Mission Statement:
The mission of the Friends of Panthertown is to work in partnership with the USDA Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley.
Posted in Friends of Panthertown
Autumn in Panthertown Valley
The leaves in Panthertown are particularly spectacular this autumn season, and the daytime temperatures in the valley are pleasantly warm. Join us this Saturday for a fun day in the woods while we maintain the Mac’s Gap trail in Panthertown Valley. Now is your best time to join us on the trails! This will be our last regularly scheduled trail work day of the season. Your next opportunity to volunteer on the trails won’t be until early next year. We hope to see you this weekend. R.S.V.P. on our Facebook event page.
Friends of Panthertown volunteers will meet at the Salt Rock Gap trail-head at 9:30 a.m. and the group will hike in to help maintain and prune nearby trails on the western portion of Panthertown Valley. Trail tools and instructions will be provide and new volunteers are always welcome.
Fall is the perfect time to join us in “the Yosemite of the East” for a fun day of giving back to this very special place we all enjoy. Trail volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and bring a pair of work gloves if you have them. We expect to hike less than 5 miles on easy to moderate trails and be finished by 3 p.m. We hope you will join us!
A fun day in the woods.
Our friends at REI Asheville have provided some nice incentives for volunteers who participate in our Panthertown Valley Stewardship Project work days. Earlier this year we received a $5,000 grant from REI in support of our efforts to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley. We hope that you will consider matching a portion of this grant with your generous membership donation. Every dollar we receive is used for the benefit of Panthertown Valley. We would appreciate your Friendship, join as a Friend of Panthertown today!
Visit our Calendar of Events for up to date information about special events and volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a member or by volunteering at one of our trail work days. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help.
Join us in supporting our nation’s public lands on Saturday, September 24! Get outside and volunteer for National Public Lands Day!
You can get involved! We’ll be maintaining trails on the eastern side of Panthertown Valley, coming in from the Cold Mountain Gap trail-head on the NC 281/Lake Toxaway side of Panthertown Valley.
Join us for National Public Trails Day on 9/24
Volunteers maintain and prune trails in Panthertown.
Leaves have just starting to change colors and the temperatures have cooled off in the valley. Now is the perfect time to join us in “the Yosemite of the East” for a day of giving back to our public lands. Trail volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and bring a pair of work gloves and pruners if you have them. Tools and instruction will be provided. We expect to hike less than 5 miles on easy to moderate trails and be finished by 3 p.m. We hope you will join us! This is a great way to give back to Panthertown.
Volunteer with us on Saturday, September 24. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page on our website for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help. You may also call us at (828) 269-HIKE (4453)
DIRECTIONS TO COLD MOUNTAIN GAP TRAIL-HEAD:
From US 64, take NC 281 0.7 miles north. Go past the Lake Toxaway fire station. Turn left (north) on Cold Mountain Road and continue 6.0 miles. When the road ends (Canaan Land will be straight ahead) bear left on a gravel road. Then turn right on the first gravel road to reach the trailhead parking area. (If you miss the turn you’ll end up in a residential development.)
For more information: e-mail friends@panthertown.org or call (828) 269-HIKE (4453)
2nd ANNUAL FRIENDS OF PANTHERTOWN PICNIC & CONCERT
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT THE VILLAGE GREEN, CASHIERS, NC
Join us on Thursday, September 22, 2011, the last day of summer, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an evening of fun and festivities on the lawn of The Village Green in Cashiers. This picnic and free jazz concert featuring Maggie and the Romantics will be located at this magnificent outdoor space at the crossroads of NC 107 and US 64.
The Village Green in Cashiers, NC
All are welcome!
Bring your family, friends and your own picnic supplies (chairs, blanket, food, beverages, plates, etc.) and join the Friends of Panthertown for a free jazz concert with Maggie and the Romantics on the lawn in front of The Village Green gazebo. Music begins at 6 p.m.
This annual event is an opportunity for us to share and celebrate our recent accomplishments and successes with our volunteers, members and partners.
We hope that you will be a part of the celebration! All are welcome, it’s a great way to meet others who love Panthertown Valley, and new and renewing members, volunteers and their friends are especially encouraged to attend as we’ll be recognizing their contributions, too!
Maggie and the Romantics. Photo by Nick Breedlove
Maggie and the Romantics performing jazz in Sylva
“We are the Romantics. We still kiss hands and tip hats. We’re old-fashioned and we love the moonlight. We’re a jazzy, soulful movement in a Bluegrass town. Our beats are addictive; you can’t stop at one. We cry at sad movies and perfect sunsets. We’ll woo you, win you over and intoxicate you with our music. We love you truly, truly Jackson County. We are the Romantics.”
You can visit their Facebook page here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggie-and-the-Romantics/116937648402798
or R.S.V.P. to this event via our Facebook page
Contact Friends of Panthertown with any questions:
call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) or e-mail friends@panthertown.org
www.panthertown.org
and…
OUR NEXT TRAIL WORK DAY IS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
You can get involved!
This month we’ll be coming in from the Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead on the eastern side of Panthertown Valley. We meet at 9:30 a.m. and hike down to the trails we’ll be maintaining. Our volunteers come from throughout the region to enjoy a day in the backcountry working with other hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, scouts, equestrians, and nature lovers. We always welcome new volunteers. Tools are provided and our trail days are a great way to give back to Panthertown. We hope you’ll join us!
Sign up to be on our mailing list or visit our Calendar of Events at www.panthertown.org for up to date information about volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a volunteer at one of our trail work days. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page on our website for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help.
Friends of Panthertown E-Newsletter – September 2011
www.panthertown.org
PANTHERTOWN VALLEY VISITOR SURVEY TO BE CONDUCTED OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Schoolhouse Falls - August 2011 (Photo credit: Waterfalls of Western North Carolina)
The U.S. Forest Service reminds us that waterfalls are popular places for viewing, picnicking and wading and should be respected for the dangers they pose . While beautiful to see, they often pose risks to unprepared visitors. Slippery rocks, steep slopes and undercurrents can catch you by surprise when walking through or in the vicinity of a waterfall. Stay back from the edge. People have been injured, sometimes fatally, trying to get a closer look. Avoid slippery rocks. Wear stable shoes and watch your footing. Don’t jump off of waterfalls or dive in waterfall pools because of unseen objects such as logs and boulders. You may wish to download a waterfall safety checklist provided by the U.S. Forest Service.
Here’s how the U.S. Forest Service describes Panthertown Valley on their website:
Panthertown Valley, referred to as the Yosemite of the East, lies on the eastern continental divide in North Carolina’s Blue RIdge Mountains. With more than 25 miles of designated trails in this 6,300 acre backcountry area visitors can enjoy deep gorges and broad valleys, mountain bogs and granitic rock domes, tranquil creeks and plunging waterfalls while hiking, biking or horseback riding. Camping is permitted in Panthertown, but groups are limited to no more than 12 people per site. No commercial equestrian or mountain bike outfitter/guides are permitted.
For your safety, we always recommend you view waterfalls from below. The risks of viewing from above are too great. We also ask that visitors please do not disturb the sensitive areas behind the waterfalls. These unique micro-climates supplied by the waterfalls in Panthertown Valley provide life to many species of plants and lichens. Any disturbance, including walking behind the falls, may cause severe ecological damage. We recommend you also checkout the U.S. Forest Service outdoor safety checklists for hikers in Panthertown Valley.
Looking for a recommendation on where to hike in Panthertown Valley this weekend? Our friends at Stay And Play In The Smokies have an excellent resource for you to review. If you’re camping overnight just remember the U.S. Forest Service specifies that you should keep your camp at least 50 feet away from any bodies of water and don’t set up your tent in the middle of a trail, that would be silly. Have fun!
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PICNIC & CONCERT ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT THE VILLAGE GREEN
The Village Green in Cashiers, NC
OUR NEXT TRAIL WORK DAY IS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Sign up to be on our mailing list or visit our Calendar of Events for up to date information about volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a volunteer at one of our trail work days. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page on our website for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help.
SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER AND LEAF-LOOKING SEASON IS COMING SOON
Western Carolina University‘s fall foliage forecaster predicts excellent color according to a recent article in The Sylva Herald. Herald’s Lynn Hotaling writes,
“The annual prediction from Kathy Mathews, Western Carolina University’s fearless fall foliage forecaster, is for an excellent fall color show, thanks in large part to weather conditions over the spring and summer.
“2011 should prove to be an excellent year for fall color,” said Mathews, WCU associate professor of biology specializing in plant systematics. “While heavy spring rain is generally not a good sign for fall color, records indicate that rainfall was slightly below normal for March, average for April and May, and slightly below normal for June and July, as gardeners struggled to keep their crops watered,” she said. “These conditions actually are promising for good development of leaf color in September and October.”
In addition, mid-August brought a respite from the hot temperatures of June and July, another good sign of vibrant leaf color during autumn, she said.
Mathews believes that the formation of higher levels of yellow, orange and red pigments in the leaves seems to correlate with dry weather throughout the year. The drier the climate, the more brilliant the fall leaves tend to be, she said.Of course, when it comes to forecasting the vibrancy of the fall color season, just as with forecasting the weather, there are no guarantees. Cloud cover and ample rainfall in the weeks ahead could mute the color show, Mathews said.”
Read the whole article in The Sylva Herald.
PROUD TO BE PART OF THE BLUE RIDGE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
Did you know that Panthertown Valley is designated as a Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Site? We are proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Established by Congress in November 2003, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area recognizes and celebrates the natural abundance and richly varied cultural history of the North Carolina mountains & foothills. Friends of Panthertown recently participated in the 5th annual meeting of Blue Ridge Heritage Area partners.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Just a friendly reminder to always practice the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics when visiting public lands such as Panthertown Valley. To review the principles, visit the Leave No Trace website. Especially with the dry weather we’ve experienced lately PLEASE minimize campfire impacts by using established fire rings, keeping fires small and limited to smaller sticks found on the ground, and making sure to properly extinguish all coals and ashes before packing out. Never leave a fire unattended.
The Principles of Leave No Trace
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
WILDLIFE: ARE YOU BEAR AWARE?
Panthertown Valley is a bear sanctuary. Bears live here. Be Bear Aware! The U.S. Forest Service has issued this safety checklist which you may download here and review. Although human encounters with bears in Panthertown Valley are not very common, we have heard recent reports of black bears startling hikers as the bears came out of the woods to cross a trail. Follow the advice of the U.S. Forest Service and be Bear Aware. Your safety, and the health and safety of the bears, is something we should all be concerned with.
Despite the name, the coat of a black bear isn’t always black. There are brown black bears, white black bears and even a blue glacier bear. Experts estimate the average weight of a black bear is 300 pounds. Despite their size, black bears are very agile tree climbers. During times of danger or threat, bear cubs will take shelter in trees. Bears by nature are opportunists. In the wild, they will feed on whatever is readily available. Food odors and improperly stored garbage will attract bears to campgrounds and picnic sites. Bears become habituated to human food if they find it readily available. Although they are naturally afraid of humans, the animals lose this fear as they begin to associate human scents with the reward of food. Black bears can become a threat to humans, property and themselves—a pattern that normally ends with death. Protect yourself and protect the black bears by storing trash and food in safe locations when you visit a national forest.
Safety Checklist
Avoid camping and hiking alone in the backcountry.
Make noise to avoid surprising a bear.
Never approach a bear or other wild animal.
Do not hike in the dark.
Carry EPA registered bear pepper spray.
Keep a clean camp site by properly disposing of food scraps and garbage. See: Leave No Trace
Do not leave food or garbage inside fire rings, grills or around your site.
Never leave food or coolers unattended, even in developed picnic areas.
If bear-proof containers are not available, store food and garbage inside a hard-top vehicle or trailer.
Never store food inside of a tent.
Wipe tabletops clean before vacating a camp or picnic site.
If a bear is observed nearby, pack up your food and trash immediately and vacate the area as soon as possible.
If necessary, attempt to scare the animal away with loud shouts, by banging pans together, or throwing rocks and sticks at it.
If a bear approaches, move away slowly; do not run. Get into a vehicle or a secure building.
Never run away from a bear—back away slowly and make lots of noise.
If you are attacked by a black bear, try to fight back using any object available. Act aggressively and intimidate the bear by yelling and waving your arms. Playing dead is not appropriate.
Other resources with information about dealing with bears may be found here:
http://www.bearsmart.com/becoming-bear-smart/play
http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/outdoor-adventures/bear-safety-tips/index.aspx
http://blog.exploreasheville.com/2011/04/become-bear-aware-suvival-tips-for.html
http://www.northcarolinaguide.net/bear-stories-ncs-black-bears/
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/safety/bears.htm
WILDLIFE: SNAKE SAFETY IN PANTHERTOWN VALLEY
We also recommend you view the U.S. Forest Service safety checklist (found on the same wildlife page as above) for encounters with snakes in Panthertown Valley. Snakes are common in Panthertown Valley. Although infrequently spotted in plain view, rattle snakes and copperheads do live in Panthertown. This summer We have heard reports of sightings of non-poisonous and poisonous snakes on the trails and sunning on rocks in the Valley. Other hazards such as yellow jackets and biting insects also exist. Be safe and be alert in snake and bear territory. An unpleasant encounter with any of these residents can be avoided if you follow common sense and remember that we are the visitors here. This is their home.
JOIN FRIENDS OF PANTHERTOWN TODAY!
Friends of Panthertown, Inc.
P.O. Box 51
Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone: 828-269-HIKE (4453)
Email: friends@panthertown.org
Website: www.panthertown.org
“Protecting and maintaining Panthertown Valley”
If you’re not already a member of Friends, now is the time to join! Your membership contribution goes a long way towards helping us protect and maintain this outstanding natural resource. We appreciate our Friends and rely on your generous financial support to continue funding much-needed conservation projects in Panthertown Valley. Every time you visit Panthertown, you’re benefiting from the work we’re doing, so we’re asking you to do your part in conserving this outstanding natural resource. Funding for public lands steadily declines. Each dollar you give is an investment in Panthertown’s future – and all donations made to Friends of Panthertown are tax-deductible. Click here to make a secure online donation with PayPal.
Friends of Panthertown, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. Donations and membership contributions are tax-deductible. Our Federal tax ID # is 27-3758868.
Friends of Panthertown E-newsletter – July 2011
David M. Bates
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share with you the recent death of David M. Bates, our friend, one of the founders of Friends of Panthertown, President of the Friends of Panthertown board of directors, and former Executive Director of the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance.
David was a great friend to the environment and to our community. He will be greatly missed.
David’s wife Brenda has set up a memorial in honor of David for those who wish to share a gift in his memory.
Memorial funds will be used in support of conservation projects in Panthertown Valley. One of David’s favorite places to visit in Panthertown Valley was the Sand Bar Pool along the Panthertown Valley Trail. In honor of David, Friends of Panthertown will build a set of stairs down to this popular resting spot for all to access and enjoy the pristine white sandy beach and ice-cold tannin-stained waters. We hope you will help us protect this magnificent place in David’s memory.
- Jason Kimenker, Executive Director
Friends of Panthertown, Inc.
Attn: David M. Bates Memorial
P.O. Box 51
Cashiers, NC 28717
http://panthertown.wordpress.com/membership/
A virtual memorial has also been set-up on Facebook should you choose to join or contribute. The address for the memorial is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Memorial-for-David-M-Bates/126462644104844
Special Events
Mountain Wildlife Days – Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 in Sapphire Valley
Friends of Panthertown volunteer board member Mike Kettles will be leading a hike to Granny Burrell Falls on Friday, July 15 and on Saturday, July 16 our intern Kat will be signing up new members and providing information about Friends and Panthertown Valley at Mountain Wildlife Days’ popular main event. Kat is a student at Western Carolina University and is enrolled in the Parks & Recreation program. Ask her about her internship with our organization and how you can help us protect and maintain Panthertown Valley.
The above listed hike has already filled-up but there are plenty of other activities going on that are worth investigating. Please click on the schedule for more information about this 8th annual outdoors event.
Pints For Panthertown – Saturday, July 23 at Soul Infusion in Sylva
A fun-raiser with a twist:
Our friends at Tuckaseegee Brewing Cooperative are bubbling up a fresh batch of Panthertown Pale Ale and Bonus Defeat I.P.A. for you to have an opportunity to sample. This small Cullowhee, NC brewers’ cooperative has a unique way of serving up the frothy beverage. They use a customized KAYAK to keep their ice cold beer flowing smoothly into your glass. The boat still floats and the festivities don’t end there.
There will be live local music and probably some dancing, a fine selection of delicious local food and some of the finest hand-crafted beer this side of the mountains. Show up early and you even get to keep the collectible pint glass.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bring the family as all ages are welcome. 21+ with ID to sample beer.
Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro
628 E. Main Street in Sylva
Located on N.C. 107 a mile south of downtown Sylva, three miles from W.C.U.
(828) 586-1717
www.soulinfusion.com
Tickets are $10 in advance (available at Soul Infusion and at Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Travel & Tourism Authority), $15 on day of the event. Raffle tickets will also be available.
For more information call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) or send an e-mail to friends@panthertown.org
Friends of Panthertown Volunteers
Kat (on the right) is a student at Western Carolina University and is currently enrolled in the Parks & Recreation program. She has been working with us this summer and plans to spend next semester in Ireland. Her research and the volunteer work she does will be used to help support our grant funding.
And speaking of grants…
We are pleased to announce that REI Gives has granted Friends of Panthertown $5,000 for the Panthertown Valley Stewardship Project. More information about this project will be following soon.
This project began on June 25 at our monthly Trail Work Day as an effort to increase volunteerism on public lands and improve the Panthertown Valley trail system.
Nominated and voted on by the Asheville REI location, congratulations to REI Asheville’s 2011 grant recipients: Asheville GreenWorks ($4,000), Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park ($10,000), Friends of Panthertown Valley ($5,000) and Western North Carolina Alliance ($5,000)!
We are excited to report that the long-awaited Black Rock Trail is finally complete. No longer will horses and mountain bikers need to trespass on private land to reach the ridge-top trail. Now, easy access is assured from the Salt Rock parking area.
And speaking of parking areas…
We’re working with the U.S. Forest Service to build proper parking areas at the Cold Mountain and Salt Rock entrances to Panthertown Valley. Eventually even Turkey Knob on Rock Ridge Road will also have improved parking spots. At the request of USFS, solid-packed gravel parking areas will be built on Forest Service land to provide better access and accommodate vehicles without causing further soil degradation and ecological damage to these popular trailhead areas. Limited parking is currently available, however some of this falls onto private land and requires relocation. It’s been a long process but now that all of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) requirements have been met and low-impact gravel construction has been approved, construction may begin at any time. However, since the USFS has no money budgeted now or in the likely future, costs of construction will need to be applied from other sources. Friends of Panthertown will continue to work on these important projects and seek funding sources that may be applied to improve parking. We are currently seeking grant funds to support these projects and we will need to match this funding with private donations and membership contributions from each and every Friend of Panthertown. Every little bit counts, if you visit Panthertown, you are enjoying some of the work we have already done. Please help us make this a reality.
If you haven’t already seen it, we have a new brochure. It’s a great information piece that describes our organization and the work that we do to maintain the trails and improve the recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley.
After several years with the same brochure and our old organizational information, we just got in a fresh batch of newly designed info cards printed up to reflect our non-profit status and continued mission to protect Panthertown. We recently sent out a mailing sharing the new brochure with our friends and contacts, asking each of you to pledge your support for our efforts protecting Panthertown Valley.
In case you haven’t received one yet, we will be happy to send you a brochure with additional information about joining Friends of Panthertown at your request. We can send it via post office or through e-mail, whichever way you prefer. Contact us for more details. Call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) with your name and address or send us an e-mail.
We’ll be coming in from the Cold Mountain side on Monday, July 18 at 9 a.m. and be heading out to the Riding Ford Trail trimming and pruning to maintain this popular multi-use trail. Equestrians and horse lovers from the Bald Rock community will be volunteering to get this trail cleared. We appreciate all the work each of our volunteers contribute each year. Last year we had over 1,000 volunteer hours logged and almost 30 miles of trails maintained. Whew! That’s a lot of work.
Saturday, August 20 is our next regularly scheduled Trail Work Day. Check our website our for details about where we’ll be headed on that day.
If you’d like to help, just pick up the phone and let us know or see the website for more info.
Jimmy Mac's present check to Friends of Panthertown
Thank You!
It’s important for you to know just how much we appreciate your interest in protecting Panthertown Valley. Your support and consideration is so important now more than ever. With Forest Service budgets shrinking to nothing, and limited USFS staff, Friends of Panthertown provides funding and volunteers for conservation projects in the valley. If you enjoy visiting Panthertown we hope that you will share that love by becoming a member or volunteer, today!
If you’re not already a member, or haven’t yet renewed your membership, we hope that you will join Friends of Panthertown and become a member today! Thank you.
On Saturday, June 4, 2011, our friends over at the American Hiking Society will host National Trails Day®, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts across the country for the 19th annual celebration of America’s magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. Sign up to participate in one of the 2,000 events that will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!
This Saturday, in honor of the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, the Friends of Panthertown will be hosting a guided interpretive hike and trail dedication in Panthertown Valley, a 6,300-acre backcountry area of the Nantahala National Forest.
Interpretive hike will be led by Mike Kettles and Dr. Dan Pittillo. Pre-registration is recommended.
Bring your own lunch, plenty of water, good shoes, rain gear (just in case) and your family and friends. For more information or to pre-register, please call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) or send an e-mail to friends@panthertown.org
National Trails Day is a time to get outside and celebrate our wonderful natural treasures, like rivers, mountains, lakes, deserts and plains. It’s also an opportunity to get outside and connect with local outdoor clubs, businesses, community groups, and parks and recreation departments as well as federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate and celebrate the natural places where we can find a spread of scenery, a plateful of peace, and a heap of happiness and health.
“Dedicated volunteers, outdoor enthusiasts, trail lovers, and those new to the outdoors are truly the key ingredients to National Trails Day. Naturally, it’s a time to give back to trails and pay it forward by introducing someone new to the outdoors,” said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president.
Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors.
Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit AmericanHiking.org or call (301) 565-6704.
Directions to Salt Rock (west entrance) to Panthertown Valley: Approximately 1.5 miles east of Cashiers on US 64, turn north (left coming from Cashiers, right coming from Sapphire/Lake Toxaway) on Cedar Creek Road (SR 1120). Continue on Cedar Creek Road for 2.2 miles and bear right or northeast on Breedlove Road (SR 1121). Drive 3.3 miles until the pavement turns to gravel. Parking is limited along the gravel road, so visitors are advised to park their cars here. Continue ¼ mile on the gravel road that leads to the Salt Rock trail-head parking area. PLEASE NOTE: As of May 2, 2011, the road sign for Cedar Creek Road is currently down. Look for the stop sign with the state road number 1120 affixed below it.
Our friends at The Grill at Jimmy Mac’s in Cashiers will be hosting a Friends of Panthertown Valley Day on Wednesday, June 1, 2011.
Jimmy has graciously offered to donate 10% of all restaurant sales on Wednesday (11am – 9pm) to Friends of Panthertown.
We hope you’ll choose to dine at Jimmy Mac’s today to support Panthertown Valley.
For more information, call The Grill (828) 743-1180.
For more information about Panthertown Valley or to learn about volunteer opportunities, conservation projects, and to learn how you can help protect this precious resource, please contact Friends of Panthertown at (828) 269-HIKE (4453), e-mail friends@panthertown.org or visit www.panthertown.org.
Click here to find out how you can join us and become a supporting member of Friends of Panthertown or you can also click here to make a tax-deductible donation and help protect this incredible place for future generations to enjoy.
Friends of Panthertown volunteers taking a break to enjoy the view of Panthertown Valley.
IT’S OFFICIAL!
Friends of Panthertown, Inc. is now fully recognized as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since 2007 the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance has sponsored our group while we grew our organization. Last fall we submitted our application for non-profit organizational status and waited patiently while we were reviewed. We are proud to report that In February the IRS sent us our final approval for non-profit status. We are now officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. We appreciate and wish to thank the J-MCA for all of their hard-work and dedication to Panthertown Valley and Friends of Panthertown. We would not be where we are today without them. David Bates, the former Executive Director of Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, is now President of Friends of Panthertown, Inc. We look forward to growing our organization and building our membership base in 2011.
Volunteers building new Blackrock Trail connector (April 15, 2011)
We ♥ our volunteers!
Join us next Saturday, April 30, 2011 to help us finish building the new Blackrock Trail connector.
This important multiple-use trail will connect hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians to the Blackrock Trail from the Salt Rock trail head. We’ve been working with the U.S. Forest Service for the last three years to make this happen, so come out and be a part of this long-awaited accomplishment. We’ll meet at the Salt Rock parking area at 9:30am on Saturday, April 30.
R.S.V.P. here.
A newly built trail in Panthertown, the Blackrock Trail connector.
On Friday, April 15 we completed work on 75% of the Blackrock Trail connector re-route leading from the Salt Rock parking area up to the Blackrock Trail. Thanks to Kyle from the Cashiers-Highland Land Trust and Amy from AmeriCorps for gathering up such a great a group of hard-working volunteers who came out and helped us build this new trail section. We greatly appreciate our volunteers and their dedication to Panthertown Valley. To learn more about volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley, please visit our website.
JOIN FRIENDS OF PANTHERTOWN, TODAY!
Now is the time to join or renew your membership with Friends of Panthertown. We are the only organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining Panthertown Valley. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations and membership contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.
Please click here for more information on becoming a Friend.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
We hope you will Join us on Saturday, April 23 at Greening Up The Mountains, downtown Sylva’s Earth Day celebration and Mountain Heritage festival. Friends of Panthertown will have a booth and table at the event. Come stop by our booth to say hi and enter our raffle for some great Panthertown prizes!
All newly joining members and renewing members will receive a complimentary Friends of Panthertown decal to show off your pride in supporting conservation efforts in Panthtertown Valley.
PANTHERTOWN TRAIL WORK DAYS
Our next Panthertown Valley trail work days are Saturday, April 30, Saturday, May 28 and Saturday, June 25. All are welcome to join us, and new volunteers are encouraged to come try out trail work — it’s fun and rewarding. Tools and instructions are provided, just give us a call or send us an e-mail if you have any questions. (828) 269-HIKE (4453). More information about volunteering can also be found on our website.
You can also R.S.V.P. for our upcoming April 30 Trail Work Day here to let us know you plan to join us. We appreciate all the help we can get on the trails and by joining or renewing your membership for 2011.
NEED NEW SHOES?
Highland Hiker has selected Friends of Panthertown as part of Patagonia Footwear’s advocacy weeks, supporting local conservation efforts. From 4/16 – 5/1, we will receive a $10 donation for every purchase of Patagonia shoes at either of their stores in Cashiers or Highlands. For more info, call the Highland Hiker at (828) 743-1732. We are very excited to participate in this program!
Mention Friends of Panthertown at Highland Hiker and we will receive a $10 donation for every pair of Patagonia shoes purchased. (Offer expires May 1, 2011)
Get ready to go get some new shoes from the Highland Hiker. Please mention Friends of Panthertown when you make your purchase. Promotion ends May 1st. Please help us spread the word. Every purchase counts towards a $10 donation to support conservation projects in Panthertown.
Contact Information:PLEASE NOTE:
IN THE EVENT OF RAIN, SATURDAY’S WORK DAY WILL BE POSTPONED UNTIL FRIDAY, APRIL 15.
WE ALSO HAVE ANOTHER WORK DAY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 30.
Do you love exploring Panthertown Valley? Spring has arrived, the weather is warmer and the trails in Panthertown Valley are ready for your help! Haven’t you always wanted to give a little something back by volunteering to protect and maintain this special place? We sure could use your help at one of our upcoming trail work days.
Volunteering at one of our trail work days is fun and a great way to explore and learn about Panthertown Valley with your friends!
The Friends of Panthertown volunteers will meet at the Salt Rock parking area at the end of Breedlove Road in Cashiers, NC on Saturday, March 26th at 9:30am for our first official Trail Work Day of the season. As always, tools will be provided and no experience is necessary. We love meeting new volunteers!
Directions can be found on our website.
If you’ve not yet visited Panthertown Valley, now is a a really great time to join the Friends of Panthertown and discover this spectacular wilderness. Volunteering is a great way to learn about this special place. Working with other volunteers to maintain and clear trails is fun and a great way to meet other Friends of Panthertown!
We expect to hike less than 5 miles and we plan to be finished before 3pm. We would love to have your help, won’t you join us? We hope you’ll bring some friends with you and join us on the trails.
Please visit our volunteer information page for more information including on how to prepare and what to bring with you when you volunteer.
You can also sign up at to receive our e-newsletter and get on our mailing list by updating your e-mail subscription in the menu box on the right side column of our website.
Spring 2011 Trail Work Days:
Saturday, March 26
Friday, April 15
Saturday, April 30
Saturday, May 28
For a complete schedule, please visit our website at http://www.panthertown.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Care to join us? Find out about our upcoming hikes, volunteer work days, conservation projects, and other opportunities to get involved. Sign up to be on our mailing list to make sure you stay in the loop.
To learn how you can help us protect this precious natural resource, or for more information about volunteer opportunities and conservation projects in Panthertown Valley, please contact Jason Kimenker, Coordinator for the Friends of Panthertown at (828) 269-HIKE (4453), e-mail friends@panthertown.org or visit www.panthertown.org.
Thanks for being a friend of Panthertown Valley, and for helping to protect and maintain this magnificent and precious treasure in the mountains.
Friends of Panthertown, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
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