Quarry Falls — cliff jumping spot in Highlands, North Carolina
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Quarry Falls

Highlands, North Carolina · map view — photos in the app

About this spot

Quarry Falls, known locally as Bust Your Butt Falls, sits directly beside US Route 64 about 6.3 miles west of Highlands, NC, between Dry Falls and Cullasaja Falls. Large paved pull-offs on both shoulders make this a true roadside stop, no hike required. The falls drop roughly 15-25 feet as a rock slide into a deep, popular swimming pool, and the smooth stone face doubles as a natural water slide in warm months. It's a well-known summer gathering spot documented across Wikipedia, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and local hiking guides. The name is the warning: slick, mossy rock and variable pool depth have caused real injuries, so check water levels before sliding or jumping and never dive headfirst. Roadside parking needs no permit, but US 64 traffic moves fast.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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