6/13/2017 – Panther Creek Trail – GA

Hikingsouth Hike of the Week

The Panther Creek Trail – GA – to Panther Creek Falls

June 13, 2017

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: Jenny Bell, Mike Bell, Phil Brownrigg, Renee Corbett, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Gary King, Dick Metzgar, Radhika Nadig, Trushna Nadig , Terre Pratt, Tony Presley, Vic Robson and Linda Schultz .

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 and extra care must be taken, especially as you approach the falls.

Total hiking distance today – 7+ mi. with a few moderate hills. We rate it moderately difficult due to risky footing especially 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! Partly cloudy and very warm and humid with temperatures from 72 to 84.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Spiderwort, Mt. Hydrangea, Rosebay Rhododendron, Fire Pink, Pipsissawa, Nettle.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Towhee, Goldfinch, American Crow, Cardinal, White-breasted Nuthatch and Robin.

OTHER FAUNA: Five-lined Skink

Photos and Video below….

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The starting point for today’s hike.
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Trail sign at the start.
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The beautiful trail has lots of rock cliffs and ledges along the way.
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Wildflowers
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Hitchhiker!
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We met this large group of youth from the Athens YMCA at this large flat area along the creek.
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Panther Creek!
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Mushroom of the week!
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Crossing the bridge across Panther Creek
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Beautiful shoal area above Panther Creek Falls!
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Beautiful Panther Creek Falls.
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Rhododendron
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Track
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Elevation profile
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The OFHC gang for today’s hike (l-r) Tony Presley, Gary King, Linda Schultz, Dick Metzgar, Renee Corbett, Greta Driggers, Trushna Nadig, Radhika Nadig, Mike Bell, Vic Robson, Jenny Bell, Phil Brownrigg, Terre Pratt and Jim Driggers .

SEE VIDEO FROM TODAY’S HIKE BELOW!