I have had Panthertown Valley on my must visit list for a long time now. So glad that I was able to take a day trip with my adventure-loving mountain dogs a few weeks ago before tropical storm Fred moved through. If visiting the area and planning adventures, please check for current updates to save yourself ending up in a dangerous situation. With it being a new place to explore, the dogs were super excited about all the smells, and knowing weather was going to move in later in the day, I was not able to photograph as much as usual but am ecstatic to share some moments from this fun hike. Totally worth it as I love my dogs so much – they are the best trail pups ever and are the sweetest best friends. So glad that I can share these mountain adventures with a pair that love it so!
Panthertown is a 6,311-acre backcountry area and bear sanctuary. We didn’t see any bear this time… There are 30 miles of public trails in this special place in the Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina. The valley is located on the Eastern Continental Divide, between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trip was the first of many visits to come. Reading about the area, I want to see so much more! The dogs and I took the main trail with the main goal being an easy trek to Granny Burrell Falls, but after missing a turn and going further than expected, we were treated to so many different trails and views along the way. The next adventure, we will have to visit Wilderness and Frolictown falls – or the loop to hit Schoolhouse, Pothole and Mac’s falls – so many choices in this natural wilderness area. Cannot wait to get to go back soon!
If you are going to visit, keep in mind that there is little cell service, so download maps and be prepared. If camping, bear canisters are required as it is a bear sanctuary area.
On the way home, I passed a sign for Judaculla Rock, a sandstone boulder with around 1,500 petroglyphs carved into it by the Cherokee. I have wanted to see this historical artifact since I heard it existed, and took that turn onto Judaculla Rock Road. I am so thankful I had the opportunity on this adventure. Petroglyphs are carvings that often symbolize important events or stories, and this rock is full of historical records and Cherokee legend. In legend, Judaculla was a slant-eyed giant that lived in the Balsam Mountains with their ‘judgement seat’ being at Devil’s Courthouse on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This rock has carvings 1,500 years old on it and was a sight to behold. Jackson County has built a boardwalk around it to keep visitors from climbing on the rock. Please be respectful if you visit and do not climb on the rock but definitely go see it as the carvings are eroding over time.
I hope you enjoy getting to see a bit of our adventure!