To raise funds to support Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain state parks, The Friends of Sauratown Mountains is sponsoring the second 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 2020 is a shorter approximately 5 mile option that summits only Moore's Knob! 

Registration is limited to 350 participants.  When the limit is met preregistration will be closed.  If the limit is not met, there will  be day of registration.  Check back for updates as the limit approaches

THIS EVENT IS NOT A RACE.  A clock will be located at the start/finish line, but the event will not record or publish times. There are no prizes for times. All finishers will receive a special commemorative patch, lunch and a t-shirt (if you register before the deadline).  All hikers/runners must register regardless of age.  The event is not recommended for children less than 10 years of age.

DATE: The challenge will be held Saturday April 4, 2020 rain or shine. If the event is canceled due to extreme weather, participants will be given free entry in the 2021 event.

TIME: Onsite registration and packet pick up will begin at 7:30AM. Runners depart at 8:30AM, hikers will begin 5-10 minutes later in groups at 2 minute intervals.  All hikers must be on the course by 9:00AM.

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.  Preferred parking is in the upper lot with the start.  Overflow parking is in the visitor center lot.

COST: Advance Registration is $35 per person and ends on Wednesday April 1 at midnight.  After the close of advance registration, the cost increases to $45 per person.

REGISTRATION: Click on the link above to access online registration or mail in registration.

SUPPORT: There will be two water/rest stops on the route as well as some course marshals to assist participants.   Please try to be self sufficient as supplies may be limited. This is a challenging course, so train and plan accordingly. Support will end at 3 PM. If hikers do not reach certain check points by a reasonable time, they will be asked to return to the finish area by an alternate (shorter) route.

FOOD: There will be food trucks at the finish. All participants will receive a $5 voucher that can be used at the food truck of your choice. There will be snacks and water/energy drinks at the finish line as well.

SHIRTS: Participants registering before March 26 at midnight will receive a commemorative event t-shirt and patch.  Later registrants may receive or buy shirts if the supply lasts.

DOGS: No dogs will be allowed on the run event.  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.  Hikers wanting to take a dog along must pay a $15 registration fee for the animal that includes a free bandana for your pet.  All dogs must have the proper vaccines (including rabies) to be in a public setting with other pets.  Owners of dogs at the event must also sign the dog waiver.

 EARLY PACKET PICKUP: We will have early packet pickup at the start location (bath house on lake in top parking lot at the park) from 4:30-6:30 PM on Friday April 3rd.