Travel South Magazine Travel South low (kasey daleo's conflicted copy 20 | Page 95

River
Cullasaja
“GeNeRaLlY
SpEaKiNg, A SpRiNg,
As StAtEd, Is A
NaTuRaL DrAiNaGe
SyStEm, Or PaRt
ThErEoF.”
DIVE IN
Generally speaking, a spring, as
stated, is a natural drainage system, or
part thereof. So, while Florida may be
the most popular state in the country,
and the most popular area in the
world for natural springs, North Car-
olina is known similarly for it’s swim-
ming holes. A swimming hole is, in
essence, like a spring. Only, instead of
gaining filtration from aquifers and un-
derwater cave systems, the swimming
holes rely on their filtration at higher
elevations. The water literally flows
through the rocks and the mountain-
sides, making these swimming holes
or “mini springs” a place to go for
some of the cleanest water in the
world.
The spring season brings with it some
warmer weather, especially in late
spring to early summer, so that is
when you will want to head to one of
these natural beauties. One of the
most popular and most accessible
swimming holes in the area is Bust
Your Butt Falls in Highlands. Clearly, its
name gives you fair warning, so watch
your step, as the rocks are as slippery
as a slide with soap bubbles. The nat-
ural pool can be seen from the road,
and often times during peak months
you’ll be able to drive by with your
windows down only to hear the
shrieking and hollering of happy chil-
dren as they plummet down the rocks
and into the cool water.
The water flows from the mountains
to the Cullasaja River, and a short hike
will bring you to Bridal Veil Falls, a
popular photography site. Bridal Veil
Falls is also the only waterfall in the
entire state of North Carolina that you
can drive beneath.
Travel South | Spring 2018 | 93