A gorgeous hike capped by a dip in the Eno Quarry at midpoint. Officially, swimming in the quarry, which yielded rock for road construction a half century ago, is frowned upon. But you will spy few frowns on a hot summer’s day among the hundreds of swimmers who take to the spring-fed
lake on various flotation devices. (More impatient hikers who prefer not to lug their sea horsey more than need be can trim the hike to a half mile by starting from the state park’s Cabe Lands Access.) Warning: Do not dive into the quarry — submerged rock rims the shoreline. Rather, ease yourself into its refreshing waters.
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