Panther Creek Falls - Sat, Mar 14 2026

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Panther Creek Falls

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Panther Creek Falls

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Mar 14 2026 9:00 am >> Sat, Mar 14 2026 2:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sun, Feb 1 2026 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Mar 13 2026 12:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Distance:

7 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Linda L
Kip

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

This is one of two hikes in Clayton over the weekend. The 2nd hike will be a D5 at Black Rock State Park on Sunday 3/15. Trip leaders will be staying at the Bridge Creek Inn, Main Street Clayton, on Saturday night, 3/14. For those staying in Clayton, a dinner will be organized for the group. We can also assist with carpool for those who are planning to attend both hikes.

This is an out and back trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The trailhead is located just off of GA-23, a few miles south of Tallulah Gorge State Park.

The trail runs through a hilly, wooded area passing by several small waterfalls. The main Panther Creek Falls is about 3.5 miles into the trail. We will stop at the falls to explore and have our lunch.

The bridges have been repaired!

We will reverse direction and return along the same trail back to the trailhead. The return is mostly up hill but under 1000 feet of gain.

Attendees must have strong D3 experience in the last 4 weeks to attend this hike.

Required Items to Bring:

Water (2 to 3L)/hydrating drinks/electrolytes

Wear appropriate clothing with layers

Trail hiking shoes

Lunch/Snacks

Cash for parking and carpool. (See parking cost info below.)

If in carpool, please bring towel, change of shoes/clothes, bag for hiking shoes.

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

Hiking Poles

Hat/Sunglasses

Sunscreen/Bug Spray

Poncho or Rain Jacket, in case of rain

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Take I-985 North which turns into US 23/441. 16 miles past Cornelia, turn left onto Glen Hardman Road, then turn right onto Historic 441 for 1 mile to the Panther Creek Recreation Area parking lot.

Parking Cost:

America the Beautiful Passes: Senior, Access, Annual, Military, Gold Star, Veteran, and Golden Age Senior/Access are accepted at this site. Those passes are good for the pass holder and up to three adults per vehicle.

Otherwise, there is a $4 parking fee per car at the trail head. Day passes can be purchased online using this link Recreation.gov - Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More.

The pass must be printed and displayed in the windshield of your car.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

144Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $57.60 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.

Registration for this event opens at 2/1/2026 7:00:00 PM