Fall Backpacking Panthertown Valley

 




From Marriot Gwinnett, we will travel north on highway I-85 north to exit 1 in SC, where will take a coordination, restroom break before heading north on highway 11 north, off of this same exit. Then we drive about 20 miles the bustling metropolis of Walhalla, SC.

From there we will travel north through Walhalla on Hwy. 28 north, and take it about 10 miles to the split of Hwys.28 and 107, to Cashiers, the way we need to go (bearing right at this Y intersection). WE drive on Hwy 107 north to Cashiers, where we will stop briefly at the Highlands Hiker Store, on the right side, just before Cashiers, NC one and only traffic light (for latest P'town map and or any forgotten camping, backpacking supplies--great store-a little 'spensive , but well stocked.

From that one traffic light, we turn right, traveling a couple of miles, and look closely for the white fence, on the left side of the road, which leads us to our turn onto the first road, we take up the mountainside to the top of the Mountain there, and turn right at the Christmas tree farm and brown P'town sign on the right -This right turn is the way to the Panthertown Valley.

After miles of nice road, we get to the hairier part of the road at the end, which is deeply rutted, and regular cars need to take great care to go this last 2/10's of a mile to the P'town parking.

Here, we will put on our backpacks and loadup. We will walk down into this valley, walled and surrounded my mountains that creates this bowled valley. This valley has a microclimate that is different enough to have it be the only place many species of plants are found nowhere else east of the Mississippi. It is a lost world and beautiful and dazzling display of scenery, more than the eye can take in and remember with enough detail.

Our agenda today will be to go off to the right fork at the bottom of the valley, settle in to our campsite, a trip of only some one and a half miles to our site. The site has a shelter if you prefer not pack one!  This trip is perfect for beginners. The shelter is a twenty foot long tin roofed, open ended, wood floored A frame building. This is also very handy for our wine and cheese party and requisite card games.

After unpacking in our shelter, and or tents, we will be off in day gear to do the main body of the hike, swim (optional) and sunbathing expedition. Hiking should cover some 7 1/2 to eight miles today, and will take us to two remote and the most popular waterfall in the valley, Schoolhouse Falls. We then head to P'town Creek sandbar pool for some late swim (optional) and hopefully great sunning and swimming. We will languish for some 30 minutes at least before the several mile hike back to our homes for the evening. We will stargaze, have wine and cheese party--extra wine and cheese, spreads, crackers, summer sausages are asked for here. Please note that you are bringing some to share with the group!

Sundays hike will be about 5 miles and include a beautiful veiwing of all the rest of the valley from the top of Little Green Mountain. We will lunch at Schoolhouse Falls and having another swimming event here if anyone wishes. Afterwards Little Green Mtn, we will return to tear down camp, pack for trip out about 3pm.

Given in trip description

If you must cancel befor the Registration cutoff date, please be kind and remove yourself asap. If you must cancel after the cutoff date, please email the trip leader to be removed.

Event is NOT rain or shine. Event will be cancelled if thunderstorms or extreme weather conditions are forecast.