Blue Ridge Country July/August 2024 - 47

WONDERS
B
elow, upon and above the mountains
and valleys in our region is
an abundance of the essential
substance for all life on the planet-water.
Rising silently from the depths, gathering
across acres of land, racing and plunging
over and through obstacles and hanging
quietly in the air. All of these varied forms
support the health of diverse flora and
fauna and inspire joy in those who visit
them.
Let's explore how this amazing substance
presents itself in the Blue Ridge.
SPRINGS AND SWIMMING HOLES
Blue Hole Spring. Lafayette, Georgia. For
a forest oasis of emerald green spring
water with visibility to the bottom, walk
the short path from the parking lot in
Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA. The
water is quite cold year-round and the
adventurous folks gather for a New Year's
Day " polar plunge. " Take a hike to Ellison
Cave (location of " two of the deepest
continual underground pits in the U.S. " )
and walk along the famous Shirley Miller
Wildflower Trail nearby. walkercountyga.
gov/discover/recreation/crockford-pigeonmountain-wildlife-management-area/blue-hole
Limestone
Spring. Gaffney, South Carolina.
Experience the significance of a
source of fresh water in this community
that grew around a spring. While a simple
brick pool now welcomes the water above
ground, the surrounding area is a National
Register Historic District celebrating
" healing " waters, commerce and an early
BLUE HOLE SPRINGS LAFAYETTE GEORGIA
JULY/AUGUST 2024 47
center for the education of women. Stop
for a photo at the famous Gaffney peach
while in town. hmdb.org/m.asp?m=9967
Blue Hole. Cherokee National Forest,
Tennessee. Discover crystal-clear swimming
holes in the upper portion of the
famous whitewater destination, the
Ocoee River. Upstream from the suspension
bridge, these 'pools' appear when
the TVA power company " turns off the
water " (in local speak!). Blue Hole is
known for underwater tunnels through
the rocks-bring the goggles. Catch a
show at the nearby Copperhill Opry. onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/enchanting-underwater-tunnel-tn
Hot
Springs. Madison County, North
Carolina. Relax in one of 17 outdoor
hot tubs filled with the mineral waters of
an artesian spring. Bubbling up from a
half-mile underground, these waters are
the only natural hot springs in the state.
Stop by the welcome center to see photos
and hear stories dating back to the
early 1800s. Learn about the Paint Rock
Pictographs and take a leisurely bike ride
through this tranquil destination. visitmadisoncounty.com/natural-hot-springs
Blue
Heron. Stearns, Kentucky. Bordered
by shallow edges sloping into
deep, cool waters, this swimming hole in
the Big South Fork NRA is part of the
MAIN PHOTO: Lake
Keowee in Seneca, South
Carolina, has 18,500
acres of water fun.
RIGHT: Blue Hole Spring
in Lafayette, Georgia,
captures spring water for
a cold plunge.
ADOBE STOCK | PATRICK JENNINGS

http://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=9967 http://www.visitmadisoncounty.com/natural-hot-springs http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/enchanting-underwater-tunnel-tn http://www.walkercountyga.gov/discover/recreation/crockford-pigeon-mountain-wildlife-management-area/blue-hole

Blue Ridge Country July/August 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country July/August 2024