Georgia Natural Wonder #84 - Panther Creek Falls – Habersham County (Part 1). 591

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #84 - Panther Creek Falls –  Habersham County (Part 1)

It’s one of North Georgia’s favorite waterfall hikes, and for a good reason: this 7-mile adventure travels to a series of cascading falls set in a beautiful forest, framed by towering trees and mossy boulders. This adventure hikes to Panther Creek Falls, a series of broad, multi-tiered waterfalls that tumble into a deep pool on a sandy beach.



The level, sandy flat below the waterfall is the perfect summertime spot to chill and to soak up some seriously beautiful North Georgia beauty. And the trail is studded with campsites along the way, making this hike one of North Georgia’s most popular backpacking trips.



Directions: Take US 441 north from Cornelia, Georgia 16 miles. Turn left onto Glen Hardman Road, then right onto Old 441 for 1 mile to the parking lot.

Panther Creek Falls: the hike

The adventure departs from the opposite side of Historic 441 from the Panther Creek picnic area. The hike follows its namesake waterway downstream, traveling under a concrete overpass and diving into a young, mossy hardwood forest. The route ventures deeper into the forest and the sounds of the highway disappear in the distance. The trail crosses a small tributary creek at just under .5 mile.



The trail begins to climb elevation, catching views of the cascading creek far below as it travels through a clearing. The creek’s turbulent roar echoes through the forest as it tumbles over several just-out-of-sight waterfalls. The hike passes several just-off-trail campsites before reaching a massive rock outcrop overhang at .85 mile. Due to heavy trail traffic, erosion has closed some sections of the trail recently; follow the green trail blazes for the current route.



The trail rolls elevation, traversing a wooded area high above the creek valley. The hike descends to the creek’s banks, passing a large campsite and crossing the creek over a large wooden bridge at 1.5 miles.



The trail explores a flat, sandy floodplain on the western shore, crossing the first of many small tributaries at 2 miles. The hike crosses another bridge and passes a large campsite, climbing elevation and rising high above the creek. Over the next mile, sections of the trail drop sharply and suddenly to the creek below, and the trail is extremely narrow.



At 2.25 miles, the trail veers left at a fork and reaches a series of tumbling waterfalls soon after. The route scrambles over several massive, chiseled rock outcrops and makes several more tributary crossings, nearing the large waterfall downstream.



The trail reaches the beautiful, multi-tiered waterfalls of the upper falls at 3.4 miles. Small cascades flow over a wide, tiered rock outcrop, pooling along banks filled with tall grasses and wildflowers.



My photo of first falls.



The trail starts climbing, getting higher and higher above the creek. The trail becomes extremely narrow as it continues under giant boulders that have been carved out. Since the trail is so narrow and high, there are cables along the edge of it to make sure hikers don’t fall. Once you get done with this part you know you’re close.



The hike crosses the enormous rock outcrop and descends to the base of Panther Creek Falls.



Before you get to see the falls, the trail takes you above them, where you can see the river cascading down the steep drop. You can scramble down a few rocks and hang out here before you continue the hike to the bottom.



The hike to the bottom is steep, but manageable. At the bottom of the falls there’s a large sandy beach, making it the perfect swimming hole. The waterfall cascades over many rocks making it a great spot for pictures.



You reach the towering waterfall’s sandy shores at 3.5 miles.



Large, tumbled boulders line the creek’s sandy shoreline and make a great resting spot for viewing the beautiful, roaring tumbling waterfall.


TRD getting a shower.

The best part: you can even camp right next to the falls! Camping here was an amazing experience, being miles away from any type of civilization. The stars were gorgeous here at night, especially while listening to the rushing sound of the waterfall.



After soaking up some scenic North Georgia beauty, the hike departs the falls, following the outbound route in reverse. The hike reaches the trailhead at 7 miles, completing the adventure.


Today’s GNW gals at the Falls.

A short and sweet recount of today’s GNW, tomorrow we take a tangent on Habersham County.