The Bullhole at Cooleemee Falls

May 26, 2025

The Bullhole at Cooleemee Falls

Swimmin' Holes - whether in a stream, creek, river, or lake - are the ultimate place to cool down in the hot North Carolina summer. From the mountains, through the Piedmont, to the coast - a swimmin' hole can be one of the most popular places in the area.

At the former mill town of Cooleemee along the South Yadkin River, there is an old swimmin' hole. It's known as "The Bullhole." Its journey from a mill worker's family picnic spot to a troubled hangout and finally to a regional community park is worth telling.

Cooleemee Falls is also a great photography spot.

The Bullhole is a gathering place and swimming spot just below Cooleemee Falls, waterfalls created by a dam. The dam, constructed at the turn of the 20th century, provided electricity to the Erwin Textile Mill and the company town of Cooleemee. The dam stopped providing power in 1969 but remains. Water from the South Yadkin cascades over the dam, creating a stunning, wide waterfall.

The Bullhole earns its name from a legend that a bull ox, while fording the river here, was swept down the South Yadkin River, never to be seen again. The Bullhole has always been a gathering place, as artifacts dating from 10,000 BC from Native Americans have been uncovered here.

During the early 1900s, the Bullhole was a popular spot for factory workers and their families seeking a break from the heat. After the mill closed in 1969, the Bullhole fell into disrepair. For decades, local families advised their children not to go down to the Bullhole, believing it was too dangerous.

The sandy beach at The Bullhole

In the late 1990s, Cooleemee created a River Taskforce intending to develop a regional park around Cooleemee Falls. It didn't take long for part of their vision to be realized. In November 2003, Riverpark at Cooleemee Falls officially opened. Since then, the park has become a regional attraction. Visitors from throughout the Piedmont come to the park to fish, hike, picnic, and, of course, swim. The park is also a very popular canoe and kayak launch.

During the summer, there is a $5 per car fee on weekdays and a $15 per carload of four fee on weekends. It is $25 for a carload of five or more people. There is no lifeguard on duty - swimming at The Bullhole is at your own risk.

All photos taken by post author - March 30, 2025.

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