Panther Creek Waterfall - Sat, Jan 17 2026

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Panther Creek Waterfall


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Panther Creek Falls Parking Lot   Hike: Panther Creek Waterfall   National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jan 17 2026  9:00 am >> Sat, Jan 17 2026 3:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Jan 9 2026 5:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Jan 15 2026 11:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:7 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Rafiq
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Hello Hikers:
 
It has been a while since my last hike to Panther Creek, so I thought it was the perfect time to return! This trail is ideal for those who have recently started or resumed hiking; if you have recently completed a few D2 and D3 hikes and are ready to push into more challenging terrain, this event is for you.
 
The Plan:
 
  • The Drive: It is approximately a 1.2 hour drive to the trailhead.
  • The Hike: We plan to begin hiking between 9:00 AM and 9:10 AM.
 
Trail Details:
This is a beautiful, scenic out-and-back trail totaling 7 miles. Our midpoint is the spectacular Panther Creek Falls (at the 3.5-mile mark), where we will take a break for lunch and snacks before heading back. Please note that while the trail is scenic, there are slippery, rocky sections and some areas where the trail tread has washed away. For this reason, some prior hiking experience is necessary to sign up. 
 
Communication:
We will use a private group text to coordinate details leading up to the hike. By signing up, you agree to this method of communication.  
 

Required Items to Bring:

Appropriate footwear for hiking

Clothing with layers to adjust according weather. 

Water/Hydration

Packed Lunch or Snacks

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles


How to Get There:
Event Directions:
The driving distance from Indian Trail Park and Ride (Norcross, GA) to the Panther Creek Trailhead
 is approximately 73.3 miles, and the trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes under normal traffic conditions. 
 
Directions:
  1. Get on I-85 N from Indian Trail Lilburn Rd NW.
  2. Take I-985 N and US-23 N to Glen Hardman Rd in Habersham County.
  3. Drive to Old Historic U.S. 441 N, where the trailhead is located. 

 GPS Issues: Some users have reported that Google Maps might lead to the wrong location, sometimes onto a dirt road. It is recommended to search for the address on Old Historic U.S. 441.

 

https://share.google/aimode/7G6LNYd9MrTNjSzsu

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):147Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $58.80 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

 


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.