Backpacking: Panthertown Valley - Sat, Mar 7 2020

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Backpacking: Panthertown Valley


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Panthertown Valley, near Cashiers, NC   Backpacking: Backpacking: Panthertown Valley  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 7 2020  8:00 am >> Sun, Mar 8 2020 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Feb 26 2020 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Mar 6 2020 7:00 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 8 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:3 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Todd M
Stacey Johnson
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

This is a one night backpacking trip to Panthertown Valley. The plan is to leave Atlanta on Saturday morning at 8AM. Some of the group may be heading up on Friday.

The hike from the trail head to the campsite is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles downhill. We will set up our camp near the Tuckasegee River just past the Sandbar Pool (pictured above).

On Saturday, after setting up camp, there will be an option to day hike. With the shorter days, and possible winter conditions, we won't commit to more than a few hours of hiking, including time spent on scenic overlooks and beside (or underneath) waterfalls.

Saturday evening will include the fellowship and camaraderie that are hallmarks of AOC events.

On Sunday, after breakfast, we'll break camp. If the weather is really nice, someone could lead a day hike up to Little Green Mtn. Otherwise, we'll just head straight back to the cars after breakfast. We probably won't leave before 11 if the weather is nice, but no later than 1pm. Bring lunch or snacks for after breakfast just in case.

We can discuss stopping for a mid-afternoon meal in Cashiers at a later time, but make it known at the car pool whether you're flexible on this, so you're not in the wrong car.

Be advised that this is winter backpacking into a valley that is almost 4k' in elevation, so please be sure you have appropriate gear. If you have to ask what gear you need for these conditions, you should wait for warmer weather at lower elevations. Several times the low's were in the teen's up in that valley this time of year. If you are prepared however, the rewards are being in a beautiful mountain valley, with chains of waterfalls, and mountain vistas nearby.

Number of dogs is limited to 2.   See Additional Notes regarding dogs.


Required Items to Bring:

Winter Backpacking Essentials 

Backpack

Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, socks, and liners

Tent

Sleeping bag

Headlamp/flashlight

1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner

Stove (If you don't have one, prearrange to share!)

Trail snacks

2 liters of water (Water source available)

Water Filter (or prearrange to share)

Rain Gear/poncho

Bag and Rope to hang Bear Bag

Toiletries

Whistle and First Aid kit

A sense of humor!

 

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Hiking Poles
  • Warmer clothing: thermals and fleece (It gets chilly at night)
  • Musical instruments
  • Snacks/Appetizers to share with the team
  • Saw for firewood gathering

 


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

North on I-85 to exit 1 in SC, then north on Hwy 11 about 20 miles to Walhalla. Then West on Hwy 28 and branch to right on Hwy 107 north to Cashiers. At the stoplight in Cashiers, turn Right onto US 64 east for 2 miles to Cedar Creek Road (SR 1120) and take a left. Proceed on Cedar Creek Road for 2.3 miles to Breedlove Road (SR 1121) and turn right. Proceed onto Breedlove Road for 3.5 miles to the Forest Service gate and the Salt Rock Gap trailhead.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):240Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $96.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

Dogs must be well trained and behave around other dogs/people.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

This trip may be cancelled due to weather.