Description:
Sometimes referred to as "Twisted Falls" or "Compression Falls". This is a set of swimming holes located at the top and bottom of a 30-40 foot waterfall. You can slide off the waterfall and take a 30 foot plunge into the lower pool. There is an upper pool located at the brink of the main falls, which is fed by a smaller waterfall (about 10-15 feet). This upper pool is lined with cliffs where people can jump from heights ranging from about 10-40 feet. There may be more swimming holes with places to jump upstream from these two pools, but accessing this area requires scaling the 15-foot rock face using the knotted rope dangling into the upper pool.
We recommend hiking boots forthe hike to the river and poles for those who are less nimble (sandels not advisable). Although short, the trail is steep and difficult.
Directions:
From Hampton - Continue on RT 321 (Hwy 321 turns to the right toward to Boone. Be sure to you make the turn), turn south onto Poga Rd . (This intersection is next to a gas station/restaurant.) Continue on Poga Rd. (not well marked), turn left onto a bridge that crosses a river, and then turn right on the road that follows the river you just crossed. After about 4 miles on Poga Rd., turn right on Clawson Rd. After 0.5 miles, turn right on Dark Ridge Rd. When the road forks, bear right and follow the road to the end. As you near the end of the road, you will see an old barn on a hill on left side of the road. link to picture of barn. When you reach the end of the road, there will be an apparent parking area in front of a gated dirt road.
The correct trail is to the right of the parking area and has yellow blazes (do not take the gated dirt road). This is a short trail that will lead to a small clearing beneath some power lines. As you approach the clearing, the trail that goes down to the river is on the left. This trail is short, but very steep (there are no switchbacks, it is a direct path down the side of the gorge). Once you reach the river, you should have a partial view of Twisting Falls upstream. Work your way along the riverbank to the swimming hole at the base of the falls. To access the swimming hole at the top of the falls, take the steep trail on the right side (when facing upstream) of the river. (About 12 miles from Hampton)
