Triad: Hanging Rock State Park

Outing Information
Date: Saturday, July 18
Meeting Time: 8:30 AM
Location Visitor Center Parking Area, Hanging Rock State Park
Join your fellow CNPA Triad members for a morning of nature photography at beautiful Hanging Rock State Park on Saturday, July 18th.
Hanging Rock offers an outstanding variety of photographic opportunities, including picturesque waterfalls, lush summer foliage, forest scenes, streams, rock formations, and scenic mountain vistas. Our primary focus will be exploring and photographing the park's waterfalls and surrounding woodland environments, where we can work on composition, long-exposure techniques, and capturing the beauty of North Carolina's natural landscapes.
Some of the waterfalls we may visit include:
Lower Cascades Falls
Hidden Falls
Window Falls
Upper Cascades Falls
Numerous smaller streams and cascades along the trails
July's abundant greenery provides excellent opportunities to photograph flowing water framed by vibrant foliage, moss-covered rocks, and rich forest textures. A polarizer can be especially helpful for reducing glare, enhancing color saturation, and revealing details beneath the water's surface.
To ensure we can depart promptly and take advantage of the best morning light, members are encouraged to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early (8:00 to 8:15 AM) to allow time for parking, unloading gear, and introductions.
Recommended Equipment
Camera body and lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto
Sturdy tripod for long-exposure waterfall photography
Monopod (optional for greater mobility on the trails)
Circular polarizing filter (strongly recommended)
Neutral Density (ND) filters for extended shutter speeds
Extra batteries and memory cards
Lens cloths (water spray near the falls is common)
Hiking shoes or boots with good traction
Water, snacks, and insect repellent
Please be prepared for uneven terrain, wet rocks, and moderate hiking. Exercise caution around waterfalls and stream edges, as surfaces can be slippery.
Whether your goal is creating silky water long exposures, intimate nature studies, woodland scenes, or grand landscape images, Hanging Rock offers something for photographers of every skill level.
I hope you'll join us for what promises to be an enjoyable morning of photography, learning, and fellowship.