To raise funds to support Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain state parks, The Friends of Sauratown Mountains is sponsoring the third annual High 5 at Hanging Rock. 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.
New for 2021 is a shorter approximately 5 mile option that summits only Moore's Knob!
What is a COVID style event? Due to pandemic restrictions, the challenge will be held over 7 days, April 5-11, 2021. Participants will complete the challenge on their own without support from the park or the friends group. You are welcome to do the 5 or 10 mile option. Your packet will include a bib, t-shirt, map, finisher's patch, FSM bandana, and FSM magnet. Packets can be mailed to you or picked up at the Hanging Rock General Store the week before the event (details to come). We ask that you consider doing the challenge on a weekday, if possible, to lessen the crowds at Hanging Rock Park. Plan on arriving early to finish the challenge by early afternoon. Carry a mask and wear the mask when in groups outside of your household, or when coming into contact with other hikers. Practice social distancing when in the park, restrooms, parking lots, trails, etc.
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. Registration will be done online or mail-in only. There is no in-person registration. Participants that carried their registration over from the cancelled 2020 event are automatically registered for this year's event.
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 the lake bath house located on the far right side of the parking lot. 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 $35 per person . Registration ends at midnight March 28. Mail in registration must be received by March 26th. NOTE: REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MIDNIGHT MARCH 28! TO BE GUARANTEED A T-SHIRT YOU MUST REGISTER BEFORE MIDNIGHT MARCH 21. MAIL IN REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY MARCH 26.
REGISTRATION: Click on the link above to access online registration or mail in registration.
SUPPORT: There will not be manned rest stops or course marshals on the route this year due to COVID. If you have an emergency, call 911. This is a challenging course, so train and plan accordingly. There will not be food trucks at the park for this event due to COVID.
SWAG: Participants will receive a bib, t-shirt, patch, bandana, REI bag, maps, and a magnet.
DOGS: There are not any dog categories in this year's event. If you registered your dog for the 2020 event, you will receive a dog bandana in your 2021 packet. 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: Wed March 31 from 4-6PM, Thursday April 1 from 4-6PM, Friday April 2 from 3-5PM and Sat April 3 from 9-11AM. You can also have your packet mailed to you (option given during registration process).
Friends of Sauratown Mountains has been supporting Hanging Rock & Pilot Mountain State Parks since 2010. We are the state designated 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides both financial and volunteer support to our two state parks. We help build & maintain trails, volunteer in the visitor centers, participate in the adopt a highway program, lead hikes, and advocate at local and state levels for our two great State Parks. We also partner with other organizations and businesses that are committed to outdoor recreation and environmental education. Our mission is to preserve and protect the Sauratown Mountains for future generations. We currently have 240 members: Join us and be a part of helping preserve our beautiful mountain range!
PO Box 353 Danbury NC 27016
Find us on Facebook www.sauratownfriends.org