outdoor experiences in and around boone

I enjoy doing things outside, and am constantly looking for something new to do. I can be found most frequently at Sanford Mall tossing a frisbee with people I have never met. But, when I am not busy, and have time to myself, I tend to go on hikes, most of which are actually bushwhacking ventures. I have found several great outdoor spots in this way, and found new ways to  reach familiar spots, like Beacon Heights.  If you have ever been to Rough Ridge you know how it doesn't seem possible to reach the bottom of all those rocks without harming the ecosystem, but there is a way. There are even trails at the bottom of the large boulder that is the end of Beacon Heights. One must be careful climbing down to reach those trails. If you would rather swim at the end of your trek, you could go to Hebron Falls, which is a two mile hike from Price Park. There is a great swimming hole on the way to the stone studded falls, and the stones themselves are great for rock hopping. If you would prefer a long hike, the Tanahwa Trail runs from Price Park to Beacon Heights, and has many climbing places on it, such as Ship Rock, a seventy foot tall rock that resembles a ship's hull. There is also the cascades waterfalls, which is a short hike with a beautiful sight at the end.

There are also places to see much closer to Boone. The Boone United Trail near BUMC is a short loop, but at one end, there are many different boulders great for climbing practice, and an abandoned silo. The woods around the university are home to a myriad of trails, and contain a small pond, a decently sized clearing used for campfires, and a ropes course. The Greenway has more than meets the eye, as there are many hidden trails, another ropes course, a rope swing near an old dam, and some of the best outdoor climbing in the town of Boone. There is even a short trail with a bouldering rock right here on this campus. And Winkler's Creek Road contains a swimming hole with a rope swing, and a small pond, both a really short distance from the town, and popular with a lot of people, as I always see people there every time I go. Howard's Knob Park offers a great view of the entire town, and is open to the public. There are more trails hidden nearby that park.

Heading away from Boone again, towards Todd, there is Snake Mountain and Elk Knob State Park. Snake Mountain is a steep hike, with a great view at the top. Elk Knob has a casual walking trail, and, once you reach the top, you can see for miles. Heading towards Valis, one can reach Snake Pit and Trash Can Falls. Snake Pit does indeed have snakes, but Trash Can Falls is free of litter. Both offer climbing, diving, and swimming, while Snake Pit also has a rope swing. Further still, one can reach Compression Falls. You would have to make your way down a ridiculously steep hill, but at the bottom is a lot of cliff hiking, swimming opportunities, and jumping spots. It reaches a peak with the Compression Falls, a sixty fool jump, which I have made several times.

Heading towards Banner Elk, one can find Elk River Falls, an eighty foot waterfall that looks as if it can be jumped, but it cannot, as there are rocks beneath the water, and people have died there. There are several smaller jumps, a climbing area with ropes. and is quite a place to hang out at.
There are many more things to do in and around Boone. You just have to find them. I am also open to comments letting me know of something I have missed.