Hiking the Panther Creek Trail Near Clarkesville
Hiking the Panther Creek Trail Near Clarkesville
Introductory Overview
Panther Creek Trail is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Clarkesville, Georgia, offering a scenic 7-mile round-trip journey through the lush Chattahoochee National Forest. The highlight of the trail is the stunning Panther Creek Falls, a cascading waterfall with a large pool that provides a refreshing spot to cool off. The route follows the creek, featuring a mix of moderate and challenging sections, making it an excellent destination for hikers seeking both scenery and adventure.
Adventure Guide to Hiking the Panther Creek Trail
Trailhead and Key Landmarks
- The trail begins at the Panther Creek Recreation Area off Old Historic U.S. 441.
- The first portion is relatively easy, meandering along the creek with scenic views.
- Around mile 3, the terrain becomes more rugged, with rock outcroppings and root-covered paths.
- Panther Creek Falls at mile 3.5 is the main attraction, featuring a multi-tiered waterfall and a swimming hole.
What Makes This Trail Special
- Biodiversity: Rich with native flora, including mountain laurel, rhododendron, and hemlock trees.
- Scenic Beauty: The creek features multiple small cascades before reaching the main falls.
- Varied Terrain: Includes bridges, rocky sections, and gentle sloping paths, providing a diverse hiking experience.
Local Insights
- Cherokee History: The area was historically home to the Cherokee people, and Panther Creek was once an important waterway.
- Wildlife Spotting: Hikers may see white-tailed deer, red foxes, and even an occasional bald eagle.
- Photography Hotspot: Late afternoon light enhances the waterfall, making for excellent photo opportunities.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage.
- What to Bring:
- Sturdy hiking shoes (some areas can be slippery).
- Plenty of water and snacks.
- A bathing suit if you plan to swim near the falls.
- Directions: From Clarkesville, GA, head west on GA-115, then north on US-441 to the Panther Creek Recreation Area (~20-minute drive).
Adventure Map
Reviews
VJa year ago
Moderate ~8 mi hike and the upper falls was beautiful
Nelson Wells4 years ago
I love this trail, and it may be my favorite in GA. It’s not a beginner level hike so I leave my 7 year olds at home but maybe at 8 or 9 they could hang with me yet the hike to the waterfall is quite a hike with a few gnarly high narrow passes with wire guidelines. Not expert by any means but not beginner. Especially love the pool near the top of the falls. I’ve cold water and the tiny fishes will nibble the dead skin off your feet if you hold still for even 30 seconds. They are not afraid. People pay big bucks in resort cities around the world to do this yet here in Panther creek it’s you and nature and the fish free as you wanna be. Please help keep our trails clean. This one is spotless - let’s keep it that way.
Enlightened Lucy4 years ago
Wonderful place to go on a walk. Just remember this walk might take you four to five hours.
Samantha Garboden2 years ago
Tiring, and not engaging route, but worth it for the fun waterfall and pool. Very uneven footing for first mile, and at 1.2ish you cross water with no hand rail. Patches were damaged from storm, but can be off roaded to make it.
Bring snacks and lunch and enjoy the plunge pool, it's cool and worth it.
Pace yourself, the walk back feels harder. It helped to track our pace and keep monitor milage, the path doesn't have mile markers or anything.
We never hiked before (we are athletic though as runners and sports) and had fun but were tired after.
Use this location to find the trail head!!!
We used the falls originally and went down a sketchy path for .25 mile before it dead ended.
Geovanny Cisneros3 years ago
Awesome hike!
