Tory’s Falls (also called Torys Falls or Tory Falls) is a 100-foot cascade in Hanging Rock State Park. This waterfall is on the same trail as a historical den which makes for a good learning experience as well.
The parking lot is outside the park’s main entrance, off Charlie Young Road. About a dozen cars can fit in the lot. From the parking lot, it is 0.2 miles to the waterfall. You can also take the longer Tory’s Den Trail from the campground.
Tory's Falls
The trail (blue blazes) starts at the information board closest to the far entrance of the loop – this board discusses the Revolutionary War-era history of the cave.
Follow the path down a set of wooden steps. You will reach a T-intersection with a sign. To view Tory’s Falls, turn left at the sign.
From there, it is a quick hike until your first glimpse of the falls. The trail ends at a rock outcropping and a ledge across from the waterfall. There is no flat landing so take extra precautions.
The falls are tall, but there is only a 15-foot drop before the cascades flow diagonally down the rock ledges into the ravine. It is very difficult to see the entire waterfall from any one location.
After you are done viewing Tory’s Falls, head back to the T-intersection on the path and continue straight toward Tory’s Den Cave.
Tory's Den Cave
From the main trail, turn right at the T-intersection. This part of the trail is harder than the path to the falls due to extra steps. Just beyond the curved stairs, you’ll find the small, natural cave.
You can walk in, but it is only 20-feet deep.
Legend has it that Tory’s Den was home to about 100 British sympathizers (Tories). After a group of Tories raided a nearby Whig colonel’s house, a campfire near the cave alerted the Whigs where they were hiding. The Whigs attacked and took the Tories prisoner.
You can continue on the trail after the cave, or you can turn around and head back to the T-intersection. On the way back to the parking lot, if you want to avoid the wooden stairs, there is often a narrow channel to the left of the steps. This tends to be a steadier incline and less taxing on the legs than stairs, especially on your way back up.
