When most people (tourists and residents alike) visit North Carolina’s famous Hanging Rock State Park, caves aren’t at the forefront of their mind. The park is widely known for the cliff locations found within that offer far-reaching views of the surrounding area. The mountain cliffs found here are part of the easternmost mountains in the state, the Sauratown Mountains, as opposed to the Blue Ridge Mountains found farther west.

Many people head to Hanging Rock State Park to explore the famous Hanging Rock — and take photos. It can be an exhilarating experience — if you're not afraid of heights!
Flickr/ Sergey Galyonkin
But did you know there are 18 miles of hiking trails in this state park, including one that leads to a cave?
TripAdvisor/CarolinasGal
What's more... the trail to Tory's Den (the cave) is a mere four-tenths of a mile! The trail is rated "easy" and takes only minutes to reach the cave.
TripAdvisor/CarolinasGal

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The cave and the rock outcroppings at Tory's Den are said to have been the hiding spot of British Loyalists during the Revolutionary War. As you make your way to Tory's Den you may get a sense of the role the area played in history.
TripAdvisor/CarolinasGal
A set of rock stairs lead down the side of the mountain and circle around to the entrance of the cave. The natural surroundings almost completely camouflage the entrance.
TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym
Go ahead, go inside! You'll find the tallest part of the cave is likely high enough for you to be able to stand up entirely. Can you feel the presence of the British Loyalists that once sought shelter inside this secret cave in the mountains?
alltrails/Terry Dow

Hanging Rock State Park is located at 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd., Danbury, NC 27016. The park opens daily at 7:00 a.m. and closing times vary by season. Closing times are Dec., Jan., and Feb 7:00 p.m., Mar., Apr., and Oct. 9:00 p.m.; May through Sept 10:00 p.m., and Nov. at 8:00 p.m. The park’s visitor center is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more, including information about other activities also available at Hanging Rock State Park on the official website of North Carolina State Parks.

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