Panthertown Valley is one of the most spectacular areas in the southeast with cascading waterfalls, trout streams, panoramic views, sheer granite cliffs, the headwaters of the Tuckaseegee River and the east fork of Little Tennessee River, and biologically diverse habitats for wildlife and rare plant species. Because of its outstanding geologic formations, forests, streams and native plant life, Panthertown is designated as a Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Site and Mountain Treasure Area.


Panthertown Valley has changed ownership many times throughout its history. The valley was logged in the 1920’s - 1930’s by Moltz Lumber Company, and then sold to Liberty Properties who had plans to convert the valley into a resort. The Blue Ridge Parkway also had plans for a route through the valley. When those plans fell through, Duke Power Company purchased the land in order to construct a large transmission line spanning the valley’s width. In 1989, the North Carolina Chapter of the Nature Conservancy purchased all but Duke’s right-of-way for $8 million as an addition to Nantahala National Forest.


This 6,300 acre backcountry area in Nantahala National Forest offers visitors a wide variety of places to explore and has become a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, anglers, school groups, summer camps, scout troops, ornithologists, etc.

A network of trails and old logging roads lead to waterfalls, bogs, and spectacular overlooks of the valley and its cliff faces. Be aware that a number of visitors get lost in the area each year because trails are unmarked; therefore, visitors are advised to bring a map and compass.

Due to increased popularity in recent years, the trails and fragile ecosystem has sustained significant damage and many people have gotten lost because trails are not marked. Therefore, the Friends of Panthertown are working with the Forest Service to establish a more sustainable trail system for multiple users by marking trails, designating trails for appropriate recreational uses, developing a trail map, and educating users about appropriate recreational uses and leave-no-trace ethics.

The most rugged gorges in the valley escaped logging and contain some old growth trees and there are many ecologically sensitive areas and rare communities of plants that thrive within the valley. Visitors can lessen their impact by staying on designated trails. Rare ferns, mosses, and liverworts that grow in the wet microclimates around waterfalls are easily disturbed. For this reason, visitors are encouraged to view the falls from a distance.


• “Slickrock Expeditions: A Guide’s Guide to Panthertown Valley” can be purchased on Slickrock Expeditions’ website at www.slickrockexpeditions.com/map_request.htm or at the Highland Hiker (Address: 47 Highway 107 South. Cashiers, NC 28741 Phone: (828) 743-1732)

 

 

 


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• Additional information on Panthertown Valley and the surrounding areas in Nantahala National Forest and Pisgah National Forest is available on the North Carolina National Forests website at www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc
 


There are two trailheads at Salt Rock & Cold Mountain:

  • To Salt Rock (west entrance): Approximately 1.5 miles east of Cashiers on US 64, turn left or north on Cedar Creek Road (SR 1120). Continue on Cedar Creek Road for 2.2 miles and bear right or northeast on Breedlove Road (SR 1121). Drive 3.3 miles until the pavement turns to gravel. Parking is limited along the gravel road, so visitors are advised to park their cars here. Continue ¼ mile on the gravel road that leads to the Salt Rock trailhead parking area.
  • To Cold Mountain (east entrance):  From US 64, Take NC 281 0.7 miles north. Go past the Lake Toxaway fire station. Turn left (north) on Cold Mountain Road and continue 6.0 miles. When the road ends (Canaan Land will b straight ahead)  bear left on a gravel road. Then turn right on the first gravel road to reach the trailhead parking area. (If you miss the turn you’ll end up in a residential development.)