It Just Isn’t Summer In North Carolina Until You Visit The Bust Your Butt Falls Swimming Hole

The wilds of North Carolina are filled with swimming holes perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. While many of them are popular destinations with visitors and locals alike, one of them - known as Bust Your Butt Falls - is a can't miss legendary spot located right on the side of a main highway.

If you've driven on U.S. Highway 64 between Franklin and Highlands, then you've passed right by Bust Your Butt Falls, roaring to life only steps away from the asphalt surface of the highway.

It's a gorgeous spot, worthy of some photos at the very least.

But during the warmer months, many make it a regular spot for cooling off in the refreshing flow of the Callasaja River.

During the heated months of summer, there can be a frenzy of people here, all seeking the same thing.

And although we do not recommend it, a few of them jump from the boulders that line the river at Bust Your Butt Falls. Perhaps that's how the falls gets its clever nickname. (It's other more serious name is Quarry Falls.) But seriously, deaths have occurred here, so please don't jump from the boulders.

Both shallow and deep pools are present here, so if you're bringing small children be aware of the changes in depth.

And the surface below the water is filled with (slippery) rocky terrain... perhaps another reason for the falls' nickname mockery.

A small parking pull off is located next to Bust Your Butt Falls on the side of the road six miles west of Highlands and 12 miles east of Franklin.

And the trip down to the falls isn't an easy trek, so come prepared to carefully make your way down a steep path — and back up again on the way out.

Bust Your Butt Falls is one of North Carolina's most famous swimming holes.

The 20-foot cascade is also suited to riding it like a natural water slide. But of course, you'll absolutely need to be ready to bust your butt on this outing.

For another natural water slide in North Carolina, Take A Ride Down A Waterfall Sliding Board In The Pisgah National Forest In North Carolina.