12/18/07 Panther Creek Trail, GA

HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, John Hires, Bill Hunt, Wayne Miller, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Bob Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Doug Russell, Dave Standard, Dan Ross, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker.

TRAIL INFO. – One of the more popular hiking trails in Georgia, this is a beautiful walk along Panther Creek to Panther Creek Falls. The trail features lots of nice views along the creek with huge rock boulders and cliffs along the way. The trail is in good shape other than a few fallen trees due to the severe pine beetle infestation years ago. There are a couple of difficult footing areas along the way on the rock ledges.

Directions: Panther Creek Park is about 3 miles south of Tallulah Falls, GA. Take Highway 441 northward toward Tallulah Falls, GA. After passing Hollywood (traffic light) continue on 441 for a several miles and turn left at the billboard for “The Orchard” and then turn right on Historic Hwy 441 and continue until you see the sign for Panther Creek Park turn left into the park.

Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy, and cold. Temperatures ranged from the low 20’s to the upper 30’s .

Hiking distance – 7.2 miles

Difficulty – Moderately easy except for a couple of areas on rock ledges with tricky footing.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: none!

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Carolina Wren, Towhee, Carolina Chickadee, White Breasted Nuthatch.