PANTHERTOWN CREEK (VIA SALT ROCK GAP)

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 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. 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.