6/4/2013 Panther Creek Trail – near Tallulah Falls – GA

Today, we hiked the Panther Creek Trail in Habersham County near Tallulah Falls, GA. The trail features a beautiful walk along Panther Creek with rock cliffs and mixed terrain with quite a bit of flat hiking in the middle of the hike. The highlight of the hike is Panther Creek Falls at the 3.5 mark where most folks turn around.

HIKERS: John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Dick Metzgar, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Don Preece, Vic Robson.

TRAIL INFO. – Starting at Old Highway 441 across from Panther Creek Park, the trail follows along the creek on rolling terrain until it crosses the footbridge to the other side of the creek where the trail flattens out for a nice walk along beautiful Panther Creek. As you get closer to the waterfall, the trail climbs up a ridge to rock cliffs well above the creek. Hand cables installed by GA Power Company many years ago are present to help prevent tragic falls. Footing is a bit tricky as you descend to the waterfall.

Directions: The Panther Creek Trailhead is about 10 miles north of Clarkesville, GA. Take US HWY 441 past Hollywood and turn left on Travis Smith Rd then right on Old Hwy. 441 and follow it a mile or so to the park. (signs are visible on the roadside) There is a $3 charge per car in the park.

Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from 68 to 76 degrees F.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Rhododentron, Mtn. Laurel, Oxeye daisy, Aster, Galax, Partridge berry, Tall Bluet, Hawkweed, Wild Petunia, Fire Pink, Hearts-a-bursting/Strawberry bush, Spiderwort, Japanese Honeysuckle, Sweet Pepperbush and Jack-in-the-Pulpit.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Oven Bird, Carolina Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Black & White Warbler, Blue Jay, Red Eyed Vireo, Tufted Titmouse, Nuthatch, Phoebe, Towhee, Robin, American Crow.