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 Tuckaseegee River and 20 miles of native brook trout streams
are also located in the valley.
Granny Burrell Falls is nearer the west entrance to the valley
but can be accessed from the east too. A good map of the valley
will be very helpful as none of the trails here are marked.
From the Salt Rock (east) entrance start down from the parking
area for a view from the Salt Rock Overlook. Continue the descent
on a gravel road to an intersection of three roads which is
approximately 1 mile from the parking area. For Granny Burrell
Falls on Panthertown Creek, turn right .2 mile and cross an old
wood bridge. The trail for the falls is on the right. If you come
in from the Cold Mountain Gap (west) entrance you are on your own!
Again, a trail map of the valley will be a great asset.
The cache container is an ammo box [See the above photo of ammo
box, FlowerDoc and Granny Burrell Falls!] filled with all new
stuff. The coordinates will be a little iffy due to the dense tree
cover. If you are having problems feel free to decrypt the hint,
which will give detailed directions to find the cache. I have
loaded a spoiler photo of the best entrance to the cache
location.
When hiking through Panthertown I recommend printing the
Panthertown Trail Project map or buying Burt
Kornegay's A Guide's Guide to Panthertown Valley (which is
well worth the five bucks). Enjoy your stay in Panthertown
Valley!
FTF HONORS GO TO
gojeeping!!!
