Panthertown Valley - Day Hike

I have done this hike before, but I have not been there in a couple of years. With all the rain we have had, we may have to be flexible on the route we take.  I am estimating the mileage will be 8 to 10 miles and about 2000 feet of total elevation gain. I am calling this "Exploratory", because we will have to be flexible on the itinerary.  If you are not comfortable with some unknowns, this may not be the right hike for you.

Because of the rain, we may have to ford a creek or two.  Bring some sandals or water shoes and a towel.  The water will be cold!

Panthertown Valley, often referred to as “The Yosemite of the East”, is a popular 6,295 acre backcountry recreation area and has thirty miles of U.S. Forest Service officially designated trails in the Nantahala National Forest plus many miles of Forest Service roads and unofficial user-created footpaths located throughout the valley.

We're planning to take in about 10 miles of the trails, 3 waterfalls (Wilderness Falls, Frolictown Falls and Schoolhouse Falls), and see the "The Great Wall".  If you have not seen The Great Wall it is an impressive geologic feature.  We'll also have some great views Green Valley and Big Green Mountain.  The falls should be about as good as they get.  I anticipate Schoolhouse Falls will be impressive.

We will be staying together on this hike.  There are 30 miles of trails and many intersecting trails in Panthertown Valley.  Additionally, bear activity is high. 

I am planning to stop in Clayton on the way home for dinner.  If you prefer not to stop, please work that out at the carpool or plan to drive yourself.

From the NC 107 / US 64 Junction in Cashiers, take US 64 east for 2 miles to Cedar Creek Road (SR 1120) on left. Take Cedar Creek Road 2.3 miles to Breedlove Road (SR 1121) and turn right. Go 3.5 miles to end of pavement, turn left onto gravel road to parking area. Trailhead begins here.