To raise funds to support Hanging Rock State Park, The Friends of Sauratown Mountains is sponsoring the fourth annual High 5 at Hanging Rock on Saturday April 15, 2023. Participants will trek over ten miles of park trails to reach five of the highest elevations within Hanging Rock State Park. They will summit Moore's Knob, Cooks Wall and Hanging Rock mountains and pass by two prominent rock outcrops, Wolf Rock and House Rock, along their journey.
Due to the length, change in elevation and trail conditions, this will be a strenuous hike or run and will test everyone's physical abilities. There is also a 5-mile option that summits only Moore's Knob for those looking for less of a challenge.
All hikers/runners must register regardless of age. The 10-mile event is not recommended for children less than 10 years of age. The 5-mile option is suitable for younger participants with parental supervision.
LOCATION: The event will start and finish at the upper parking lot at Hanging Rock State Park (1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC 27016). Once you enter the park gate, follow the road to the top (end). The start will be at shelter #4 in the upper lake parking lot (located on the far-right side of the parking lot closest to the lake). Please carpool, if possible, to ease parking issues. Parking is in the upper lot with overflow parking in the visitor center lot.
COST: Registration is $45 per-person. Online registration ends at 11 PM April 11th. Mail in registration must be received by April 10th. TO BE GUARANTEED A T-SHIRT YOU MUST REGISTER BEFORE MIDNIGHT April 5th.
REGISTRATION: Click HERE to access online registration. The park opens at 7AM, we will start day of registration as soon after 7AM as we can get setup. We will start the event with runners off at 8:00AM. We will then start groups of hikers off every couple of minutes to space out the participants.
SUPPORT: There will be two rest stops on the course with fluids and light snacks. There will be course marshals at all the peaks and on the course. There will be a sweep group hiking at the back to check on all the participants. The Forsyth Ham Radio group will be providing support and helping us track the participants again this year. This is a challenging course, so train and plan accordingly. Support will end at 3:30 PM. There will be food trucks at the start/finish area for a meal after the challenge. All participants will receive a $10 voucher for use at the food trucks.
SWAG: Participants will receive a bib, t-shirt, patch, $10 lunch food voucher, magnet and a bandana.
DOGS: There are dog categories in this year's event. There is an additional $10 charge for a dog, and you will receive a bandana for your dog. Dogs will be permitted with hikers if the owner takes responsibility for the dog and keeps it on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet during the event. All dogs must have the proper vaccines (including rabies) to be in a public setting with other pets.
PACKET PICKUP: We will have packet pickup at the Hanging Rock General Store (3500 Moore's Springs Road, Westfield, NC 27053) at the following times: Wednesday 4/12 and Thursday 4/13 from 4-6PM. Packet pickup will also be held Friday 4/14 at shelter #4 at Hanging Rock State Park (start location in lake parking lot) from 4:30-7PM. You can also pick up your packet the morning of the event from 7:15-8AM.