Bear's Paw | |
Other Name: | Hanging Rock |
Elevation Ft: | 5203 |
Prominence Ft: | 1080 |
Prominence Ref: | [1] |
Map: | USA North Carolina#USA |
Map Size: | 200 |
Label Position: | right |
Location: | Avery / Watauga counties, North Carolina, U.S. |
Range: | Blue Ridge Mountains |
Coordinates: | 36.1536°N -81.8242°W |
Coordinates Ref: | [2] |
Topo: | USGS Valle Crucis |
Hanging Rock, also known as Bear's Paw (Yonah‑wayah in Cherokee), is a mountain in the North Carolina High Country, next to the town of Seven Devils. It is along the Avery and Watauga border. Its elevation reaches 5203feet. The mountain generates feeder streams for the Elk and Watauga rivers.
In 2008, Bear Paw State Natural Area was established on the mountain by the North Carolina General Assembly. The High Country Conservancy acquired the initial 350acres for the state, and the park now encompasses 384acres. The natural area is located just north of Grandfather Mountain State Park, and it protects Hanging Rock Ridge and the headwaters of Dutch Creek. It is managed by Grandfather Mountain State Park.