Headwaters Panthertown Tour
Big rocks and waterfalls in a high altitude bear sanctuary
Trail Running Difficult
- Distance
- 24 km
- Ascent
- 695 m
- Descent
- 694 m
- Duration
- 3-4 hrs
- Low Point
- 1.1 km
- High Point
- 1.4 km
- Gradient
- 9˚
PantherTown Valley is one of the jewels of WNC. While it has become quite the tourist destination, 90% of the hikers are concentrated in a small section of the valley. There is plenty of solitude to be had on this run, which follows the basic course of the Headwaters Half 30k (minus one out and back section).
Description
The loop as mapped begins in the Salt Rock parking area on the the NW side of the valley. Using the parking access off of Cold Mountain Rd from Lake Toxaway to the SE is another option. Either spot necessitates a long climb out of the valley at the very end of the run.
Many (MANY!) unmarked side trails exist in Panthertown. Downloading this track is highly recommended, as is carrying a paper copy of Burt Kornegay's map - A Guide's Guide to the Panthertown Valley - the definitive catalog of all things Panthertown. There is NO electronic version of this map on Avenza or any other mapping app I have been able to find. The USFS map is HORRIBLE. You have been warned.
Difficulty
Difficult
High Exposure
Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.