Oddly, some of those rocks and cliffs you may have had trouble with going down are much easier going up. I am 50+, overweight, out of shape, have extremely poor vision, and uncoordinated but even I managed to make it. The Hike back is mostly uphill and can be very taxing especially if you are not use to it. The water is crystal clear and very refreshing. Stop! Take a break, sit on the rocks or maybe even take a dip in the swimming hole. The hike starts off very mild but just about 3/4 of the way down, you find yourself climbing rocks, traversing narrow passages, and only when you have found yourself climbing down a ledge will you know that you have reached Panther Creek Falls. If it had not been for another hiker, I would have thought we had reached the bottom at one point. The 7.0 hike to Panther Creek Falls (10+ when you take in to consideration the elevation changes, etc.) is not marked (blazed) very well. Failure to have a proper permit could result in your vehicle being towed. There is a green honor system collection box as your drive in where you can pick up your one day permit.
Vehicles parked at the Recreation Area are expected to pay a parking fee. Parking is limited at the trailhead and occasionally you will find people parked along side the road. If you are not an experienced hiker or in good physical condition I would recommend you steer clear of this 7 mile hike at least until the fall months arrive. The high heat index and the humidity of the summer months only compound the difficulty. (including a hiker who took a 30 foot fall from the trail onto a sand bar in the creek). Chad Black Habersham County Emergency Services Director states that there has already been three “sick call” rescues since July 11th and six overall rescue operations staged since March
Restroom & picnics tables near the parking area.įYI.
PATHER CREEK FULL
When the lot is full people park along Highway 441. It’s a great resting spot before you start your return hike. The day we were there a group of folks were swimming and enjoying the cool water at the base of the falls. At the base of the large multi-tiered waterfall there is a sandy beach with huge fallen trees positioned so you can sit, relax and enjoy the view. The trail here has been relocated and restored in the last several years making it much easier and safer than before. As you approach the falls at the 3.5 mile mark you will cross an extremely large rock outcrop that descends to the base of Panther Creek falls. They are all first-come, first-camp so arrive early. You will also pass multiple campsites just off the trail all located beside the creek. Be prepared for a few elevation changes along the way. Sections of the trail are extremely narrow and drop sharply and suddenly to the creek below (there are cable handrails in place to try and help keep hikers safe).
Along the way there are creeks to ford, lots of steps to climb, fallen trees to navigate, wooden bridges to cross, as well as massive rock outcrops that you pass under, over and around. It is well marked so it is easy to follow. It follows Panther creek downstream for most of the way as it winds through towering trees in the mostly hardwood forest. The trail is natural terrain and heavy erosion makes it very rough in places. From the parking area you walk across Highway 441 where the hike begins. If you like a trail with numerous challenges then this 7 mile adventure is for you. We are both experienced hikers and have completed this trail in the past. Recently my brother and I hiked the trail to Panther Creek Falls.
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