Tory Falls, Hanging Rock NC 4744

I ventured on this trip alone to Tory Falls, located in Hanging Rock State Park. The falls feature 100 feet of cascading water tumbling down sheer cliffs, enveloping itself in mist and mystery.

Drawn by the promise of capturing its elusive beauty, I began the short hike to the falls. With each step, the trail pulled me further away from civilization. The rhythm of the forest—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant rush of water—grew louder with each passing minute, easing my mind and sparking my curiosity.

When the trail reached a crossroad, marked with signs for “Tory’s Cave” and “Tory Falls,” I chose to visit the falls first. Having yet to encounter any other visitors, I longed for a secluded, empty canvas.

At last, I reached the clearing where Tory Falls revealed itself. It was a breathtaking sight—a veil of mist cascading from towering cliffs, surrounded by vibrant greenery and dappled sunlight. I searched for a pathway down to the base of the falls, but the descent was a sheer drop, so I had to find the best compositions from above.

I spent a couple of hours capturing the timeless beauty of Tory Falls. I used three different lenses and experimented with various angles and compositions. Although it was challenging to create an image that matched what I felt, I managed to produce one that I liked. 

Dave