If you’re itching to take a hike in North Carolina, you’ll find trails with interesting sights all over the Tar Heel State. But caves? Not so much. Except for the state’s only public cavern for touring, only a few caves are on record and found along our scores of hiking trails. One of them, Boone’s Cave, is historically significant as the spot where Daniel Boone’s family squatted their first winter residing in what is now North Carolina in 1751.
Boone’s Cave Park was established in Lexington, North Carolina, in 1909 and currently comprises 110 acres along the scenic Yadkin River.
Google/Nicholas Miles
Aside from the cool family-oriented amenities at the park (picnic tables and shelters, a playground, bike trail, disc golf, and more), the park features a trail with several attractions.
Google/Robyn Blake In total, it’s only 0.7-miles long and is one big loop. It may be short, but there’s a LOT to see.
Start off at the trailhead and hike clock-wise and the first thing you’ll encounter is a scenic spot along the Yadkin River.
Google/Krisztian Soos
But this isn’t just any spot on the water.
AllTrails/Michelle Davis It’s earned itself some inspirational recognition with a sign designating the huge, smooth rock along the banks as Baptism Rock.
Back on the trail, you’ll hit a boardwalk and some natural path along the hike before arriving at some steps that lead to the park’s hidden cave.
Google/Kelly Adams
According to one report, as many as 25 people who traveled from Pennsylvania in 1751 lived in this cave during the winter before moving across the river the following spring to create a small village.
AllTrails/Gail Abrams Nine of those people were Daniel Boone’s parents and siblings.
Did you know this hidden cave even existed here in North Carolina, or that Daniel Boone spent a winter in the cave?
Google/Nate McMurphy
Load up the kids or the grand kids and head over to Lexington for a little hiking and a lot of learning. Learn more about the trail with a visit to our friends at AllTrails.com
Google/Nicholas Miles
Google/Robyn Blake
In total, it’s only 0.7-miles long and is one big loop. It may be short, but there’s a LOT to see.
Google/Krisztian Soos
AllTrails/Michelle Davis
It’s earned itself some inspirational recognition with a sign designating the huge, smooth rock along the banks as Baptism Rock.
Google/Kelly Adams
AllTrails/Gail Abrams
Nine of those people were Daniel Boone’s parents and siblings.
Google/Nate McMurphy
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Address: 3552 Boones Cave Rd, Lexington, NC 27295, USA
