Field Guides
Hanging Rock in fall color
A one-day loop for Hanging Rock State Park at peak color: the waterfalls, the summit and Moore's Wall.
Peak timing
Color on the Sauratown Mountains usually peaks around the third and fourth weeks of October, a week or two ahead of Raleigh. Follow the park's and the state's fall color updates rather than the calendar.
The waterfalls
Arrive before nine. Lower Cascades sits in a ravine at the bottom of a long flight of steps and stays shaded all morning, which keeps the water from blowing out. A polarizer cuts the glare on wet rocks and deepens the leaves. Half a second on the tripod smooths the water without turning it to mist.
Moore's Wall
The loop climbs to an observation tower with long views west toward Pilot Mountain. The tower catches afternoon light on the far ridges; bring the 70-180mm to pick out layers of hills.
The drive
About two hours from Five Points. Fill up before you leave the highway; the roads into the park are small and stations are few.