From Lexington or Buena Vista, Virginia, take Rt. 60 east for several miles. As soon as you pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway, look for a gravel road on your right marked Panther Falls Road. This is a fairly bumpy gravel road, so take it easy. Follow Panther Falls Road down the mountain for just over 3 miles and park at the small parking lot on the left. The parking lot has an information kiosk right at the trail head for Panther Falls. From there it's a short hike down to the falls and swimming area.

There are a couple large boulders at the top of the falls area with a nice deep pool to jump into, and a not-so-intimidating jumping area for the kids further down. All in all, a great place to chill with your buddies, or take the family to make some great memories. Just be careful as the rocks get slippery once wet.

There are also a couple of campsites along the trail if you wanted to turn it into an overnighter.