Hogback Mountain

The National Forest Service acquired Panthertown Valley in 1989 from Duke Power in a deal coordinated by the Nature Conservancy. Surprisingly, the area is still relatively wild with no blazes on the trails and only a few primitive campsites. However there are an amazing number of waterfalls that are packed into a relatively small area and they many have pools at their base which make for a great place to swim or fish. Just make sure you take a map and compass on your hike. There are many intersecting trails in the area and route finding can be difficult.

This backtrack hike starts at Cold Mountain Gap, descends in the first mile to Greenland Creek then after a stream ford climbs to a major trail intersection for Little Green, Big Green, and Hogback Mountains. To reach Hogback Mountain, make a sharp turn to the left and head south up to the summit. This is the southernmost point in Panthertown Valley and it sits right on the Tennessee Valley Divide. From here, backtrack to your vehicle at the trailhead.