Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area
Panthertown Valley, referred to as the Yosemite of the East, lies on the eastern continental divide in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. With more than 25 miles of designated trails in this 6,300 acre backcountry area visitors can enjoy deep gorges and broad valleys, mountain bogs and granitic rock domes, tranquil creeks and plunging waterfalls while hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Camping is permitted in Panthertown, but groups are limited to no more than 12 people per site. No commercial equestrian or mountain bike outfitter/guides are permitted. Please be cautioned the roads to the parking areas are rough and four-wheel drive is advised.
At a Glance
Fees: | None |
---|---|
Open Season: | year round |
Usage: | Light |
Closest Towns: | Cashiers and Sylva |
Water: | none |
Restroom: | none |
Operated By: | Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734, (828)-524-6 |
General Information
Directions:To Salt Rock Gap trailhead parking: from the stop light in Cashiers take US 64 east for 2 miles to Cedar Creek Road
General Notes:
Nantahala Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-6441
Activities
Mountain Biking
Dispersed Camping
Rock Climbing
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Horse Camping
Horse Riding
Viewing Wildlife
Viewing Plants
Viewing Scenery
Alerts & Warnings
- Point Lookout Trail will temporarily close for repairs beginning August 8, 2022
- Linville Gorge Camping Permits Required for Summer Weekends
- Be Bear Aware
- Catawba Falls Trail (TR 225) Closed
- Camping and other restrictions now in effect at Max Patch
- Nantahala RD: Multiple areas under construction
- Appalachian RD: NCDOT construction near Harmon Den may affect Forest access
- Grandfather RD: Old House Gap Rd (FS192) temporarily closed
- Recreate responsibly
- Joyce Kilmer Trail Lower Loop Closed due to rain damage
- Target Shooting prohibited on Croatan National Forest