The Yosemite of the East

Page 1B
Wednesday, Septmber 30, 2009
The Yosemite of the East:
Panthertown is a pantheon of the wild
By David Joy
Staff Writer
Located just minutes
away from the crossroads
in Cashiers, Panthertown
Valley is a 6,300-acre pantheon of the wild. From rare
Appalachian bogs to endangered and protected species
of ferns, mosses, and liverworts, the valley is a treasure trove of biological
diversity.
Though privately owned
until 1989, an $8 million acquisition by the North Carolina Chapter of the Nature
Conservancy deeded to the
U.S. Forest Service made
the giant tract of land open
to the public.
“Nicknamed the “Yosemite of the East,” this wild
and rugged valley is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts,” said Nina
Elliott, Director for Friends
of Panthertown. “Unique
attractions include waterfalls, sheer granite domes,
stunning panoramic views,
and native brook trout
streams.”
The valley is home to the
headwaters of the Tuckaseigee River, and each of
these feeder streams offers
unique features for exploring hikers.
Located throughout the
network of streams are ten
gorgeous waterfalls: Greenland Creek Falls, Carlton
Falls, Schoolhouse Falls,
Warden’s Falls, Jawbone
Falls, Riding Ford Falls, Lichen Falls, Granny Burrell
Falls, Frolictown Falls, and
Wilderness Falls.
Hikes to these waterfalls
and to other features such
as the bogs and sheer granite domes are fairly strenuous and can become confusing, so be sure to move
slow and have a map.
“It’s easy to get lost in
Panthertown Valley because
nothing has been marked
and people are used to seeing trail signs,” said Burt
Kornegay of Cullowhee,
who recently created a new
map of the valley which can
be purchased at most area
outdoor stores.
“They will get turned
around and a lot of people can’t read a map,” Kornegay continued. “People
will buy that map, put it in
their backpack, hike into
Panthertown carefree, get
turned around and then pull
it out. When you go in take
the map out and use it.”
Although the lack of signage can make the valley confusing to newcomers, the absence of these
signs is also what creates
such a pristine wilderness,
seemingly void of human
interruption.
For those willing to venture into the valley, a multitude of recreational opportunities lie in Panthertown.
Visitors can take part in
hiking, primitive camping,
mountain biking, horseback
riding, and fishing.
Fishing is particularly
wonderful with over 20
miles of native brook trout
streams. Some of the premier creeks to fish are
Panthertown, Greenland,
and Flat. Uniquely different from fishing hatchery
supported water, the wild
streams found in the valley
offer fishermen a chance to
catch the only native trout
species in North Carolina,
with genealogy dating back
10,000 years to the last Ice
Age in the same creeks.
If you have not visited the
valley already, lace up those
hiking boots and head to one
of the must-see destinations
of Jackson County. If you
are a repeat visitor, show
your appreciation by volunteering with the Friends
of Panthertown.
“The Friends of Panthertown provide funding
and volunteers for much
needed projects and conservation efforts,” Nina Elliott explained. “The actual groundwork is accomPhoto contributed by Jordan Mitchell/WNCOutdoors.info
plished by volunteers at
Schoolhouse Falls is definitely one of the must-see attractions in the
monthly work days on the
valley.
fourth Saturday of every
month.”
Already logging over
1,500 volunteer hours in
2009, this organization helps
keep the valley the way that
it has always been while
creating enhancements that
make accessibility easier for
visitors. For more information contact Nina Elliott at
friends.of.panthertown@
gmail.com.
So whether you are looking for a first time hike to
one of Panthertown’s countless features or you want to
help out a local cause, head
on out to the valley with
your boots laced tight and
get those soles dirty.
Photo submitted
The trail on Little Green Mountain utilizes smooth, exposed granite for visitors to descend into the forest.
Photo submitted
Photo contributed by Jordan Mitchell/WNCOutdoors.info
Frolictown Falls breaks through a blanket of rhododendron.
157505
BROOKINGS’
Jeff Alexander takes it all in after a hike to Schoolhouse Falls.
Spe Fin
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