Sunday, July 10, 2005
I took my new Boy Scouts on this trail from July 8 - July 10 for their first overnight backpacking trip. It was one a trip well worth while due to the spectacular falls and the swimming hole beneath them, but I doubt we will repeat the trip. The trail is moderate in terms of effort (hills and rough trail in places), but difficult in terms of challenging and treacherous terrain. I've rated the trail difficult for this reason. There are several places where the trail -- with a rock face on one side and a sheer cliff on the other, is extremely narrow (one boot width in one place). A light rain would make these areas too slick to pass with any degree of safety. The fallen trees along the way add to the difficulty. If you have problems with balance, heights, or sure footing, consider another location. Otherwise if you do go, you'll find the destination is worthy of the effort.
Wednesday, July 6, 2005
There are two access trails to Panther Creek Falls. The lesser known of the two is much shorter, but a little bit more strenuous, given the lengthy climb up away from where the trails intersect. The driving route to the shorter trail is simple. At the intersection of US 441 and GA 17 Alt, proceed north on US 441 to the next intersection and turn right. This road starts off paved, then changes to a fairly smooth dirt road. As you turn, examine your odometer for the exact tenth of a mile digit. Travel exactly 3.85 miles, then look for a small space to park on your right and a wide vehicle driven path to your left. Park on the right, and follow the path. After a short level walk, the path turns down hill. A short time later, a noticable fork is reached. Bear right. After a while you will here the river, just before another fork. At this fork, bear left. At this point, it is all down hill to the river. At the point where the two trails meet, turn right, and follow the river to the falls. At points, this hike will be along a shaded area, where the path may be wet. Slick surfaces will not co-operate with flat shoes, and a walking stick should be recommended for the climb out. Once you become familiar with both trails, consider parking a vehicle at one parking space, and another at the alternative, and hike in one way and out the other. Figure that you will save hours of hiking time to view the falls from this alternative route, and just take your time as you climb up the steep incline to your vehicle, which is probably just a little more than a mile from the falls. (This is only an estimate.) For other useful (I hope) infomation, visit http://spaces.msn.com/members/travelplanner
Saturday, May 14, 2005
A friend and I hiked to the falls this past weekend, and we had a good time. We saw a few places where there had been bridges, but never had a problem crossing the little creeks. I hope that some of the larger trees can be removed/cut through at some point--for a person who is not very tall, a few of the larger trees are pretty difficult to get around. We did see several dogs on the trail. I don't mind dogs, as long as they are on leash if they tend to be more aggressive towards strangers/protective of their owners. The rest of us don't know that Giant Barking Pookie running at us is just a bundle of love who would never knock us down and gnaw on us.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
I hiked back in to the first bridge with some friends of mine and set up camp. We loved the whole experience and can't wait to go back. The trail in was some what normal from times before except for some fallen trees. I wanted to ask a question if the forest rangers are ever going to go back there and help clean the trail up and put the bridge back that got swept away? We fished on Saturday and caught 3 trout. We could have caught more but we used the wrong bait for most of the day. We caught the 3 on black hair rooster tails and silver spoon mepp spinners. They were great with some bush's baked beans. It got a little cold at night, but we found plenty of dead fire wood for the whole weekend. Panther Creek was still just like I had expected it to be, GREAT!!!!
Friday, April 8, 2005
{jack} your warning on tree lims falling is one of the best warning a new hiker could get,the general information i have is in the spring months a lot of trees can fall with all the rain we have been haveing here from the last week of march 2005 to now april 8,2005 their will be a lot of loose tree trunks and limbs if they are in anyway rotten,so i would say hikers be careful on the trail, i would suggest a small hard hat,from a pine cone to a small limb the hard hat can help out in safe hikeing, i have not been their in a while but i like to help anyone i can on advice on hikeing and camping. i have hiked panther creek only in the summer ,and i like to help anyone out with general information and safty on hikeing any trails,if any one would like to email me my email is chrishere1129@aol.com I AM THINKING ABOUT MAKEING A GENERAL SAFE HIKEING BOOK IN THE FALL OF 2005 IF YOU THINK THIS WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA LET ME KNOW AND SEND ME ANY INFORMATION YOU HAVE ON HIKEING SAFTY.THANKS J C SMITH.
Monday, April 4, 2005
Hiked the trail on 4/2/05. The windy day created a hazard as the tops of dead pine trees began falling on the trail. One fell within 20 feet from us. It could have killed us if it had hit us. Be careful when hiking as there are many dead pine trees.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Hiked this trail with my 5-year-old daughter to the falls and back last weekend, 3/12/05. Many trees down throughout the trail, and a couple of bridges have been washed out. The trail is still plenty navigable, though, if you're willing to scramble through the downed trees and walk across small streams on logs or rocks. It was a nice day and we saw at least 20 other people during the hike, including several campers about half way in and again at the base of the falls.
Friday, January 14, 2005
I am planning to hike Panther Creek for the 1st time in about 5yrs either this weekend (Jan 21..??) or two weekends following. It has been awhile since I have made this trek, and I am wondering if it is still "dog friendly," as I will be travelling with my girlfriend and her dog. If anyone has any feedback, feel free to email me at jamescoreygoble@hotmail.com, or post here. Thanks for all feedback, and happy hiking!!
Monday, January 10, 2005
I HAVE HIKED THE TRAIL IN THE MONTH OF JULY ANY ONE WHO WOULD LIKE ADVICE OR INFORMATION EMAIL ME AT chrishere1129@aol.com i love to hear of anyones adventure as for alan at .net i tried to email you with information your email would not recive, as for the fella asking about camping infomation their was several good camping spots on the trail and i passed about 7 campsites the day i hiked their is a long walk from the car to bring your camp supplies to your camp, i hope to get to camp sometime myself at the time i went their was a 2.00 fee to park in the lot near the trail i would recomend this it also has a place to list how long your going to stay.if any one is going to email me list it as panther creek info.thanks jack smith.
Thursday, January 6, 2005
I am looking forward to hiking Panther Creek this month for the first time. Are there any good camping spots that have not been heavily used? Is it a good backpacking trail?
Thursday, November 4, 2004
I just recommended this hike to my daughter and her new friend. I have done this hike several times over the past 10 years. Very scenic the falls are wonderful. Swimming is good if you don't mind chilly water and fish nibbling on you. One of my favorite hikes. Great for a date.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
I am new to hiking and wanting to start with panther creek. email me at alanhicks@charter.net
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Someone please email me with Hiking tips/info AlanHicks@charter.net
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
I am very new to hiking period, and I believe Panther Creek will be the 1st ever. It says it is 7 miles round-trip, so how long will it take to complete? I am looking for a trail I can hike, then campout for the night, and then hike back. Is 7 miles long enough, or is that just crazy talk? Someone said there is more trails that are more for what I am looking for. Please email ANY help or info Alan AlanHicks@charter.net
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
We're going to Panther Creek for the first time this weekend. Can anyone recommend a nearby watering hold to sit outside and enjoy a cold beer and some food?
Friday, August 6, 2004
I've hiked Panther's Creek many many times since about `96. I have always loved the hike, both with my dog, or with a group of friends. Those who are worried about dog feces in the water should realize that there are black bear, deer and other animals roaming these woods. Where do you think they use the bathroom? Anyhow, Panther's Creek is a magical place. It was on top of the falls that I first uttered the words "I Love You" to my wife ("girlfriend" at the time), and subsequently proposed to her at the same spot 5 years later. It is a place that we both love, and both hope to continue to enjoy for years to come. PS There is a shortcut that gets you to the falls in about 15-20 min. that is straight down hill (very steep) but where's the fun in that? You can find it by buying a local map and finding the road closest to the falls. The trail begins on left, directly before the gate to a farm.
Friday, July 2, 2004
I guess I'll add my two cents to this dogs-on-the-trail drama. I've hiked the Panther Creek Falls trail several times with my dog. We always enjoyed it, and I'd recommend it for both amateur and experienced hikers. For the record, my dog is NOT vicious, bothersome, intimidating, loud or obnoxious. Anyway, all of you weirdo nuts complaining about dogs should loosen up a little. Why should someone leave their dog at home when they are going HIKING? It's not like they're bringing their dogs to the symphony. Keep in mind that in Europe, and other parts of the world where people aren't trying to run one another's lives all the time, dogs go to restaurants, stores and just about everywhere. We're talking about a TRAIL here. It's OUTDOORS, people! How often are there vicious or bothersome dogs on trails like this? I can tell you after having hiked this and other trails plenty of times -- it's very rare. So if you've encountered a bothersome dog on a trail at some point, that's a damn shame, but to say all dogs should stay home is ridiculous. Incidentally, I've met a few bothersome people on the trail, and nobody is suggesting that all people stay home. And does anyone believe this hogwash about how the dogs are the ones damaging the trail? Give me a break. The anti-dogs-on-trails crowd should take a chill pill, stop your bitching, and let everyone have a good time -- with or without their dogs.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Hiked the 3.5-mile segment from US 441 to the falls on Sat/Sun May 15th and 16th. This trip was a scout hike and a perfect introduction to backpacking for Boy Scouts. Negotiating the climb through the rock fissure was a welcome challenge for the younger scouts. The most dangerous part was the descent to the falls. The hand rails are a welcome addition. If the trail had been wet, this would have been an especially difficult section. The campground at the falls is suffering from heavy use. The help of all hikers is needed to preserve vegetation and remove the trash left by less courteous hikers. Overall, a great trip. Highly recommended.
Sunday, May 2, 2004
I have hiked Panther Creek now 6 times and eveytime it gets better. I love the place and enjoy going as often as I can.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Hiked the Panther Creek Trail on Monday, 15 March 04. The trail was wet in some spots to the point of needing to make additional steps to avoid the wet mushy ground. We missed the spot where the trail turns up the rock and continued down until the trail turned to the creek. At this point we climbed up the side of the hill to reach the trail about 25 feet above us. After crossing the Panther Creek on the wooden bridge, the trail is very easy until you get to the falls. From the top of the falls, the trail plumments into the gorge and there are a couple of really wet spots that take some added avoidance. But after you are at the base of the falls the creek bed widens to make a very pretty spot to picnic, relax and enjoy the falls. Lots of water; so you hear the tremendous roar of the falls. We were very tired after our trek into Panther Creek Falls but still recommend anyone making the trip. If you go in the hot months, take a backpack with plenty of water. Take a camera for sure anytime. Several cascades are very picturesque as well as the falls.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
We hiked it as an in-and-out a couple weeks ago, and there are some problems with erosion. The cables set up during the most difficult areas have washed out and hang useless over the ledge in places, now.
Sunday, January 18, 2004
I love panther creek.I'm not a great hiker but the change in terrain keeps it exciting. It's better now that bridges (real ones) have been built. It can take quite a while to hike though. My dogs love it. Especially if you have a water dog.
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
it has been a while but this talk about dogs on the trail , as a experence hiker i know some say you can smell dog poop all i could smell was the forest as for it getting in the water what water dont have something in it that we dont know about.i once heard water is washed 18 times from the time it leaves canada to the tip of flordia i will say i feel very safe in panther creek i went their hiked and seen a many swimming with no worries of the water.i love to hear from anyone who hikes and i enjoy getting a few photos by email of hikeing adventures please do not send r rated photos thanks chrishere1129@aol.com
Monday, December 15, 2003
I was considering hiking this trail in Jan. 2004, but after reading all the reports about dog feces, I'm thinking I might want to go elsewhere. Problem with dog feces is 1) it's visible 2) it stinks 3) when it rains, it washes into the streams and rivers. I love animals but we're polluting our land with animal feces. How long do you think the aquatic life in the beautiful Panther Creek area are going to be able to withstand the heavy fertilizer load they're receiving? I think I'll find another place to hike. Marcie
Monday, October 20, 2003
Have hiked this trail many times, always enjoy it. Hiked this weekend, impromptu decision to stop so I had my dog with me. I did keep her on a leash, but encountered many who were not leashed. We only hiked in part way, not as far as the rock where trail goes up, due to having child and dog and no snacks. Trail was in good shape. Did not smell any dog poo. I dont mind dogs on the trail, but on a trail this busy, they need to be leashed.
Friday, September 5, 2003
Troop 252 - First Presbyterian Church, Marietta, re-blazed the trail from the western terminus to Mill Shoals will vinyl blue diamonds. The trail was in good condition - but it was a little tough getting backpacks up the vertical crack in the rocks!
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
we enjoyed the hike it was easy andwe had a swim at the falls send your digital photos of your adventure to me at jacksugerbear85@aol.com
Sunday, July 6, 2003
wonderful hike on 4th of july.a mile from the trailhead we came across an abandoned campsite. hiked out large bag of trash but need more volunteers to take out the rest of garbage. guess they never heard "pack it in -pack it out"
Sunday, July 6, 2003
This trail is moderate to easy. More importantly - which I've seen no one add- the fishing is beyond superlative- I caught 18 rainbowns (native yet) in 5' x 2' run. I caught a 26" rainbow and a 24" brown in the same pool. The fishing is incredible only equalled by the true primitive camping 2-3 miles from the trail head.
Sunday, November 3, 2002
just finished hikin this trail... it was supposed to be "easy" so said the trail book, however, we found it to be moderate at best(although there were several easy flat walks throughout)and dangerous at worst. The trail's proximity to steep drop offs w/no railings made it a bit risky. (and I mean STEEP) The scenery is unsurpassed, but you have to constantly watch your footing so much due to constant roots and narrow ledges. Don't try to take the kids on this one.
Monday, September 9, 2002
Just hiked on 9/1/02. Starts easy next to creek, then gets tricky near the falls. Bring swimsuit. go early, it got crowded. Beautiful hike and falls.
Saturday, June 8, 2002
Just got back, the trail looks good and well marked (blue blazes). There was some traffic yet most of the campsites were still available. There was a new addition (so I'm told) to the at the junction that you need to climb the rock to continue the trail a nice little ladder. Fun trip, highly recommended. P.S. bring a bathing suit
Sunday, May 26, 2002
My wife and I hiked Panther Creek Trail on 05/19/02 and rated it easy to moderate as to degree of difficulty. Be cautious of the trail switchback about 1 mile in. The trail appears to continue straight on ahead but you must make a sharp left and climb up between the split between the large boulder. There was a small wooden ladder at the base when we were there. An excellent hike!
Saturday, May 11, 2002
collector of mountian and swimming in the mountian digital photos send yours to chrishere1129@aol.com
Saturday, May 11, 2002
collector of hikeing and mountian and swimming in the creeks and streams digital photos send your recent pics
Monday, May 6, 2002
Hiked the trail April 21, 2002. It was in great shape. Fantastic scenery all along with lots of wildflowers. The native azaleas were gorgeous. Plenty of places to swim or wade and lots of nice flat rocks for picnics! Panther Creek Falls is one of the best waterfalls I've hiked to. I will definitely go back!
Saturday, March 30, 2002
Wow! We did this beautiful hike last weekend with our infant and 4 year old. The 3.5 miles or so to the panther creek falls was not difficult, although we did keep the 4 year old in the pack for much of the trip since there were some narrow passages with steep drop offs. The huge viewing/camping area at the bottom of the falls was a great place for lunch and resting. Although there were about 10 other groups while we were there, everyone had space to themselves. This hike has a perfect mix of challenge and ease. Most of the hike is very simple, but those 3-4 tricky places do allow for a bit of a thrill.
Sunday, March 17, 2002
visiting clarkville for a craft festival in may 99 after saturday i found the trail location with a large sign from the highway arriving on early sunday about 11 am i hiked the trail alone i allways been the grizzly adams type to feel more relaxed i paid the 2 dollar fee to keep my van from a possible hit on the side of the road i packed a small back pack with a couple of coke. a roll of toliet paper just in case emergency cookies a small pack crackers .asprin.a small towel and a cell phone for communication going to the falls i got off corse and ended up climbing and going along the creek bank when i got to the bridge life was a lot easier i was asumeing seeing a snake or 2 but i never seen a 1 with it beeing the 3rd week of may on sunday everyone was nice to me i passed about 200 people on the trail that was in and out one was a large college groop of about 70 plus hikers i enjoyed the hike on the way back i walked up on 2 deer this was the only wildlife i found on the trail i enjoyed the hike which took about 3 12 hours complete i would suggest carry more food next time not beeing in best shape at 40 carrying 4 water would be safe e mail me if you like at chrishere1129@aol.com
Monday, November 12, 2001
Very nice trail for leisurly afternoon. A couple of difficult areas, but mostly easy walking. Energetic 5-6 year old kids can make the trip. Lots of photo ops for trail and creek shots. Easy to miss the left turn up through the rock - the trail seems to go straight, but a sudden drop off gives a clue that you have gotten off the trial. There is some shade, but this trail would be very hot in the summer. Best for fall and early spring. Rain would make the trail slippery and dangerous with the steep hillsides (few railings). Hiked on Nov 10, 2001.
Monday, October 29, 2001
This web sight lists the trail length as 5.5 miles. Some folks say it's shorter, some say it's longer. I hiked the trail last weekend with my wife, thirteen year old daughter, six year old daughter and two dogs. I know EXACTLY how long the trail is. It's 8 miles in and 25 miles out. (ba-da-boom) All kidding aside, this trail is a good family time. As a novice hiker, I would describe this trail as moderatly difficult for us amatures. It's most difficult towards the end, (the falls). Someone in an earlier post indicated that it was easy to miss a turn/climb you must make to stay on the trail. It is marked by two posts about two feet apart with a cable between them. I would like to thank that poster for the heads-up as I have little doubt that I would have gone right past that turn-off had it not been for their posting. I need to poo-poo the dog haters who go on and on about dogs on the trail. If you don't like animals...why are you going into the woods?We did not encounter any unleashed dogs and I would agree that that situation would be unacceptable. There was an area about 1/2 mile from the falls which had a strong doggie-poo odor. I would encourage all fellow dog owners to toss thier pets droppings well off to the side as this would seem to be the polite thing to do. But I don't understand all this yabbering about dogs on the trail. All of my encounters with other hikers lasted about 8 seconds and we would walk about a half-hour before seeing anyone else. We always took our dogs by the collar and stood to the side while the other party passed. If anyone found the 8 seconds that my dogs where in thier field of vision to be offensive, there's not much I can do to help ya with that. Except perhaps to suggest that you get over it.
Sunday, October 28, 2001
This web sight lists the trail length as 5.5 miles. Some folks say it's shorter, some say it's longer. I hiked the trail last weekend with my wife, thirteen year old daughter, six year old daughter and two dogs. I know EXACTLY how long the trail is. It's 8 miles in and 25 miles out. (ba-da-boom). All kidding aside, this trail is a good family time. As a novice hiker, I would describe this trail as moderatly difficult for us amatures. It's most difficult towards the end, (the falls). Someone in an earlier post indicated that it was easy to miss a turn/climb you must make to stay on the trail. It is marked by two posts about two feet apart with a cable between them. I would like to thank that poster for the heads-up as I have little doubt that I would have gone right past that turn-off had it not been for their posting. I need to poo-poo the dog haters who go on and on about dogs on the trail. If you don't like animals...why are you going into the woods? We did not encounter any unleashed dogs and I would agree that that situation would be unacceptable. There was an area about 1/2 mile from the falls which had a strong doggie-poo odor. I would encourage all fellow dog owners to toss thier pets droppings well off to the side as this would seem to be the polite thing to do. But I don't understand all this yabbering about dogs on the trail. All of my encounters with other hikers lasted about 8 seconds and we would walk about a half-hour before seeing anyone else. We always took our dogs by the collar and stood to the side while the other party passed. If anyone found the 8 seconds that my dogs where in thier field of vision to be offensive, there's not much I can do to help ya with that. Except perhaps to suggest that you get over it.
Saturday, October 27, 2001
Though the hike in was beautiful and enjoyable, we passed approximately 30 people on the way out. Very crowded in some spots.
Tuesday, October 16, 2001
I hiked this trail for the first time in a light rain. There are several "VERY" slippery spots on this trail and caution should be used if the trail is wet. It is a long way to the bottom in several of the places,some almost straight down,and naturally they were where the slipery spots seemed to be... all in all,the trail if clearly marked and easy to follow,,, the falls were incredible especially after the rain had turned the normally soft, gentle flow into a ragging torent..
Thursday, August 16, 2001
Beware of Panther Creek Falls! Beware! At the top of the falls, the rocks are treacherous. Firm footing will not be found. The water is deep, cold, and fast moving. Take heed! Many have been lost and many now shudder with the thought of PANTHER CREEK.
Monday, August 6, 2001
I absolutely love this trail, and wish I lived closer. There are no sections that are very difficult, nor is it very lengthy, so a day hike is very possible. I personally start near the highway, hike in, and hike back out, resulting in around a 7 mile hike. Nothing too hard to pull off in a day, although i have spent the night at the first falls once (only about 3 miles in). There are so many fun parts to this trail from the short vertical ascent, to descending down to various smaller falls, to small caves off to the side. I really don't know if i've hiked a more enjoyable trail.
Monday, August 6, 2001
I am a local to the Panther Creek area, having hiked it 100+ times in the past four years or so. During this time I too have had many unpleasant encounters with dogs and their owners. People who wish to bring their animals should at least have the common courtesy to leash them at all times! Another tip to hikers from Atlanta...if possible, hike during the week. If you do, you will most likely have the majority of the trail to yourselves. -G
Monday, May 28, 2001
Hiked 5/28/2001. I found this trail to be very nice despite the wet weather, Made the seemingly common error of passing the rocks and going straight, if you follow this path do not do it after rain it was incredibly slippery, If you continue along this path you simply follow the creek and rejoin the main trail after an uphill scramble. I would put this lower portion down as strenuous as there were many obstacles to pass. Overall though it was nice, some minor drainage problems in the trail but not enough to slow us down or prevent it from being enjoyable.
Wednesday, May 23, 2001
Most of the trail is relatively easy, but there are a few noteworthy points. First, it is very easy to loose the trail approximately .7 -.8 mile in. If you see a barrier that you must travel to the left of to continue - you have just walked past a turn in the trail - go back about 50 feet and look up - you must climb up through some rocks at this point - not difficult - just easy to miss. As you get close to the falls, be very careful of the barriers put up to keep you from falling - they give a false sense of security - DO NOT HOLD ONTO THESE OR LEAN ON THEM - we almost lost a party member when one of the supports gave way and over the side she went - luckily she held onto the braided wire and was pulled back. Overall a nice trail - the falls are beautiful - fishing along the stream is fair - small trout.
Monday, March 19, 2001
This message is for the guy that was hiking Sunday March 18th with his dog, "Lucky". I talked to you around 3:30ish. If you would like to hike together with our dogs sometime please leave a message with your email address or a way to contact you.
Friday, March 16, 2001
This will be my third hike on this trail, however, this time I'll have my niece Brandy and dog Gatsby. Brandy is from FL and hasn't hiked before. I really hope this is a memorable experience for her. And as for Gatsby, just another day and another trail to meet friends and roam free...
Monday, February 26, 2001
This trail is very serene and enjoyable. The only down side about it is its increasing popularity! Every time I have hiked and stayed on this trail, I have had neighbors. Despite it's popularity, it is well worth the trip.
Thursday, November 9, 2000
Dear Jack: You must be one of the inconsiderate people I was talking about in my previous report. You stated that people such as my self should stay home if I am afraid of dogs. Ah contraire. If you would have read closely, I love animals and have two retrievers myself. The difference between you and I is the fact that I think about other people on the trail, and some folks don’t like to hear a dog barking all night in the camp site next to them. You on the other hand must not care how your actions might negatively affect other people. You and many others only care about what makes you happy. The bottom line is, this trail is VERY heavily used. And just having that many people on this trail, is taxing enough on the “outdoor” experience. I understand this however, and that does not bother me. What bothers me though, is when people such as yourself, know this trail is heavily used, and compound the problem by bringing dogs with you. You brought up a good point, I’ll give you credit. You stated that humans cause more damage than do dogs. I AGREE! However, you also must know that dogs create destruction too. You are not going to stop the amount of human beings using this trail. BUT, you can help minimize the ecological damage even more by: LEAVING YOUR DOG AT HOME. So please, no more hypocritical statements please. DAVID
Monday, October 23, 2000
One of the best trails in GA. I have hiked it 7 times. Many places to camp. However fire wood is scarce or non-exsistent closer to the falls. Great trail for dogs. People who do not like dogs on the trail should stay at home in Altanta (David). Remember, Dogs do not cause a quarter of the damage that humans do. If you or your kids are afraid of dogs then you should not be out in nature!!
Friday, October 20, 2000
Ok here’s the scoop… This trail should be renamed the “Dog Kennel Trail” because the stench of dog crap permeates the air the entire length of the trail. Watch where you step, or you might get a little surprise. Now don’t get me wrong. I love all animals. I have two Retrievers’s myself and bring them to the park with me on occasion, but I would not be so inconsiderate, as to bring them on a trail such as this. Some people like myself love to hike a trail where there is only the sound of the wind and rushing water. Not dogs barking and snarling at you as you walk by. Some people like to smell the flowers and pine on a trail. Not a constant stink of dog crap everywhere you go. As my fiancé and I walked the trail, we counted 54 dogs all together!! That’s right, 54 dogs, and at least half of them were unleashed. When we were at Panther Creek Falls, we actually witnessed a “Dog Fight”!! With two unleashed dogs fighting, while their owners frantically trying to break them up. I live in Atlanta, as do most of the visitors of this trail. And by living in Atlanta I deal with some of the most inconsiderate people on the face of this planet. LEAVE IT AT HOME! Try and be considerate of other people. Do you really think that person, your dog just snarled at appreciates it? In summary, the trail is beautiful however overused. Very crowded with people(which I don’t mind), but way, way to many canines to make the trip enjoyable. I would definitely not recommend it to those who are seeking to go to a quiet place.
Sunday, August 27, 2000
This was a wonderful trail. I have hiked it 7 times in my life and I'm only 13! I would really recommend it. It's a good hike and the falls at the end are beautiful and fun to play in! :o) So for those of you planning on hiking there bring a swim suit!
Friday, July 21, 2000
Beutiful Trail
Monday, July 17, 2000
Great trail and the temperature was cooler on the trail than in the parking lot. This is a great trail for dogs.
Tuesday, June 13, 2000
Unfortunately, the highway construction had an adverse effect on the trail--it's still very beautiful even though overused. However, the water quality is not what it used to be. It needs a lot of maintenance, especially the first couple of miles.
Saturday, May 20, 2000
It was fun except for carrying a man with a broken leg out from the falls all the way out to the road. Definetely worth it, just don't break a leg or take a large man with a broken leg.
Saturday, May 20, 2000
I Was there in june of 99 and it was the best hiking trail I have been on in the southeast. I am looking forward to going back this year
Tuesday, May 2, 2000
I think this is a wonderful hike. If you don't feel like finishing Panther Creek trail you can exit out on different trail. Such as Tear Britches. (Strenuous). It has great seanory and a nice trail
Friday, April 14, 2000
It needs maintenance. Take care with the cliff climbings, cemented posts are washed out in places. This trail is very slippery after rains. Drainings from the hillside can make this trek dangerous. Take care at the climb down to the Falls. It's worth it; area is beautiful! Camping sites all along the way; no services. It's 3.5 miles to the falls, 7 miles round trip (not 5.5!).
Thursday, March 16, 2000
this is a great trail. just enough challenge to make it more than a walk but not so much you are begging for mercy the day we went it began raining about 1 mile into the trail. we decided to go ahead to the falls. the rain did not relent till we were BACK in our car! even drenched and soaked, the hike was a good bit of fun. hopefully next time we will hike it dry! give it a try, it is FUN!
Tuesday, February 22, 2000
This was our "Last Hike of the Century," and it had to be one of the greatest. This trail has it all. A stroll along the creekside, a scramble over ledges, the sight & sounds of running shoals or mighty cascades. I want to see it again in the fall.
Friday, December 3, 1999
very crowded in mid-November, campsites nice
Thursday, October 21, 1999
This was a beautiful hike for a first time hiker like my wife. She really enjoyed it because it was pretty flat in most places. The hardest part was the last descent to the falls. Once there it was a great view. It only took us 1 1/2 hours one way. we'll be back.
| Brandon and Kelly Manders, GA |
Tuesday, October 12, 1999
This is a great family trail. The only caution I would offer is to watch out for the steep drop fromt he trail to the river. I recommend a lot of water and a nice picnic lunch if you plan on hiking through. If it has rained recently I would avoid the Stephens County end past the falls.
Wednesday, September 29, 1999
hiking this Saturday.....will advise
Monday, September 6, 1999
I really liked hiking on Panther Creek because it was the first time I had been hiking in North Georgia. I've been there twice with my brother and really enjoy going.
Monday, June 21, 1999
JUNE 18, 1999 Very beautiful trail, easy hike from 441 to falls. Covered that in about 1 hr 15 min. Went from falls to dam. Once we exited the woods there were many roads and no markings. Found the trail from the falls to be difficult. Very narrow, rocks,tree roots and almost always up with few switchbacks. Covered the in and out in same day. Seemed like we went for about 14 miles and it took 8 hrs. Glad to have done it but was a little ambitious a hike. Bring extra water. Went through a gallon and a half between us and had 4 miles to go. Jim $ Charlie
Friday, June 18, 1999
This trail is one of the best I've been on, I rate it difficult because you need to plan for the hike out which is 50 uphill... bring lots of water and probably a lunch... plan for dark cause it'll sneek-up on you, I wouldn't leave after noon...
Tuesday, June 8, 1999
Great trail and waterfalls! Worth the hike! As for dogs, getting up is easier than down. My wife went up first, then I lifted our lab up through the slit in the rock to a point where she could get her footing, then I got my footing behind her and pushed her up the rest of the way. Down, I just had to carry her, she wouldn't go further than the upper ledge. The rock makes the trail more interesting. Finally, go swimming by the falls!
Tuesday, May 25, 1999
This is not to be hiked with a dog. It is fine until you have to either go straight up the hill or into the rocky overhangs to get to the next part of the trail. We could not find a way for our black lab to get thru the rock part. If you know of a way, I'd like to know it too. Otherwise, the trail is great!!
Friday, May 21, 1999
The trail was farely difficult and I enjoyed it.
| Amelia Gardner, Justin Conaway |
Friday, October 23, 1998
I have hiked this trail twice within the past 7 months. I definitely enjoyed the views and the variety (the change of character) on this trail. The falls are breathtaking. This is a great recommendation.
Thursday, September 24, 1998
Great day hike.. but somewhat busy on the weekend. In and out from west end with overnight at Mill Shoals falls. Time to Mill Shoals about 1 hour at a moderate pace. I too missed the trail junction by the rock outcropping and walked a good distance nearer the creek until rejoining the main trail..Whew!
Trail Length:5.5 miles
Location: Habersham Stephens County
Features:falls, stream
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Last hiked:07/02/1998 | Type of trail:Point-to-point
Our rating:Moderate
Your rating:Moderate (243)
Date added:06/22/1994
Trail Usage:
About these ratings |
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