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!