July 10, 2012
| This week’s hike was on the Panther Creek Trail near Tallulah Falls, GA to Panther Creek Falls and back. Total hike today 7 miles.
HIKERS: Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, Dick Metzgar, Wanda Miller, Wayne Miller, George Otis, John Otis, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Pom Sinnock, and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – One of the most popular trails in the state of Georgia, this trail is beautiful as it follows Panther Creek from Highway 441 near Tallulah Falls 8 miles to Yonah Dam. We hiked out 3.5 miles to Panther Creek Falls and back. Even though the trail is extremely popular, it has some very dangerous footing, especially as you approach the falls. Total hiking distance today – 7 mi. with only a few moderate hills. We rate it moderate due to risky footing near the falls. Directions: Panther Creek Park is about 3 miles south of Tallulah Falls, GA. From the south, take Highway 441 northward toward Tallulah Falls, GA. After passing Hollywood (traffic light) continue on 441 for a several miles and turn left and then turn right on old 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! Mostly Sunny and very warm with temperatures ranging from 72 to 84 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Daisy Fleabane, Ruellia, Whorled Coreopsis, White Yarrow, Flowering Spurge, Spiderwort, Tall Goldenrod, Begger’s Lice, Indian Tobacco, Rattlesnake Orchid, White Wood Aster, Mountain Hydrangea, Joe Pye Weed, Tall Bluet, False Foxglove, Cat’s Claw, Spikenard and Pearly Everlasting. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Red-eyed Vireo, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow, Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cardinal, Barn Swallow and Turkey Vulture. OTHER FAUNA: Copperhead Snake, an Eastern Fence Lizard, and a Belted Kingfisher. |
 Gathering at the start of the Panther Creek Trail. |
 Sign at the start. |
 We are accompanied by the pleasing sounds of rushing water throughout the hike. |
 We pass many awesome rock walls and cliffs along the way. |
 The trail passes under this large rock ledge with a big tree growing on the solid rock. Try growinga tree on a rock sometime! |
 We walk past a healthy Copperhead Snake! |
 We pass by beautiful cascades all along the trail. |
 Giant boulders are a nice feature of the Panther Creek Trail. |
 Pretty spot! |
 The shoals just above Panther Creek Falls. |
 As we approach the falls, we find people camping at the main viewing area. This should not happen! There are lots of camping areas along the trail but people should not camp at the main viewing point for the hiking trail! |
 Beautiful Panther Creek Falls! |
 Lunchtime on Panther Creek! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike! (l-r) Pam Euliss, Phil Brownrigg, Karen Brown, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Carole Wintle, George Otis, Dick Metzgar, John Otis, Pom Sinnock, Wanda Miller, Dan Ross, Wayne Miller, Vic Robson and Tony Presley. |