Panthertown Creek Falls

Jackson County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Jackson County, North Carolina
Access status: Partial guide: the last section is an off-trail bushwhack with no path
The walk: About 4 to 5.4 miles return, including an off-trail section
Ground & access: Maintained backcountry trails, then an off-trail bushwhack through increasingly thick rhododendron and a steep climb down to the base. Rocks are very slippery. The hike out is mostly uphill.

Waterfall Hero: Panthertown Creek Falls (Nantahala)

From Salt Rock Gap, walk down the gated old road (Panthertown Valley Trail #474) and descend via Deep Gap Trail (#449) or Wilderness Falls Trail (#490) to Frolictown Falls. Take Granny Burrell Falls Trail (#486) and, just after the bridge over Panthertown Creek, turn right on Great Wall Trail (#489). Where the trail curves left and starts up Big Green Mountain, near the 3,760-foot contour, leave the trail to the right and contour to the creek. There is no path for this last part. Drop to the creek at the base of the falls.

Plan your visit

Salt Rock Gap parking, Panthertown Valley, via Granny Burrell Falls and Great Wall trails, then off trail to Panthertown Creek Falls

Take a Hike gives about 4 miles round trip; Waterfall Hero gives a 5.4-mile hike. The two describe slightly different trail connections from the same parking area.

Maintained backcountry trails, then an off-trail bushwhack through increasingly thick rhododendron and a steep climb down to the base. Rocks are very slippery. The hike out is mostly uphill.

Where to start

Salt Rock Gap parking area at the end of Breedlove Road: from Cashiers go east on US 64 about 2 miles, left on Cedar Creek Road 2.3 miles, right on Breedlove Road 3.5 miles. Friends of Panthertown says parking is limited and the gravel roads are heavily used on weekends.

Timing & water

Current trail conditions not verified. Cell service is unreliable. Off-trail section is harder when vegetation is dense.

Before you go

Friends of Panthertown says no permits, fees, or reservations are required for individuals for dispersed camping. Day-use fees were not separately confirmed.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Jackson County, North Carolina.

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