Hidden Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is a compact, picturesque cascade tucked into Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina. The fall sits inside the park’s SP-designated land unit (land owner listed as SPR), offering a peaceful forest setting of rock ledges and verdant canopy that makes for a classic mountain-waterfall visit. Manager information is not listed in the provided data. The falls are a popular short-trip destination reached via a moderately rated out-and-back hike. The approach rewards a relatively brief effort with scenic forest walking and a serene plunge pool at the end—a great choice for day hikers looking for a concentrated nature experience within the state park.
The Setting
Hidden Falls sits at 1,519 feet within Hanging Rock State Park, fed by the Dan River, in the hills of North Carolina.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lower Cascade Falls (35 ft) lies 1.2 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: 2.4-mile out-and-back. Elevation gain: ~350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The route is a well-maintained forest trail that stays mostly shaded; while largely straightforward, expect some moderate climbs and uneven footing in places. Surface, grade, and formal trail class details are not provided in the supplied data.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hidden Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hidden Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but the trail may be busier.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall as rocks can be slippery. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
44 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
1.24 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DAN RIVER NEAR FRANCISCO, NC (13 km away).
Today
Low
44 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
45 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
44 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
40 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
46 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
49 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
51 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Danbury hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The bare-earth surface loses about 121 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,519 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 34 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 86 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,519 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 121 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Hidden Falls is located within DuPont State Recreational Forest. Visitors can access the falls via the Hooker Falls parking area, which is well-marked and easily accessible by car.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Hooker Falls parking area. It can fill up quickly during weekends and peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
1,519 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.399047° N, -80.260489° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities near the falls.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn Mount Airy Mayberry
Comfort Inn Mount Airy
Wolf Creek Farm B&B and Motorcycle Manor at Wolf Creek Farm, LLC
Quality Inn Jonesville I-77
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls, all located within DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, birds, and other small forest animals. Be cautious of snakes and other wildlife.
Cities near Hidden Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Hidden Falls
11 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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