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Panther Creek Recreation Area
PICNIC AREA OPEN, TRAIL OPENED TO INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED HIKERS ONLY. BRIDGES AND TRAIL REPAIRS STILL NEEDING TO BE COMPLETED TO MAKE THE TRAIL SAFER FOR OTHER HIKERS IN 2023/2024.
Enjoy a picnic, hold a Boy Scout troop meeting or have a family gathering within the historic CCC structures of this wooded recreation area. Directly adjacent to the picnic pavilions visitors can can follow their picnic with a mesmerizing day-hike to the awesome falls on the 3.5 mile (one way) Panther Creek Trail.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Picnic area remains open the Panther Creek Trail opened to intermediate and advanced hikers only due to the damage received on the trail by Hurricane Zeta. The Chattooga River Ranger District has issued a hiker warning for the Panther Creek Trail in Habersham County Georgia. Recent high-water events have caused significant damage to the Panther Creek Trail. Bridges are no longer in place requiring hikers to ford Panther Creek and minor tributaries. Sections of the trail tread washed away and sustainable passage to the falls is no longer possible at this time. In addition, high winds and saturated soils led to a higher number of downed trees impacting hiker safety. We appreciate visitor's cooperation while staff work to make the trail safe and address resource damage in order to open Panther Creek Trail soon to most users. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Sunrise to Sunset for the picnic area and shelters. No overnight camping in or around the picnic area or parking lot. Thank you |
| Reservations: | Reservations are not accepted. Occupation of picnic sites are on a first come first serve basis. |
| Fees: | Standard Amenity Fee - $4/Vehicle/day Amenity fees are for use of Toilet Building, Trash, Picnic Areas, and/or use of Parking Lot. |
| Open Season: | Open year round |
| Restrictions: | The hiking trail is strictly for foot-travel only |
| Water: | Drinking water is provided from fountains at the picnic area |
| Restroom: | 1 Vault restroom facility |
| Operated By: | USDA Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Please contact the Chattooga River Ranger District for more information at (706) 754-6221 |
General Information
Directions:Physical Address: 3995 Old Historic 441, Turnerville, GA
Directions:
(Northern end)Trailhead and recreation area: from the Chattooga River Ranger office in Lakemont, travel south on US 441 for 3.5 miles to Historic 441 and turn Rt. Continue on Historic 441 for approx. 1.5 miles. The Panther Creek Recreation Area will be on the right and the trail begins across the street on the left.
(Southern end) Panther Creek Trail: Hwy 184 North (Panther Bridge Rd) which becomes Yonah dam Rd. to Panther Creek Rd. Turn Lt. and follow Panther Creek rd. until it ends at parking lot at southern end of trail.
Activities
Day Hiking
Panther Creek Foot Trail is a total of 6.6 miles of moderate hiking, point-to-point. From the (northern-end) Trailhead it's about 3.3 miles to the falls.
The trail consists of steep slopes, rocky paths and sometimes requires crossing very narrow and precarious stretches of trail. Please hike with caution and watch your step!
*Do not mistake the high shoals at mile 2.3 for the waterfall--you have another mile to go!*
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Picnicking
Enjoy the CCC built structures initiated by President Roosevelt as a response to the Depression. Amenities include:
- Two stone picnic shelters
- 1 group area
- quaint trail bridge over Panther Creek
- Vault Toilet
- Paved delineated parking w/ signage
- 10 picnic sites
General Info:
Directions(Northern end)Trailhead and recreation area: from the Chattooga River Ranger office in Lakemont, travel south on US 441 for 3.5 miles to Historic 441 and turn Rt. Continue on Historic 441 for approx. 1.5 miles. The Panther Creek Recreation Area will be on the right and the trail begins across the street on the left.
(Southern end) Panther Creek Trail: Hwy 184 North (Panther Bridge Rd) which becomes Yonah dam Rd. to Panther Creek Rd. Turn Lt. and follow Panther Creek rd. until it ends at parking lot at southern end of trail.
Photos & MultimediaPhotos & Multimedia
Alerts & Warnings
- #BurnAlerts for Prescribed Fires
- Lake Conasauga Reservation Only
- Recreation passes available online, by phone and in-person
- Rock Creek Road (FSR 69) Closed Past Frank Gross Recreation Area
- FS Road 18 Road Work
- Road Closures on the Chattooga River Ranger District
- Coleman River Rd (FSR #54) Closure
- CAUTION Waterfall Dangers
- CALL BEFORE YOU HAUL - ATV and OHV
- Panther Creek Trail Temporary Hiker Restrictions
- Don't Move Firewood!
OHV Trail Maps
- Interactive Visitor Map
- BeOutdoorSafe.org
Now more than ever, our favorite outdoor spaces are playing an important role in our lives. Together, we can continue to keep these safe places safe. Whether we’re out in nature or home in our backyards, remember that it’s our role to protect the lands we love.
Location
