Legends about Daniel Boone abound. In 1750 when Daniel was 16, his father moved their large family from Pennsylvania to the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina. There are several small caverns in his namesake park. On Saturday (6-22-19) we set out to hike in Daniel Boone’s footprints.
Local lore claims the Boones spent their first year near Boone Cave Park in Davidson County and used the caves for shelter and hiding from the indians.
It was hot, sunny and humid. The 7.5 miles of trails wound through dense forest and kept us in the shade. The paths were well maintained boardwalks, wooden steps, gravel roads and hard-packed clay.
The park caretaker Dennis Cave warned us that recent flooding caused mosquito swarms in the lower sections near the river. We doused ourselves with repellent prior to setting out and were glad we did. This 126-year-old Cottonwood is 16.3 feet in diameter, 169 feet tall and one of the largest in the nation.
The Yadkin River was still brown from clay runoff and very high when I ventured onto Baptism Rock. Dennis Cave told us two-thirds of the rock was underwater. I pictured early pilgrims slipping and busting their tooters on the slick slant as they went to get baptized. I nearly took a plunge posing for this picture.
That giant Southern Red Oak tree is over 200-years-old, 13 feet and 3 inches around, and more than 150 feet tall. That’s a whopper for the species.
A black dragonfly waited patiently for Karen to take its picture on the aptly named Dragon Fly Trail.
Boone Cave Park’s restrooms were some of the cleanest I’ve ever seen. They even had hot and cold water. The 100 acre park also has a picnic shelter, tables, grills and allows tent camping with a permit. It’s a hidden treat and close to three wineries.
We chose Childress Winery to visit first because they had food. The buildings and grounds were huge. They also had heavy crowds and waiting lines. It was a beautiful place but I did not feel relaxed. Karen got a Cheerwine Slushy that took the edge off the still building heat. There was no table for us in the air-conditioned dining area and we left.
Owner Claudia Ellis at the Tiny Chestnut Trail Vineyards made us feel right at home. We were the only ones there. Their handpicked, muscadine grapes are bottled by Childress. Karen was infatuated with Claudia’s Peruvian Paso horses and the goat that kept the stallion calm.
Our last stop was Southern Gateway Wine Trail. This rooster chased Karen for crowing at it. He lived with a strange hen that insisted on poking her head out from between his legs. The peculiar pair of poultry were very entertaining.
Hiking on a 90+ degree day can be very strenuous. Always take plenty of water, travel where the trees are thick and tall, and make sure there are wineries or breweries nearby for cooling down afterward.