Panthertown Valley - Tuckasegee River - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Panthertown Valley - Tuckasegee River
Country:	United States
State:	North Carolina
Nearby Town:	Cashiers
Rating:
Directions:	PARKING: (Cold Mountain Gap) - From Cashiers at US 64 stoplight, head east for 13 miles to NC 281 north. (Make sure not to take NC 281 south which you will hit first.) Take NC 281 north toward Lake Toxaway and continue 0.8 miles to Cold Mountain Road (SR 1301). Turn left onto Cold Mountain Road (SR 1301) and continue 5.8 miles to a sharp left turn at Canaan Land (private property). Follow the turn 0.1 mile, then turn right 0.1 miles to the parking area for Panthertown Valley. The National Forest Service has signs that direct you to the lot.
Total Hike Distance:	3.80 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Easy to Moderate
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	Roundtrip, Loop Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	Cold Mountain Gap
Trails Used:	Tuckasegee River Trail
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams, Rivers
Management:	U.S. Forest Service
Contact Information:	Nantahala National Forest Highlands Ranger District 2010 Flat Mountain Rd, Highlands, N.C. 28741 (828) 526-3765
Best Season:	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Users:	Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads, Maintained Gravel or Dirt Roads
Hike Summary:	The National Forest Service acquired Panthertown Valley in 1989 from Duke Power in a deal coordinated by the Nature Conservancy. Surprisingly, the area is still relatively wild with no blazes on the trails and only a few primitive campsites. However there are an amazing number of waterfalls that are packed into a relatively small area and many have pools at their base which make for a great place to swim or fish. Just make sure you take a map and compass on your hike. There are many intersecting trails in the area and route finding can be difficult. This hike takes you to the Tuckasegee River and past Schoolhouse Falls one of the best known waterfalls in the valley.