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Panthertown Valley




The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Panthertown Valley
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Feb 7 2009  8:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Jan 30 2009 9:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Feb 5 2009 10:00 pm
Event Duration:2 days
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Michael Johnson
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:16
Minimum Group Size:6
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Panthertown Valley, a/k/a Yosemite of the East, is a beautiful area with plenty of waterfalls. In addition, there are hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, vines, wildflowers, mosses, lichens and the largest mushrooms I’ve ever seen. Panthers no longer roam the valley, but you may see deer, fox, raccoon, skunk, barred owl, grouse and snakes. The streams are full of brook trout. And the views from the top of the cliffs are absolutely spectacular! Be prepared to backpack about 1.5 miles to our campsite near Tuckasegee river just past the Sandbar Pool, which is a very nice flat campsite. After setting up camp, and eating lunch, we will be hiking to the top of Cold Mountain, which is about a 1000’ elevation gain, and about an 8 mile round trip. Last time I lead this hike, we had an injury and had to abort our goal, but this time I feel confident we'll be able to make it! On the way, we will stop to enjoy Warden’s Falls, cross and find the Little Green Creek trail. This trail is easy to miss, and goes up a narrow ravine with potentially very slippery creek crossings, so poles would help. We should stick together, and wear long hiking pants for this journey. On Sunday we can take a short hike to School House Falls and the top of Little Green Mtn for another beautiful view of the valley below. After the Sunday hike, we will break camp and backpack out the way we came in, about 1.5 miles, but since it goes back up and out of the valley, you need to be in good shape. So come join us on our adventure to this valley nestled along the eastern continental divide. This is a nature's lover hike, and we won't be rushing from one place to another, or rushing to get back to the city. But you'll still need to be in good shape, so pay more attention to the mileage and elevation gain rather than the rating, which is more generalized. These mountains are high, and the terrain can be rugged for those unprepared.

Required Items to Bring:
Please bring a lunch, dinner and a breakfast. You may want to bring a lunch or snack for Sunday on our day hike. Also bring a water filter, or arrange with a friend to borrow one. We may stop for some Mexican in Walhalla on the way back to Atlanta.		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

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 north on Hwy 28 and branch to right on Hwy 107 north to Cashiers. At the stoplight in Cashiers, take 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: 8:15 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:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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