Vanishing oxen, massive waterfalls and all day fun are just the start of The Bullhole. We were captured by the waterfall pictures but found our selves staying for so many more reason.
Where is the Bullhole?
The Bullhole is located in rural community of Cooleeme in the central/western part of the state. This secret river park is one of the main claims to fame for this local community. The drive out here is filled with rolling hills and farm land which adds to the seclusive feeling when you arrive. I had a similar feeling when I passed little Washington on my way to Goose Creek State Park.
The final approach from the main road takes you down a rural residential street. You will know you are almost at the front gate when you see the trailer park on your right. Admission is charged at the gate. 10$ per car on the weekend and 5$ per car during the week. I am used to free beach parking so I was a little annoyed by this but they are clearly putting these fees to good use and provide great value (unlike the Wright Brother’s Memorial). I recommend bringing cash. The gate accepts Paypal but reception is a little spotty.
You will not have any issue finding a place to park in the main parking area. If you need to launch a canoe or just do not like inclines, there is a secondary parking area. Ask front gate attendants for help locating it if you want to check it. out. They claim that this secondary parking area is handicap accessable but the mud was significant between this parking area and the main attraction.
The Main parking area is spacious gravel parking spaces with few restrictions. You are not far at all from the water. You will not be able to see your car from the water area but it only take 5 minutes tops to walk between them.
Do You Have A Bullhole?
I had read about the Bullhole while doing some research on the central and western part of the Better Carolina. The images look like fun so we added it to a road trip coming back from a wedding one weekend. Great decision!
You will have a short hike down from the parking area but it is very short. You can hear the falls on a good day from your parking spot and the short walk only builds the anticipation like when you park at the beach.
We thought we might find a sleepy water spot with a family or two cooling their feet. When we got to the water we realize this is more like the local family party spot. parents, kids grandparents, wild young adults too alike were all in the water, on the beach and generally having a great time.
The water was moving at a good clip so people were having a goo d time with their inner tubes. I highly recommend bringing something to float on to really maximize the water experience. The speed of the water is largely determined by recent rain fall. The few days prior to our visit we had quite a few big showers. This ended up causing some larger tree branches to get lodged on the top of the dam. We saw a few fall down and sweep right next to the area some kids were playing. No one seemed alarmed. It reminded us that there are no life guards here and all swimming and water fun is done at your own risk.
Its An Old Bullhole
The reason this spot is called the Bull hole is a little scary (yet relevant). Below is probably my favorite telling of the story from the Salisbury Post
The story goes — and there are variations — that when the Erwin Mill was being built at the turn of the 20th century, oxen and mule teams were hauling timbers across the river. An elderly man’s favorite bull ox was knocked off its feet in the churning water. The bull was choking on its yoke, and after the frantic owner broke the animal free, he watched his bull ox slip away and disappear into the river, never to be seen again. It’s been known as the Bullhole ever since. The park opened in 2003
The churning waters of ‘the bullhole’ 2019 Salisbury Post
It is definitely ironic that the place where a whole bull disappeared is not a local favorite swimming spot. All the same, it definitely highlights the importance of river safety when you visit. This beach has hazards that are equally treacherous to what is normalized on much of the outer banks. Regard the hazards with respect and you will be just fine.
Hole-heartedly
The amenities at the Bullhole are not extensive but thought out. The only bathrooms are right next to the main parking lot. Since this is a relatively small park, this seems sufficient. They are on the newer side and the crews here are taking great care of them. This is also where you will see the neat little map posted.
If you like to grill out with friends, there is a large shelter with grills for you to use. They were being well utilized when we visited. I was really surprised to find a full on food truck at the bottom near the water. I did not see any schedules posted or indications how frequent you will find them here. Considering how many locals were here, I would wager you will find someone selling something here just about every summer weekend. You will find some nice park provided benches near the water like the one we ate our lunch at. Even if these are all taken, there is plenty of shade and rock/ ledges etc. to relax on.
A Hole Lot of Fun
The visuals of the massive cascading water fall over the damn really catches the eye here. the quirky name and history had us cracking jokes for an hour. On top of all of that, this is truly a great beach alternative. I have visited 15+ different beaches this summer writing for The Better Carolina (1st world problems, I know) but after a while you just want to see something different. That is one reason places like the Salvo Day Use Area, Cape Lookout and now the Bullhole stick out so distinctly. WE loved every minute of it and look forward to bring Madilyn next time we come.
Overall
The Bullhole cruised into a 4 star spot with a straight forward approach to fun on the river. This gorgeous yet functional river fun is a perfect way to spend some time reconnecting with nature either by yourself or even a family reunion. Spend an hour, spend a day, you will be glad you came.
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