Hidden Falls and Window Falls are a pair of waterfalls located off the same trail in Hanging Rock State Park. This hike is one of the easier ones in the park to view waterfalls.
Hidden Falls
Park at the Visitor Center parking lot. The Indian Creek Trail begins at the end of the parking lot. You will pass dozens of picnic tables and a shelter on the gravel-and-dirt trail. Red squares blaze the path but there are also white circles because it is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
The hike to Hidden Falls is 0.4 of a mile. I would consider it a moderately easy hike due to some stairs closer to the waterfall.
Follow the trail until you reach a T-intersection with a sign. Here you will turn right to get to Hidden Falls.
Hidden Falls is a small 10-foot waterfall. You’ll get the best view if you hike the extra few feet down to the base.
Once you are done enjoying the falls, head back the way you came.
Window Falls
Window Falls is on the same trail (Indian Creek Trail) as Hidden Falls. Follow the directions above until you get to the T-intersection. At the T-intersection, follow the sign’s direction and turn left toward Window Falls. It is another 0.2 of a mile to the waterfall.
There are three sets of rock staircases to the base of the falls. Due to the number and steepness of the stairs, I consider the hike to Window Falls to be moderately difficult.
There is a main overlook with a wooden fence. Here you can see the falls but I recommend continuing down to the base for the best views of the 25-foot waterfall. While on the overlook, if you head to the right, you can look down and see the infamous ‘window’ in the rock that gives the waterfall its name. It is about a 3-foot hole in the rockface.
To continue to the base, head down the stairs to the left of the overlook. From the base you can see the extended cascade below the main drop. It’s a beautiful area.
As you head back, I found a small section to make the trail easier on myself. Stairs, especially steep ones, really tax my lungs even though I can hike long distances. Right before the staircase up to the T-intersection and sign, there is a rudimentary path through the woods on your right. It’s an uphill climb but I found it easier to do and it will drop you on the trail just before the staircase.
I love the idea of going to Window Falls and looking through. Heading there soon.
You won’t regret it Joni! There are so many waterfalls in Hanging Rock State Park to check out while you’re there.