The Riverbluffs Trail is a short, family-friendly hike along the Dan River in Hanging Rock State Park. Situated far away from the main park facilities, the Dan River Access is primarily used by boaters. The Indian Creek Trail and Riverbluffs Trail originate at the access parking area, providing opportunities for a short or longer hike. The Riverbluffs Trail described here takes you along a beautiful stretch of the Dan River with shoals, rapids, and exposed cliffs. If this short hike isn’t enough for you, consider adding the Indian Creek Trail or other trails in the park.
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Mile 0.0 – The Dan River Access for Hanging Rock State Park is located at the end of Flinchum Rd. To reach the Riverbluffs Trail, follow the Indian Creek Trail (red square blaze) south from the parking area.
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Mile 0.15 – The Indian Creek Trail crosses a footbridge over Indian Creek and meets the Riverbluffs Trail at a T-junction. Turn right onto the Riverbluffs Trail (red hexagon blaze) and stay left at the loop trail split. The trail meanders through hardwood forests above the floodplain of the Dan River. Occasional forest roads lead to the left away from the trail.
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Mile 0.7 – Make a wide right turn towards the river. An old forest road continues straight into a field.
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Mile 0.8 – The Riverbluffs Trail meets the Dan River at a sandy shoreline. The river fans out upstream through pebble shoals. The trail parallels the Dan River for the next 0.6-mi.
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Mile 1.0 – Beginning of the river bluffs section. On the opposite side of the trail, large exposed cliffs rise high above the river downstream for hundreds of yards. Since the river narrows through this section, it is not safe to swim when the water is up.
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Mile 1.45 – The trail turns right away from the river.
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Mile 1.6 – The loop ends, turn left crossing the Indian Creek footbridge.
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Mile 1.7 – Hike ends at the Dan River Access.
