Panther Creek Trail / Falls (Entire Length)

Summary:

This 12-mile round-trip hike starts at Panther Creek Recreation Area just north of Turnerville, Georgia on US 441. From the recreation area, the blue blazed trail progresses east to the magnificent Panther Creek Falls. The steeply sloping path descends to the bottom of the falls, and then continues a few more miles to Davidson Creek. We will then retrace our path approximately 6 miles back to the trailhead.

Details:

From the parking area we pass a number of shoals along the creek and after approximately 3.5 miles we will arrive at Panther Creek Falls where we will take a short break for a snack and some photos. We will then continue along the trail down to the trail's end at Davidson Creek. This part of the trail below the falls has some very steep, rocky climbs, with the possibility of some fallen trees which we may have to go around or climb over. However, this part of the trail is supposed to be very interesting and the forest service has given it a special designation of "Panther Creek Botanical Area," as it supports unique flora and fauna. This area of the forest also contains larger, more mature, forest species of Oak, Tuliptree, Basswood, and American Beech. On the return journey we will again take a short break at the falls.

This hike is rated a D5 for distance and some potentially difficult steep rocky climbs, so hikers should be in sufficient physical shape. Please note, that this hike is twice as long (12 miles) and has over 3 times the amount of ascent (2,400 ft) as the routine Panther Creek Falls hikes that only go to the falls and back.  As such, you should have recent D4 or D5 hiking experience.

There is a $3 fee to park at the Panther Creek Recreation Area.

Travel north on I-85 and then exit left on I-985 north.  Continue traveling north on I-985 which will become route US 23.  Continue north on US 23 and just just past Turnerville, turn left on Travis Smith Rd. Travel approximately 0.1 mile to the intersection of US 441 Historical.  Turn right on US 441 Historical and travel approximately 0.8 miles to the Panther Creek Recreation area parking lot on your left.

There is a $3 parking fee at the Panther Creek Recreation Area parking lot - please share the cost with all participants in your carpool.