Sat, Apr 12 2008 - Day hike - Panther Creek Falls in the Cohuttas (View Original Event Details)
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Our day began with a with a total of 3 cars and 12 hikers all leaving from the Chastain Rd park and ride. We were off to expore Panther Creek Falls in the beautiful Cohutta Wilderness. This particular hike required a car shuttle, so after leaving Hardees in Ellijay and making our way along the dirt FS roads, we finally arrive at the first trailhead, left one car at Betty's Gap and drove another 2.8 miles (lol-yes, it's exact mileage) to Three Forks parking area. The weather was a little cooler than expected, but it slowly warmed up throughout the day. We're geared up and ready to hike. So does everyone have hiking poles or a hiking stick? I heard a bunch of yep's, yes's, yeah's, yup's, uh huh's and then I hear a "nope"..."I'll find one on the way" John says to me... So, I offered him an extra stick that I carry in my car. The agreement was he could use it as long as he didn't lose it or he had to pay me 15 bucks. LOL
We took our group picture and started our hike on the Hemp Top Trail. It's a gradual climb for the first 1/2 mile or so and then levels off once we reach the Panther Creek Trail. The gnats are always swarming in this area, so we took a very quick break before taking off once again. This trail led us down to the falls area, which causes some parts to be steep. The falls were beautiful as always and flowing quite nicely from the recent rainfall. Last year, it was a trickle and the water crossings a mere ankle deep. We took some quick photos and then all made our way down the hill to explore the falls and have lunch. The steep grade going down next to the falls is the start of the "boulder field". What is that supposed to mean, boulder field?? I wondered that myself the first time I read it in the N. Ga hiking book by Tim Homan. The first part of the downhill is not easy because of erosion. We had a couple of slips, but no one got hurt thank goodness. Lunch time was enjoyed by the huge Eastern Hemlock that I adore so much. Some scurried over the downfall to get a good look at the falls because it's the only way to see it in clear view.. Just beautiful.
After a nice long break, we begin again since we are only half way into the hike. The trail continues to follow Panther Creek with a couple of small crossings here and there. We continue until the creek flows directly into the Conasauga River, which we crossed and then crossed upstream 18 more times from the other side. The first crossing wasn't too bad with knee deep water. A little cold at first, but it was that second crossing that caught most off guard. It was thigh high or a little above, but there were a few hikers who got in a little deeper than expected. This was why hiking poles was so important to have. We continued to cross trying to keep count of the crossings and continued getting confused on the number. Ahhh.. last big crossing. We continued to hike the headwaters of the river, which is a meandering maze of rivulets. The last mile or so of the hike gradually gains elevation to get us out of Betty's Gap. At the end, we shuttled the drivers back to get the cars and we were homeward bound.....Almost. Where's John? Needless to say it was a struggle for him to keep up with the hiking stick and he had to go back and find it where we last took a break. Thanks John for getting it back to me though. I really do appreciate you keeping trying to keep up with it. It's not easy when you aren't used to carrying one.
So yes, back to being homeward bound, well until.. Tom gets a flat tire in his van. So we stop and check it out. "Mr. Fix a flat" (Chris) as I read on one of the pics comments, goes into mechanic mode and changes Tom's tire. The pics are great by the way. The tire was changed and we were once again on the road.
Great hike everyone and I hope to see you on another hike again soon. Here's the pictures, but I don't think I have everyone's links. If you can email them to me again, I'll post them in here. I misplaced the emails somehow.
Paula's Pics
Chris's Pics
Tony's Pics
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