North Carolina's Gateway To Hanging Rock State Park Is A Friendly Town With Artsy Vibes

There's no shortage of outdoor adventure when it comes to North Carolina. You've got your pick of the Blue Ridge Mountains, exploring the cities of the Piedmont region, or the beaches of the Outer Banks. Visitors also have plenty of state parks that allow for time spent in nature, paired with gateway cities that offer a rich culture and welcoming spaces. Luckily, the small town of Danbury, North Carolina, checks both of these criteria perfectly. 

With a 2026 population of just under 200 people, Danbury might be considered a small town, but it still has plenty of things to do. This hidden gem is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the perfect base if you're eyeing Hanging Rock State Park for your next adventure. Known for its majestic waterfalls, picturesque trails, and a sandy beach, this state park is only a five-minute drive from town. The Dan River also winds alongside Danbury, offering access to water activities like kayaking and swimming. Artsy folks, or simply those who like to collect unique souvenirs, will find plenty to do in downtown Danbury, too, with annual art festivals and boutiques to explore.

Hanging Rock State Park is a haven for nature lovers, with campgrounds, a lake for water activities, and access to the Dan River. The state park has 48 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of biking paths, and 6 miles of horseback riding trails. If you're hiking, try the Hanging Rock Trail, which features the very rock formation that the park is named after. The trail is considered a moderate trek spanning 1.8 miles one way. After hiking for about an hour, you'll reach the quartzite rock formation that's referred to as "hanging rock". The Tory's Den Cave and Waterfalls Trail is also a popular option, where you'll be rewarded with views of Tory's Fall, the tallest waterfall in the park. You'll also find a portion of North Carolina's flagship state trail, the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, in the park.

If you're looking forward to taking a dip to escape the Carolina humidity, swimming is allowed in Hanging Rock Lake, open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. You can also rent a boat during the season, with canoes, paddleboards, and rowboats available. The Dan River is also another water feature that's worth exploring. The Dan River Company offers canoe and kayak rentals, as well as guided trips and shuttle services on the river. Their standard trip covers a total of 6.2 miles, with most of the trip going through the Hammer-Stern Wilderness Preserve, with the last mile at Hanging Rock State Park. If you'd like to make it a multi-day stay, Hanging Rock State Park is one of the five best state parks in North Carolina for camping. 

Beyond the great outdoors, Danbury has a thriving arts and music community. The North Carolina Music Office suggests the perfect itinerary if your focus is on the creative side of town. One of the iconic stops recommended is Priddy's General Store. A review on Tripadvisor raves about this local store, saying that "Priddy's is not to be missed when you are in Danbury! So many nostalgic items brought back fabulous memories and the selection of locally made food items and sauces is great!" Priddy's got its start in 1888, although under a different name, and is an iconic landmark in town. Not only do they cater to your necessities, but they also host live Bluegrass music throughout the year. The Arts Place of Stokes is another destination for art lovers found on Main Street. Here, you'll find an art market, performance space, the Ben and Lemma Apple Gallery, and Rocky's Coffee & Ice Cream for a sweet treat break.

If you're looking for a reason to visit Danbury, look no further than the annual Stokes Stomp Festival. Visitors can join in the festivities downtown, where you'll find live entertainment, food trucks, and a Stokes Stomp Parade. You can shop for local and handmade arts and crafts from various vendors or tune into musical acts at the Historic Stokes County Courthouse. 

If your interest is piqued, and you're ready to plan a trip to Danbury, it isn't far from the larger cities of Winston-Salem and Greensboro, both just a quick one-hour drive away. If you're coming from further afield, the Piedmont International Airport, North Carolina's small, cozy airport with Southern hospitality, offers the perfect place to land at just 50 minutes away by car.