The "Other" Panther Creek Falls

Yes, there is more than one Panther Creek Falls in Georgia and at least three places named 3 Forks!!  We will be hiking the Panther Creek Trail in the Cohuttas, one of the most beautiful (and remote) areas in Georgia. This trail features a scenic vista of the Cohutta Wilderness as well as a beautiful cascade hundreds of feet in length. 

We will start our hike at the East Cowpen Trailhead.  This easy to moderate section follows an old road that was closed to traffic in 1987. In the first 1.3 miles, the trail climbs 600 feet to within a quarter mile of the top of Cowpen Mountain, the highest peak in the Cohutta Wilderness.  We will continue another mile to the Panther Creek Trail junction. The trail follows a ridge for 1.7 miles before it descends into the gorge created by Panther Creek.  We will have some water crossings, so prepare to get your feet wet.  

We will enjoy our lunch atop the falls, and if the group is so inclined, spend some time exploring a bit beyond the base of the falls.  After a leisurely lunch, we will begin the ascent back out of the gorge, retracing our steps along the ridge line to East Cowpen Trail.

After returning to our vehicles, we will stop for dinner in Blueridge or Ellijay.

With at total distance of nearly 10 miles and an elevation gain of roughly 1400 feet, this hike is rated a D4. 

With acknowledgements to Sam L, Tanja B, Grant Brown, and Kristie who posted helpful event descriptions of this route.  Thanks, everyone.

Directions will be given at carpool