LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Tory Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Tory Falls
Tory Falls is a small but scenic waterfall located in Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina. It is known for its cascading flow over a rocky ledge and is a popular spot for hikers exploring the park.
The Setting
Tory Falls sits at 1,434 feet within Hanging Rock State Park, in the foothills of North Carolina.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lower Cascade Falls (35 ft) lies 1.9 miles to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Tory Falls is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It is a well-maintained path that leads to a viewing area for the waterfall. The trail also connects to Tory's Den, a historic cave nearby.
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 Tory Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tory Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. The waterfall may have reduced flow during dry summer months.
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 or encountering hazardous areas.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Dan River, 7.8 miles away, not on Tory Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
84 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
1.37 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
Barely Flowing
82 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
90 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
86 cfs
6/10Sat
Barely Flowing
84 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
84 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
89 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
92 cfs
5/10Best window: Fri — 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.
Is Tory Falls Frozen?
Updated about 10 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Tory Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 69°F to 46°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 84 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 71 feet through Tory Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,439 feet.
The ground changes about 86 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 26 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
- 1,439 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 71 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
Tory Falls is located within Hanging Rock State Park. Visitors can access the trailhead from the main park entrance off Hanging Rock Park Road. Follow signs for the Tory's Den Trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Tory's Den parking area within Hanging Rock State Park. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,434 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.401527° N, -80.298108° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenery.
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This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Tory's Den (historic cave), Hanging Rock Trail, Lower Cascades Falls, and Moore's Knob Loop Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes during warmer months.
Cities near Tory Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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