Originally, I was planning on knocking out the northernmost section of the AT today, but my right knee has been giving me some issues and I didn't think 18 miles and nearly 6,000 feet of elevation change would be a good idea (at least the elevation part) and so, I started looking for other options. I noticed that a friend posted a hike to Panther Creek Falls on the Meetup for which we both often hike with. This seemed like a great option, with a combination of reasonable miles, low elevation changes, and a great payoff destination.
Arriving early, I was surprised to see the trailhead parking area gated off with a sign indicating storm damage. I'm not exactly sure how a storm damages a parking lot, but I was able to park alongside the road without issue. This popular trail has been closed by the Forest Service off and on over the past several years, as the bridges have been washed out time and time again. The trail itself is supposed to be open right now though. Anyway, the other hikers joined me a short time later and soon, we hit the trail.
The first section is a pretty standard Georgia hike, as our path takes alongside Panther Creek. It's already getting pretty warm though. Soon, we hit a rocky outcrop section that requires a little maneuvering, but nothing too terrible. I do worry though that some of the trail in this section is not going to last much longer and ten or twenty good storms from now will be washed down the hillside into the creek below.
Soon, we approach the first and widest of the expected water crossings. We are surprised to see a new, sturdy bridge constructed across the creek here. Though, it's been a couple of years since I've hiked here, others in our group have been here as recently as late last year and even they were not expecting this welcome new addition. This is a fairly large and elaborate bridge and it's obvious by the track marks and fashioned road that heavy equipment was brought in for its construction. We wait for everyone to catch up and then proceed across.
We end up following the road made by the heavy equipment for a bit and crossing a couple of other smaller new bridges, before noticing a trail leading off to the left with a plywood sign on the ground with 'water' painted onto it. From past experience, we're confident that this is the right path to the waterfall and begin to head that way. There are some stragglers though and we are concerned that they may not make the turn. To raise confidence, I grab a couple of sticks and fashion an arrow to lay on the ground. We also move the sign to a more visible spot and lay a small log across the road. Honestly, if they can't figure it out from everything we've done there, they probably shouldn't have left their house.
From here, the trail gets a bit more treacherous, with muddy climbs and washed out sections. Steel cables help in some areas, but in others they concrete poles they are attached to have been washed out of the ground. We manage to make it though without incident. From this part of the trail, it's always possible to take in some great views of the raging creek.
Soon, we are at the mighty waterfall, which I've always thought to be one of the best in the state. After climbing down the natural stone steps, we all find a spot on the sandy bank to stop and rest. Several members of the group strip down to bathing suits and wade out into the waters and even climb up on the cascading waterfall. They say the water is pretty cold, but refreshing. I have other plans after this and didn't really want to go swimming, and so, I just take it all in. There are a few others here in addition to our group and everyone seems to be having a great time.
After thirty minutes or so, we begin to rally the group and start heading back to the cars. The way back is equally challenging with slippery sections, but again, we make it without too much issue. With everyone back at the cars, I say my goodbyes and head for my next destination for the day. This hike was 7.2 miles with only about 650 feet of elevation change - a good start for the day, but I'm going to get more miles in.
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