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Boone provides ideal locations for summer activities |
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Monday, 23 June 2008 |
 Jonathan R. Tate, a junior music education major, watches William A. Guenther, a junior industrial technology major, jump from rocks into one of the Snake Pit swimming holes. Photo by James Fay
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by JAMES FAY
Intern Photographer
The sun is finally shining in the mountains, creating the perfect climate to take advantage of the vast array of outdoor activities the High Country has to offer. Swimming in the many rivers and creeks found in the area is one of the most refreshing feelings one can experience.
The favored river of the region is the Watauga River, whose name is derived from the Cherokee language meaning “beautiful water.” The two premium public swimming holes are only twenty minutes from Boone.
The first of these is the “105 Dam,” featuring an approximate 25-foot-high platform jump as well as several places to jump from the dam itself.
Below the dam is a sizeable swimming hole surrounded by ample oversized
rocks, perfect for sunbathing. To access the dam take N.C. Highway 105
south out of Boone, go through the stoplight at Broadstone Road, and
shortly after this light there is a parking lot on the left-hand side
of the road, just before Shulls Mill Road. After parking, follow the
footpath that begins in the back right-hand corner of the parking lot
down to the river.
The second swimming hole is known as “Snake Pit.” To reach this
swimming hole from Boone, take U.S. Route 421 north towards Tennessee.
Then turn left on U.S. Highway 321 north at the SkateWorld roller rink,
and cross the Watauga River Bridge. Continue to the second pull off,
park here and follow the steep trail beginning at the guardrail down to
this majestic, immense swimming hole.
This spot has several tall rocks to jump off as well as pleasant flat
boulders to relax on. The most appealing aspect of Snake Pit is the
afternoon sun that lingers on until shortly before dusk.
Getting out and exploring one of the many hiking trails in the High
Country can be just the breath of fresh air one needs. With the Blue
Ridge Parkway’s vast acreage of undeveloped wilderness, it is one of
the gems of the High Country’s outdoor offerings. Access to the Blue
Ridge Parkway is just down U.S. Highway 321 towards Blowing Rock.
Head south on the Parkway to milepost 297 and take the 2.3 mile-long loop hike around Price Lake.
The trail is labeled easy as far as difficulty is concerned. As you
hike around the lake you will see many signs of beavers on the downed
trees. The first three-fourths of the trail circles the lake through
lush rhododendron forests, and the last forth of the trail runs through
the campsites at Julian Price Park. Be sure to wear footwear suitable
for hiking, as there are a few wet areas on the trail.
Elk Knob, which features the second-highest peak in Watauga County, has
a summit of 5,520 feet. Elk Knob State Park is a wonderful place for
the hiker looking for a short yet challenging hike. The hike up an old
logging road in the area is strenuous yet rewarding. Breathtaking views
of many of the area’s peaks include Mount Jefferson, Mount Mitchell and
Grandfather Mountain, among others. Elk Knob is also home to the
headwaters of the north fork of the New River, one of the oldest rivers
in the world.
To access Elk Knob State Park, take U.S. Highway 194 north out of
Boone, and after approximately 4 miles turn left onto Meat Camp Road.
Follow Meat Camp Road 5.5 miles until you reach the park entrance on
your right.
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