Visit Boone’s Cave Park

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The park’s Jim Monroe

Take a Break at Boone’s Cave Park

WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Mary Bohlen PHOTOS COURTESY DAVIDSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

www.co.davidson.nc.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Boones-Cave-Park-10

Need to get outdoors, go for a walk, have a picnic, stretch your body and rest your spirit? A day trip to one of the Piedmont's most scenic spots along the Yadkin River near Lexington might be your answer. Boone’s Cave Park is so named because legend has it Daniel Boone and his family lived here when they first arrived from Pennsylvania in the 1750s. It is most probable Boone hunted this area and camped, or hid out in the bluff caves. Although there is no historical documentation to prove this, many believe it to be true based on local tradition. The hundred year old park offers a variety of activities for young and old.

Park’s grounds keeper, Jim Monroe says, “There are a lot of things to do for a lot of people.” Earlier this year I met Jim for a tour of the park via his Cub Cadet. The entrance to the park picnic pavilion and parking is on a high bluff overlooking the Yadkin River and where my introduction to the park began.

Jim noted the 100 plus acre park has over seven miles of trails. Some short easy treks and others a little tougher. Better wear good walking shoes and ones that won’t matter if they get a little muddy or wet.

Our first stop was the Kayak/Canoe trail. A new amenity for the river travelers is the road that has been established so one can drive down to the river put-in at Baptism Rock and load and unload.

Looking out over the massive flat rock, Jim explained, “This place has been used for many, many years for baptism services. It still is by special permission from Park Management.” Jim believes this place may also have been used as a ford at one time because the rock bed goes way out into the river which would have provided a desirable crossing.

Moving along the trails we passed through wetlands areas, mixed hardwoods, rolling slopes and flood plains. Some trails are raised to overcome wet spots but being so close to the river sometimes makes that a challenge. Jim reminded me this is a natural setting, largely undisturbed. In spring and summer there is an abundance of wildflowers and mushrooms in the park. Many of the flora are normally found in the Appalachian Mountains. Examples are Catawba Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. Visitors can kayak or canoe the river, hike, fish, picnic, play disc golf, ride bikes or just set on a bench, listen for birds and breath in fresh air.

Camping is both primitive and semi-primitive. The difference? One site is near the restrooms and one is not! Firewood is available for purchase. There are also tent pads down at the river edge for boaters to overnight camp.

The park’s massive Eastern Cottonwood. A river front cave.

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Mary at the Boone marker.

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The list of wildlife sometimes seen at the park include Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow Rumped Warble, Owls, Cedar Waxings, turtles, reptiles, salamanders, rabbits, deer, coyotes, brown bats, hawks, fox, bob cats and deer. Jim says, “There are times we see eagles or osprey come up the river from High Rock Lake. It is really a sight. From day to day, you don’t know what you might see.”

The park’s massive Eastern Cottonwood is amazing. It is said to be the third oldest of its kind in the state with a 16-foot circumference at the base. The canopy spread is over 100 feet and reaches 169 feet into the sky. This is the kind of forest trees Daniel Boone would have seen when he explored here. The whole park is a natural woodland including 46 acres protected as a Natural Heritage Site.

One of my favorite sections of the park is the Riverfront Trail and caves—beautiful spot to view the Yadkin. The caves are small and not high enough to stand in but I did go in and take a look. It is easy to imagine the days of long ago when First Americans were on this river that bear their name. The Saponi were here, too as well as others. Then, there were hunters and explorers like Daniel Boone. It is good therapy to sit on one of the big rocks, rest a while and watch the river below. No need to rush.

One of the last places Jim showed me on our tour is where the new playground is being installed. It is on the spot some believe may have been the Boone cabin homesite. This is one of those high places overlooking the river.

When planning your outing consider the weather and dress accordingly including good walking shoes, a walking stick, bottled water and in the warmer months, bug repellent. There are picnic tables and a large pavilion that can be rented and there are clean bathrooms.

One of the assets of the park is that it is out of the way, no commercial intrusions. With that in mind bring what you need for a picnic or afternoon snack. Those who use strollers and wheelchairs will probably want to stay up top on the bluff at the pavilion area.

The little town of Tyro is about 12 minutes from the park on Highway 150. There you will find a grocery store, Stamey’s BBQ, Murano’s Italian Restaurant and a pizza/sandwich shop.

A daytrip to the river, a walk through secluded hardwoods, exploring some ancient caves and discovering native flora and wildlife may be just what you or your family need. A great getaway.

Boone’s Cave Park is located on Boone Cave Road about 3 ½ miles off NC Highway 150 at The park is open daily except for New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas from 8 a.m. to 8 pm

For more information contact Davidson County Parks and Recreation at 336.242 2285 or 336.7522322. Log on to www.co.davidson.nc.us