Thursday, November 13, 2014

Cooleemee Falls and its Famous Bullhole



Returning from our Stone Mountain trip,
I surprised Judy with a stopoff at a little
out-of-the-way place called the Bullhole.
It's located on the Yadkin River near an
old textile mill in the small town of 
Cooleemee.  We had read about it when
the Raleigh News & Observer had a series
this summer of little known curiosities in
all 100 North Carolina counties.

Apparently the River Park located here
has become a huge local gathering place,
though it was vacant on the chilly morning
we stopped by.  I could envision hordes of
youth and families playing here in warmer 
seasons.

Take time to read the story of the
Bullhole (double click to enlarge).


These cautions apply to most rivers.

I'm sure this sandy beach is popular in the summer.

With caution, this area could be a great water playground.

This seems to be the ruins of an old dam on a
smaller side tributary of the river.

This catwalk is about 14 inches wide.  It was inevitable
that Judy and I would walk across it, though I wasn't
wild about the idea.

Here's what I didn't like about the catwalk.
You're looking straight down.  We had to
step across that gaping opening.  Not
for the faint of heart!

The dam and the rocks below.

The tranquil pool of the Yadkin above the dam.


Peering over the dam from upriver.



A man-made waterfall.
Double click to enlarge and read further
information about the park.  Plans are
underway to make further improvements.

On the side of the old textile factory, this
mural of Cooleemee's Old Square has been
created.  None of this exists now.  Main
Street is a combination of vacant lots and
residences.  All the signs of the old mill
village are up and down every street. A
quaint, lovely old town.

A bit more local history.

Cooleemee Falls and the Bullhole may not
be worth you traveling for 2 hours or more
just for a glimpse.  But if your travels take
you in the vicinity, it might be worth a quick
side trip.  If you like that kind of thing.
And we do!

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