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Panther Creek Falls




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Panther Creek Falls   Hike: Panther Creek Falls  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 30 2024  9:00 am >> Sat, Mar 30 2024 2:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Mar 21 2024 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Mar 29 2024 4:00 pm
Event Duration:5 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:8.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kip
Ann
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You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

This is an out and back trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.  The trailhead is located just off of GA-23, a few miles south of Tallulah Gorge State Park. 

The trail runs through a hilly, wooded area passing by several small waterfalls.  The main Panther Creek Falls is about 3.5 miles into the trail.  We will stop at the falls to explore and take pictures, then continue an additional 2+ miles to the end of the trail.

There are several creek crossings that might require some wading if the water level is high.  

 We will reverse direction and return along the same trail back to the trailhead. The return is mostly up hill but under 1000 feet of gain.  

This hike is designated as exploratory due to the uncertain state of the trail beyond the waterfall.  The trail was closed for a period of time snd the purpose of this hike is to explore the extended section of the trail and determine whether or not is is suitable for future hikes.

If we find that the trail is unsafe we will abandon the trail and shorten the hike.  

Attendees must have strong D5 experience to attend this hike. 

 


Required Items to Bring:

Water

Hiking boots

Snacks

Cash for parking and carpool. (See parking cost info below.)

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles

Water shoes  (There is a bridge on the trail that is down.  We will have to wade across the creek in at least one spot.)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Take I-985 North which turns into US 23/441. 16 miles past Cornelia, turn left onto Glen Hardman Road, then turn right onto Historic 441 for 1 mile to the Panther Creek Recreation Area parking lot.

 Parking Cost:

America the Beautiful Passes: Senior, Access, Annual, Military, Gold Star, Veteran, and Golden Age Senior/Access are accepted at this site. Those passes are good for the pass holder and up to three adults per vehicle.

Otherwise, there is a $4 parking fee per car at the trail head.  Day passes can be purchased online using this link Recreation.gov - Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More. 

The pass must be printed and displayed in the windshield of your car.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):144Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $57.60 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.