Friends of mine of been towed when coming from Old Turnpike Road. It is illegal to park on the side of a state maintained road. There is a long slope of giant rocks, and you can run, jump, climb or crawl in and around these huge boulders that fill a lovely ravine. The water cascades down the rocks, creating numerous small waterfalls in between all kinds of little swimming holes. Pick one and take
a dip or keep going all the way to the top where you will eventually reach an old manmade dam. Just beyond the dam up a trail through the grass is a relaxing swimming hole. This spot has sun all day long. Being a bit farther off the beaten path, you may even have it to yourself. Hebron Rock Colony is also about 20 minutes away from Boone. Take Highway 105 south from Boone and turn left at the Hound Ears Club on Old Shull’s Mill Road. There are numerous places to swim along this road, but keep going to get to the real spot. The road turns left; follow it by staying on Old Shull’s Mill Road. After passing a church on the left, take a right on Old Turnpike Road. This is a gravel road. Drive for about 5 to 8 minutes and when the road comes to a hairpin turn to the right, the trail goes down into the woods to the right. Park here. Walk for about 10 minutes to reach the river. Use caution walking over these boulders; they are big.
