Looking for places to hang in my area.

Don't know if anyone else here is familiar with it, but I live in the Triad area of NC. I have been out of the hiking/camping/backpacking scene long since before I moved here some 10 years or so ago, and I am looking to get back into it and with a hammock (might even be able to get my wife into one).

I usually do not do things halfway, and when I get into something new I obsess and go in whole hog. Not having any gear I'm pretty much starting from scratch on everything - clothing, shoes, cookware, stoves, various sundries, and I am drooling to get a complete set of down quilts (already got my eye on a few). I keep telling myself that's why I bust my butt 40 every week in some strip-lighted cubicle.

I must say, I am impressed with what a cottage industry the whole camping/backpacking/hammocking scenes have going on and the quality of what is being produced, and I intend to buy as much stuff from these people as I can.

Anyway, if anyone can shed some light on where I can practice getting the "hang" of hanging in my area I'd appreciate it.

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There is a large contingent of folks who hang in Linville Gorge. They call themselves Gorge Rats, I understand. Not sure how close that is to WS area, but it is in the same state. :)

Are you looking for a nearby place to just set up and try your gear? Or a place to go camping in?

If nearby, check for any parks near your house. You can usually just hang up your stuff and try it for a few hours without getting into trouble. There's also directions on here somewhere to making your own hammock stand. Set this up in your backyard and you can test anytime you want.

If you're looking for a camping spot, check out Uwharrie national forest. It's fairly close to you. You'd be able to spend a weekend there, hiking and setting up anywhere along the trails.

Well, you could try Pilot Mountain State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, South Mountains State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Uwharrie National Forest, just to name the closest best places... and of course Linville Gorge... but the best place to practice with the gear is in your backyard, if you can swing it.

You're surrounded by fellow hangers too in Winston Salem, Jamestown, High Point and Greensboro area. Watch for hangs that they're going to and go meet up with them. ;)

Thanks for all of the suggestions, and there are some good ideas in there. Also, I keep forgetting that I am just 2 miles from Tanglewood.

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Most of the NC State Parks, National Forest, AT Trail and of course my favorite, the Neusiok Trail

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Originally Posted by FourCats

Thanks for all of the suggestions, and there are some good ideas in there. Also, I keep forgetting that I am just 2 miles from Tanglewood.

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i have hung my hammock at tanglewood and read a book after mountain biking at Tanglewood. definitely a good place to check your set up

Grayson Highlands and AT around there is another nice place to walk and hang with some occasional wild pony sightings as a bonus.