Shaking Rock Park is a fascinating natural area located within the city limits of Lexington that is named for a 27-ton rock that could be shaken with one hand while remaining in place, before the elements shifted its balance [likely the 1886 Charleston earthquake]. It still maintains a precarious perch albeit aided today by some sort of mortar.
The random field of mostly egg-shaped granite boulders comes into view at the crest of a fairly low hill and defines the trail to come. It’s a fairly easy walk and other than the presence of large roots in places, has few obstacles.
Archaeological evidence suggests that before European habitation, the site was used by Cherokee and Creek peoples as a campground.
In 1968, Shaking Rock became a public park thanks to the efforts of the Lexington Women’s Club.
Judge Hamilton McWhorter was the last private owner, and three of his heirs, Mrs. Andrew Cobb Erwin, Mrs. Sallie McWhorter, and Thurmond McWhorter, made the public transfer possible.
Depending on where one stands, the namesake rock’s appearance can vary greatly. Unfortunately, there seems to be a problem with graffiti at the site.
Shaking Rock Park is an excellent natural resource and is free to explore.
That is not a picture of the Shaking Rock that gives the park it’s name. The picture shows Shelter Rock (aka Umbrella Rock) which is located not far from the entrance of the park and has never been claimed to move. The actual Shaking Rock is located near the rear of the park, perched at the top of a small granite cliff. The rock did not cease moving due to the 1886 Charleston earthquake. I can atest to the fact that it could be moved into the mid-to-late 1980s, albeit with a fair amount of effort. My young children could rock it then by standing on either end and alternately bouncing up and down, until it began a modest, but definitely noticeable see-sawing motion. It does not currently move but that is more likely due to the two balance points being worn down by around 200 years of rocking movement (it was already a popular gathering spot in the early-to-mid 1800s) and/or an accumulation of debris compacted underneath over the years.
I was misinformed by someone at the park. I’ll update as soon as possible.
Very cool and intriguing place to visit.
It’s sad that the graffiti people think everyone wants to see their (work)?
Would be much nicer if it were’nt.for that.