Posted in North Carolina Attractions, Natural Wonders, Nature September 03, 2020 by

This Above Ground Cave In North Carolina Is So Hidden You’ll Probably Have It All To Yourself

North Carolina is brimming with amazing (and historical) places to discover. For instance: Most people don’t realize a modest 100-acre park in Davidson County is home to a hidden above ground cave that extends 140 feet into the earth.

It's found at Boone's Cave Park in Lexington. The park sits adjacent to the Yadkin River, which also serves as the county line between Davie and Davidson counties.
Davidson County North Carolina
The small park has more than seven miles of trails that are much like the earliest backcountry settlers in this locale would have used centuries ago. Among them is believed to have been one of America's most prominent pioneers: Daniel Boone.
Daniel Boone's family migrated from the Pennsylvania area to North Carolina around 1750, when Boone, one of ten children, would have been a teenager.
Google Maps/Ryan Watts
The hidden cave alongside the Yadkin River is believed to be where Boone, his siblings, parents, and a few other settlers spent their first chilly winter in North Carolina.
The park's history not only includes that of possibly being home to Daniel Boone's cave dwelling, but also quite simply the fact that as early as 1909, locals recognized its historical significance and established it in honor of the pioneer.
TripAdvisor/Talonrock
The park's location in Lexington places it in the middle of an area settled by folks from Lexington Massachusetts, as early as 1775... or about about 25 years after Boone's family arrived in the middle 1700s.
To discover the hidden caves in the park, navigate to the riverfront trail (outlined in neon green in the map featured above).
TripAdvisor/JUBICO
After wintering in the cave here, Boone's family, along with others in their pioneering expedition, would migrate across the Yadkin River to build homes along the river opposite the cave.
Combine your love of history with your sense of adventure when you explore Boone's Cave along the Yadkin River.
Google Maps/Charlie Day
The cave reportedly extends 140 feet into the hillside, although over the centuries since Boone occupied the dwelling, it has likely filled in to some degree from moving sediment during flooding periods. At this point, we know that passage to all 140 feet requires crawling in places. We don't recommend attempting to explore the entire cave.
Other wonderful features found in Boone's Cave Park include a stone foundation from a 1930s cabin that once housed the park's caretaker.
Google Maps/David Shelley
Exploring the ruins may give you an even greater sense of the historical significance of this underrated park.
And be sure to seek out the park's prized Eastern Cottonwood tree.
TripAdvisor/PLLNCFUN
Standing tall at a whopping 169 feet, the massive tree is found on the banks of the Yadkin River and has a circumference of more than 18 feet!
Boone's Cave Park is open year-round, except for New Year's, Thanksgiving, and Christmas days.
Google Maps

To see park hours and learn more, check out the two-page park brochure at this Boone’s Cave Park link on the Davidson County website.

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Address: 3552 Boones Cave Rd, Lexington, NC 27295, USA