Panther Creek Falls (Habersham County, Georgia)

Since moving to Georgia over three years ago, I've been told of the beauty of Panther Creek Falls and the terrific hike leading to it. Unfortunately, the US Forest Service has declared the trail closed for the majority of time I've lived here. In the spring of 2019, some severe thunderstorms came through the area and the creek washed out several key bridges. In an effort to keep hikers safe, the trail was closed. That said, I would be fine with a warning to tell people of the hazards, but to close a nature trail is just a bizarre concept to me. I guess I lived out west for too long, where there is an understood "it's dangerous; try not to die" mentality. Anyway, when one of the local hiking clubs posted a visit to the trail, it seemed like an opportune time to enjoy a day off from work as well as finally see this impressive waterfall.

I arrived at the meeting spot a few minutes before the start time and began chatting with another gentleman who was part of the group. Unfortunately, the rest of the group, including the organizer, arrived about thirty minutes late. They offered an apology. With the late start, we simply did introductions as we walked. Seven of us in total would be making our way to the water fall.

The trail very closely follows Panther Creek east from US-23. It rises and falls as the earthen banks have been carved by the waters of the creek below. There's nothing all that challenging, but the scenery is fantastic and I enjoy the conversations with the group.

Our first crossing challenge arrives at about the 1.5 mile mark, as this is the first of the bridges to have been washed out. After scouting out our options a bit, we find a section of rocks that we're able to cross the creek over. Most of us make it without incident or wet shoes, but a couple members end up submerging one foot or the other in the cold waters of the creek. Luckily, the weather is magnificent and it shouldn't take long for socks to dry out.

Just about another mile and we're forced to make another make-shift crossing. Some of us, including me, decide to balance our way across a sturdy log that has fallen across the small tributary creek, while others try to rock-hop (less successfully), but whatever the method, we all end up on the other side.

From this point, the trail gets a little more treacherous with a number of rock scrambles, including one where a rope has been tied off to assist hikers. With a little help, we all manage to get past these challenging sections and finally arrive at Panther Creek Falls. This is one of the more impressive waterfalls I've seen since moving to Georgia. The hype is valid. Our group makes our way down to a sandy outcropping with plenty of limestone seats at the base of the falls and spends some time eating lunch and admiring the majesty of this beautiful scene.

After about thirty minutes, we pack ourselves back up and begin climbing back out of the valley formed by the creek and up to the trail. We make our way back across the water-crossings and eventually back to the parking lot, having hiked just about 8.5 miles. Unfortunately, someone has bashed out the back window of the pickup one of our members had left at the parking lot. Terrible people that would do something like this. He contacts the local police and files a report. The rest offer to help in any way that we can, but there isn't much to be done and we say our goodbyes. This really was a spectacular hike and I'm really happy that I decided to take the day off and enjoy it.