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Quarry Falls Bust Your Butt Falls

4.7
·733 reviews·Highlands, United States

A thrilling roadside waterfall with a natural waterslide and cliff jumping, perfect for a refreshing dip in the Cullasaja River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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bust your butt falls

Quarry Falls Bust Your Butt Falls

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A thrilling roadside waterfall with a natural waterslide and cliff jumping, perfect for a refreshing dip in the Cullasaja River.

4.7
(733 reviews)

"This spot has moved to the very top of our 'com back soon' list!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The rocks are slick and uneven. Water shoes provide essential grip and protection.

🚗 Park Smart

Parking is limited to roadside pull-offs. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 733 reviews

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Natural Waterslide

The Natural Waterslide

Cullasaja River

Experience the thrill of sliding down the smooth, natural rock formations into the refreshing river below. A true adrenaline rush!

Cliff Jumping Opportunities

Cliff Jumping Opportunities

Various rock ledges

For the adventurous, take a leap from the designated 'jump off' rocks into the deep pools. Always assess water depth and conditions first.

Instagram
Multi-Tiered Waterfall Views

Multi-Tiered Waterfall Views

Along the Cullasaja River

Admire the beauty of the three small drops of Quarry Falls, creating a picturesque scene amidst the Nantahala National Forest.

Reddit
Refreshing River Swimming

Refreshing River Swimming

Pools at the base of the falls

Cool off in the clear, albeit cold, waters of the Cullasaja River. It's a perfect spot to relax after exploring the rocks.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the 'Bust Your Butt' Nickname

Quarry Falls, also known as Bust Your Butt Falls, lives up to its name! The rocks are slick, and the water is cold. Be prepared for a bit of a scramble and exercise caution, especially if you plan to swim or jump. Locals advise extra care due to potential hazards. InstagramReddit

Timing is Key for Parking & Crowds

Parking is limited to roadside pull-offs along Highway 64. Arrive early on weekdays or during off-peak hours to secure a spot. This spot is a popular local hangout, so expect it to be busier on weekends and during warmer months. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for cooling off
Crowd
High
When
Late Spring/Early Fall
Why
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sometimes you gotta chase waterfalls! #chasingwaterfalls #highlandsnc #nc #waterfalls #dryfalls #glennfalls #quarryfalls #hikingtok
@chasing_mtns
8.5K likes • 105.1K views

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The rocks are slick and uneven. Water shoes provide essential grip and protection. InstagramReddit

🚗 Park Smart

Parking is limited to roadside pull-offs. Arrive early or be prepared to wait. Reddit

Highlands Long Weekend Itinerary Day 1️⃣ 🚗 Drive to Highlands after work 🌄 Sunset Rock for sunset - 1.4 miles, easy Day 2️⃣ 💦 Lower Whitewater Falls Via Foothills Trail - 8.8 miles, moderate - Upper Whitewater Falls is a short walk from the parking lot if you're not up for a longer hike - $3/car, national parks pass accepted 💦 Silver Run Falls - 0.2 miles, easy - Parking along the side of the road...
@telephonesmoothie
8.1K likes • 143.4K views
Bust Your Butt Falls aka Quarry Falls Highlands, NC Nantahala National Forest #wanderlust #waterfalllovers #naturelover #natureisbeautiful #naturereels #bustyourbuttfalls #bustyourbutt #highlandsnc #chasingwaterfalls #chasinglight #natureislit #quarryfalls #mountainsarecalling #mountainlife #waterfalls #waterfalls💦 #exploreoutdoors
ohpreston
40 likes • 192 views

⚠️ Be Cautious

Slippery rocks and variable water depths pose risks. Locals warn of potential dangers. InstagramReddit

🏊‍♀️ Assess Water Depth

Before jumping, always check the water depth. It can vary significantly. Instagram

Quarry Falls, also known as Bust Your Butt Falls, is a popular swimming hole and natural slide on the Cullasaja River near Highlands along US Highway 64. It’s accessible via a short walk from nearby parking pull-offs. Visitors can enjoy diving from a “jump off” rock into the cold water, though caution is advised due to slippery boulders and variable water depths. The area offers excellent spots fo...
raeswit
7 likes • 259 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The rocks are slick and uneven. Water shoes provide essential grip and protection. InstagramReddit

🚗 Park Smart

Parking is limited to roadside pull-offs. Arrive early or be prepared to wait. Reddit

⚠️ Be Cautious

Slippery rocks and variable water depths pose risks. Locals warn of potential dangers. InstagramReddit

🏊‍♀️ Assess Water Depth

Before jumping, always check the water depth. It can vary significantly. Instagram

🐝 Watch for Hornets

Some visitors have encountered hornet nests nearby. Be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(733 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Quarry Falls, also known as Bust Your Butt Falls, is a beloved local spot offering a unique natural waterslide and cliff jumping. Visitors praise its accessibility and refreshing swimming opportunities, though many caution about the very slippery rocks and variable water depths. It's a thrilling, albeit potentially hazardous, natural attraction.

"It is very pretty. You can climb down to the water if you want. Parking on the side of the road only."

Ryan

"Great little swimming spot off the road up in the mountains. Beautiful multi-tier waterfall, cliff jumping, swimming, climbing on rocks, skipping rocks. Beautiful views. Watch out for the hornets nest."

Kaleb Casey

"We went on a weekday. Climbed the rocks and spent some time in the water. We were fortunate to come across a local family who told us how to make the most of our visit. This spot has moved to the very top of our ‘com back soon’ list!"

M Rowlands

What People Like

Natural waterslide thrill
Refreshing cold water
Easy roadside access

What People Dislike

Very slippery rocks
Limited parking
Variable water depth

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Quarry Falls is conveniently located along US Highway 64 near Highlands, North Carolina. You'll find parking in roadside pull-offs directly beside the falls. It's a very accessible spot, often described as a 'roadside gem.' InstagramReddit

There is no designated parking lot with a fee. Parking is available on the side of the highway in pull-off areas. Arrive early, as spots are limited and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Reddit

Access is typically via a short walk from the roadside parking. Be prepared for some scrambling over rocks to get closer to the water and the main falls area. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can drive directly to Quarry Falls. It's situated right off Highway 64, making it easily accessible by car. TikTok

Yes, Quarry Falls can be a great addition to a day trip from Asheville. The drive is scenic, and the falls offer a refreshing stop. Consider combining it with other nearby attractions in the Highlands area. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Quarry Falls is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. It's a free-to-access spot within the Nantahala National Forest. Instagram

As a natural outdoor location, Quarry Falls does not have set operating hours. You can visit anytime, but it's best to go during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

There is no admission fee to visit Quarry Falls. It's a public access area, making it a popular and budget-friendly destination. Reddit

Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Quarry Falls. The pools at the base of the falls are often used for swimming and cooling off. Be mindful of water depth and slippery rocks. Instagram

While children can enjoy the area, extreme caution is advised. The rocks are slippery, and water depths can vary. Adult supervision is crucial, and it may be more suitable for older children who can navigate the terrain safely. InstagramReddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors enjoy swimming in the river, sliding down the natural rock waterslide, cliff jumping from designated spots, climbing on the rocks, and simply relaxing by the waterfall. Instagram+2

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for hiking and water activities. Water shoes are highly recommended due to the slippery rocks. Bring a swimsuit and a towel. InstagramReddit

There are no public restrooms directly at Quarry Falls. You'll need to plan accordingly and use facilities before or after your visit. Reddit

The water in the Cullasaja River is typically very cold, especially during warmer months. It's refreshing but can be a shock to the system! Instagram

Quarry Falls can get crowded, especially on warm weekends and holidays, as it's a popular local spot. Visiting on a weekday or early in the morning can offer a more serene experience. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the multi-tiered falls from various angles along the riverbank. The natural waterslide and cliff jumping areas offer dynamic shots. Look for unique perspectives from the rocks. Instagram+1

Exercise caution when bringing electronics near water. Ensure your camera is protected from splashes, and be mindful of your footing while trying to get the perfect shot. Instagram

You can capture action shots of people sliding and jumping, serene landscape photos of the waterfall, and close-ups of the unique rock formations. Instagram+1

Morning light can be beautiful, offering softer light and fewer crowds. Midday sun can create harsh shadows, but also highlights the water's movement. Experiment to see what works best for your style. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the Nantahala National Forest for current rules and restrictions regarding drone operation in this area. TikTok

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