Intro to Backpacking - Panthertown Valley

So, you want to try backpacking.  But… not sure what equipment you need, can you really hike with a full backpack, how much does a full backpack weigh, what do you eat, and on and on.

If you have had these thoughts, this may be just the event for you.  This is an introductory backpacking trip.  We’ll be going to Panthertown Valley, the Yosemite of the East.   The hike in and the hike out will be just 2 miles.  Don’t let that fool you.  When you put 30 pounds of gear on you back, every steps counts. 

To help make this be successful for all, we’ll do a pack shake down the week before (Sunday 3/31).  You won’t have to bring your pack, unless you want to.  Instead what we’ll do is pack Mike’s pack.  Maybe George’s too.  In addition, we’ll be sending out lists of what to pack, and ideas for what to eat.

So here is the plan.  We’ll get an early start Saturday morning.  Targeting to be at the camp site before noon.  We’ll set up camp, filter water, collect firewood and eat lunch.  We should have time after that for a hike to the top of Big Green Mountain.  When we get back to camp we’ll cook dinner, and enjoy a happy hour around our campfire (beverage of your choosing). Oh yeah, we’ll have to practice our bear bagging before it gets too dark.

Sunday morning we’ll make breakfast, pack some stuff for lunch and take in a day hike. We’ll probably see in a couple of waterfalls, and enjoy lunch somewhere along the trail.  Then we’ll break camp and climb our way up out of the valley.

From the NC 107 / US 64 Junction in Cashiers, take US 64 east for 2 miles to Cedar Creek Road (SR 1120) on left. Take Cedar Creek Road 2.3 miles to Breedlove Road (SR 1121) and turn right. Go 3.5 miles to end of pavement, turn left onto gravel road to parking area. Trailhead begins here. 

ABFE
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