Hanging Rock Tower is a simple forest service fire tower on top of a mountain. Its proximity to the Allegheny Trail allows for year-round casual visitors, but most of the birding activity takes place during the fall migration season which runs from the middle of August through November. There is no electricity, running water, or bathroom facilities other than an outdoor privy (which we keep as clean as possible). You need to be sure to take drinking water. Other items you may want to take are binoculars, food, sunglasses, an extra layer of clothing (it is sometimes a different world on top of the hill), sunscreen, hat, bird books, and comfortable hiking shoes.

It will take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to make the trip up the mountain, depending on your enthusiasm. The walk from the parking lot is 8 or 9 tenths of a mile and it is probably around 7 tenths from the curve, but steeper at the bottom.

The trail is well marked and lined with many different kinds of vegetation. Ferns seem to be the ground cover of choice for the area.

Whichever starting point you choose, you eventually wind up at the fence. It is a good spot to take a short break before the second half of the climb.

 
After a short climb of the somewhat steep variety, the trail will flatten out as you angle upslope to the tower.

 
Keep going, the worst is behind you.

Some local color.

 
There is a sign marking the turn off the Allegheny Trail to the tower.

 
The trail takes you under some of the rock formations that give the area its name.

Our famous privy was listed in the book Way Out in West Virginia as having the best view from an outhouse.