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 Reporter |
Summary: There is no description of this loop in NC Hiking Trails, but the valley trails are described. I suggest you buy a full map of the valley at one of the outfitters at the NC-281-276-64 Jct. in Brevard. These are Looking Glass Outfitters, and Davidson River Outfitters. The wildlife in the valley is very diverse and includes Deer, Bear, Bob cat, Native Brook Trout, and hugh Timber Rattlers, watch for these they like to snooze in the middle of the trails. If you don't complete the loop the first time any hike in the valley is worthwhile, this is an old and very unique area. Wild flowers abound here in Springtime, with some very rare species found only here in the valley. It may take you a few trips here to learn the valley - it did me. But if you have time to kill you can't find a better place. Trailhead: From Asheville take I-26 South, go 12 - 14 Mi. take NC-280 exit at Asheville Airport. Follow NC-280 to Brevard at first stop light Jct. NC-280 - 276 - 64, go through light this is Main Street and NC-64. Follow NC-64 through Brevard, and Rosman to Lake Toxaway Aprox. 25 Mi. Turn Right on NC-281. Go 0.8 Mi. to Cold Mountain Rd. (SR-1301) turn Left, it is 6 Mi. to a gated dead end, turn Left here. Follow dirt road to a small cut off on Right about 0.4-.5 Mi. this is the parking area and trailhead for Panther Town. Watch how you park here, it is a small area and you could become blocked. (Lat:35.15736 Lon:-82.9991) Trail Guides for Panther Town Valley Loop: North Carolina Hiking Trails (third edition) by Allen de Hart (Appalachain Mountain Club Books.) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: District Ranger, Highlands Ranger District, 1-828-526-3765 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Steve Owen, who has posted 11 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Wallace on 4/11/2009 Great area, very well maintained. I only managed to find one of the falls despite hiking a long way. I am not too sure where the loop goes. A map is a necessity if you are trying to do anything more than look around for a while.
Reviewed by Zach on 2/19/2008 I've done this hike from both the eastern and western entrances. Panthertown is such a nice place to go, random waterfalls that pop out of nowhere, beautiful views of the mountains and valleys below.
Reviewed by JL on 2/8/2007 Outstanding place. Went on a full day mountain bike ride. Looks like a lot of great camping spots and beautiful waterfalls. We had a couple of maps, but neither of them did us much good. You could easily get a little lost, but it's not too bad. I would highly recommend this place for a couple of day hike/camp trip. 
Reviewed by daryl on 10/1/2006 Awesome trip, spent two days here and adored the water falls.
Reviewed by roxanne on 9/18/2005 I hiked Panthertown a while back and I did like it but I have to agree that you do need a map. I loved the falls there, they are wonderful and the shelter is made like a big long roof off a house with a floor. If you go in the summer or spring watch out for the tics. Also my group and I enjoyed the creek area that has a nice smaller falls that you can slide down.
Reviewed by Emmett and Jenn on 9/12/2005 Hiked it on 8/10/2005. I would definetly get a map of the place. The trails are sparingly marked and there are many side trails, so it was difficult to figure out where you were. We basically stumbed on the the two eastern most falls. There is also a convenience store in the near by town of Saphire where you can get an awesome sub.
Reviewed by DB on 1/19/2004 Great short backpacking trip for our group. Wasn't too streneous yet wasn't a walk in the park either. Beautiful scenery, trails, falls, campsites, and wildlife. Will hike again soon!!!!!!!!!!!! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Transylvania County Hiking, Transylvania County Trails, Transylvania County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||