital on Hanging Rock Park Road 1.5 miles to the park. From King, NC take Hwy 66 north to Moore Springs Rd. Turn right on Moore Springs then right on Hanging Rock Park Road at the park entrance, From Stuart, VA take Hwy 8 south to Danbury. Turn right at Stokes-Reynolds Hospital on Hanging Rock Park Road 1.5 miles to the park.
February 28, 2021Really muddy and slick but it was a great hike!
February 24, 2021Beautiful day, great views. Tons of trees down from the ice storm but crews are out there cleaning up so give them a few days before attempting the trail (if bushwhacking bothers you)
February 22, 2021Great views, but lots of downed trees and ice from the storm so you had to go off trail a bunch. Still super fun but not for everyone if you’re not okay with weaving on and off the trail. Would bring trekking poles because it’s slippery in spots.
February 22, 2021Amazing day hike. The view is as good or better than view from hanging rock trail and loved being able to see from top of the fire tower. This weekend when we went the trail was in really rough condition due to ice storm that happened last week. Lots of downed trees all over the trail so would recommend waiting until they have cleared those.
February 21, 2021There was about 50-100 (NO JOKE) fallen trees on the trail. So pay close attention and make sure you don’t go too far off trail. There was a snowstorm 2 days ago, so I’m sure that’s where it all came from. The view at the tower is incredible. Love love this trails definitely coming back
February 21, 2021Very muddy and lots of fallen trees from ice storm but was otherwise an amazing hike and absolutely beautiful
February 20, 2021Great bones to the trail. Would be easy if all the trees were cleared from the path. The ice storm could’ve caused a lot of the broken trees which made the path hard to follow. It is very bush-whackish at the moment. Great for an adventure. Not super friendly for all hikers.
January 30, 2021January 28, 2021Good trail. Easy to follow with several lookouts on the way up and down from the fire tower view. Not too busy on a winter saturday. Nice way to escape the crowds of the hanging rock trail while still getting a good hike and view in.
January 24, 2021Busier until you break off. Easier to start loop to the left. Don’t miss the fire tower view it’s amazing.
January 24, 2021January 23, 2021Excellent trail with unbelievable views. It was a clear day so I could see almost everything in the distance. Cannot say enough about this trail. Steep in some places but all together manageable. Not a lot of views before you get to the top but still incredible trail. Recommend this one.
January 19, 2021Clockwise: starts flat (can be muddy) before challenging rocky trail. Some of it appears to be a creek bed. Fabulous views at the top, especially from the fire tower. Mile + down the stairs is easy & quick but would stink going up.
January 18, 2021Went early, very cold and windy at the top. But such a wonderful hike and great views at the top. We went clockwise but saw so many people going counterclockwise on the way down. Will def be back.
January 18, 2021January 18, 2021Beautiful as always. Challenging terrain for most but more than worth it if you can do it. The absolute best views around once you get to the peak.
January 18, 2021January 17, 2021January 13, 2021January 11, 2021Great trail for intermediate to advanced hikers. Pretty good spurts of elevation gain that will get your heart rate up.
January 10, 2021
