Panthertown Valley: Waterfalls and Vistas

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Panthertown Valley: Waterfalls and Vistas

The Basics:

Event Type:

Backpacking

Event Location:

Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest, NC

Backpacking: Panthertown Valley: Waterfalls and Vistas

Date(s) & Time:

Fri, Jul 4 2014 9:00 am >> Sun, Jul 6 2014 4:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Thu, Jun 19 2014 3:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, Jul 2 2014 10:00 pm

Event Duration:

2 Days 7 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

3 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Laura V
Michael Johnson

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:

10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

What better way to celebrate our country's 238th birthday than with a backcountry trip to one of our beautiful National Forests.

Known as “the Yosemite of the East,” Panthertown Valley offers many miles of trails and footpaths to waterfalls, gorges, rocky overlooks, and deep forests.

This will be a relaxing 2 night backpacking weekend to explore the beauty of this natural area. On Friday, we will pack in to a secret camp site, known only to a few experiened PV veterans. Once we set up camp, you are free to play all day on your own or with the group. Your trip leaders plan to hike to many of the scenic overlooks and waterfalls. Scenic overlooks means elevation gain. Waterfalls mean splash and play. Choose one or both options.

For those who wish to talk to the trees and experience a more relaxing weekend, you are free to read, nap, do yoga, or whatever makes you happy.

The sun will set at 8:49 on July 4th & 5th and we will have a first quarter moon. After dark, we may take a night hike to find a spot to lie on our backs for some stargazing.

If you choose to explore the wilds of Panthertown Valley on your own, please bring your own map and GPS and let the trip leader know your destination and estimated return time to camp. Trail maps and descriptions are available at this and other websites: http://panthertown.org/panthertown-valley/ http://www.stayandplayinthesmokies.com/lib/file/manager/pdf-download-library/pvmap.pdf

On Sunday morning, we will break camp, hike back to our cars and return to Atlanta. Those who wish to sample some Southern barbeque can stop for a delicious lunch at the Spotted Pig.

Note: This is a D4 backpacking trip with a relatively short distance to our campsite. Don't be fooled by the difficulty rating - there will be some steep inclines and significant elevation gain. The trip leaders will contact you if you do not have a history of D3 (or above) backpacking events or D5 hiking events with the AOC.

Required Items to Bring:

Food for two and half days: three lunches, two dinners, two breakfasts

Sturdy hiking shoes/boots and extra socks

Essential Backpacking gear for summer:

Backpack and small day pack

Tent or hammock

Sleeping bag

Headlamp/flashlight

Stove

2 liters of water (Water source available)

Water filter (or prearrange to share)

Rain gear/poncho

Bag and rope to hang bear bag

Toiletries

Whistle and First Aid kit

Bug spray and Sunscreen

Trash bag for wet clothes, garbage, etc.

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

Bathing suit

Water shoes/camp shoes

Towel

Hat

Book and small camp chair for relaxing

Frisbee, Dog Treats, or other Dog Toys

Mountain Bike - biking allowed only on desginated trails

Hiking poles

Trail maps and compass or GPS with extra batteries

Trail snacks and bedtime snacks

Saw for firewood

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

To be given at carpool

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

240Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

9:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $96.00 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:

2 friendly trail dogs with nice manners and clean teeth are welcome on this trip.

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

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