PANTHERTOWN CREEK (VIA SALT ROCK GAP)

Panthertown Valley is a 6,311-acre wilderness located in the Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina. It is on the Eastern Continental Divide and located between the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains. The National Forest Service acquired Panthertown Valley in 1989 from Duke Power in a deal coordinated by the Nature Conservancy.

Panthertown Valley is open to both hiking and backpacking, and there are a number of waterfalls to explore in this relatively small area. Most have pools at their base which make for great swimming and/or fishing. Panthertown is also a bear sanctuary and their has been increased bear activity in the area over the last decade. On this hike, you follow a corridor trail through the heart of Panthertown Valley and join up with Panthertown Creek, a shallow stream in the center of the gorge.