The target coordinates above will lead you to the 1st clue. There will be 3 clues to find and the final one will lead you to the actual cache. You will be hiking amidst waterfalls, swimming holes, tangled "enchanted" forests, water-carved potholes, and granite cliffs and domes. Rolling terrain with the exception of the final stage which is short but steep.
The 6,295 acre Panthertown Valley is one of the most unique and diverse natural areas in this region. SIERRA magazine described Panthertown Valley as "one of the least known, but most magnificent areas in the Southern Appalachians." Others have called it the "Yosemite of the East" due to the granite cliffs and domes that abruptly rise 200-300 feet from the valley floor. This unusual valley is home to 11 different natural communities, including the rare Southern Appalachian bog and the swamp-forest bog community. These communities harbor numerous rare plants, including at least 8 globally endangered plant species.
The headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River and 20 miles of native brook trout streams are also located in the valley.
SOME ADVICE BEFORE BEGINNING THIS PILGRIMAGE
- As soon as you turn from the road into the parking area, be looking for an unmarked trail on the left leading down into the woods. This path will help you find the first clue!
- Helpful items to bring along: notepad and pen to copy down clues and directions for each stage (required!), a map of Panthertown Valley (would help, but not required), water, hiking stick, binoculars, camera (you will be glad you brought it!), swimsuit (optional but enhances the trip!), strong observation skills, an ability to follow directions, a desire to wander in the woods, a love of beauty, and a strong sense of adventure!
- Trails are unmarked, so to be safe, take a waypoint at your car before you begin the pilgrimage. Just in case! TOTAL LENGTH FROM START TO FINISH: APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES! Also, please stay on the trails/paths as much as possible. This will eliminate excessive impact and ecological damage to the terrain.
- Vegetation and foliage are getting thick! So pay close attention to the helpful directions inside each clue to help you locate the next stages. Use my directions and hints in addition to the coordinates for each stage!
- Believe it or not when you get out there - these places are frequented by others. PLEASE CONCEAL THE CLUES BACK VERY WELL! DO NOT LET ANY PORTION OF THE CLUES BE VISIBLE TO NON-GEOCACHER EYES!
- At the actual cache, there are directions which will lead you quickly and easily back to your car. YOU WILL NOT NEED TO RETRACE YOUR ENTIRE JOURNEY!. These directions can be found at the beginning of the log book.
- You are going to be blessed by some very cool sights and scenery! Give yourself at least 4 hours or so to complete this hunt. Have fun!
- When performing cache maintenance in August 2007 I apparently made a typo in the coordinates for Stage 2 found in Stage 1. Be assured that you do NOT have to travel 56 miles; please use "83" instead of "82".
The actual cache is an ammo can stocked with goodies and well-placed in a breathtaking spot!!!
When hiking through Panthertown I recommend printing the Panthertown Trail System map or buying Burt Kornegay's A Guide's Guide to Panthertown Valley (which is well worth the five bucks). [The map was $5 back in 2002; in 2011 it now retails for $12.] Enjoy your stay in Panthertown Valley!
FTF HONORS GO TO NC_Ron&Dianne!!!
