Posted by: panthertown | March 31, 2016

Welcome Friends!

October Sunset

Panthertown is located in western North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest.

The mission of Friends of Panthertown is to work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley.

>>  Our volunteers maintain 30 miles of public trails in this treasured backcountry.

>>  Our members support our conservation efforts through memberships donations.

Friends of Panthertown is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.

							

					

						
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					Posted by: panthertown | June 20, 2016 
					
Benefit Horse Exhibition Saturday June 25, 2016

				

				

					

					
Benefit Horse Exhibition Saturday June 25 at Bald Rock


Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock are hosting a Panthertown Benefit Horse Exhibition & Silent Auction to benefit  Friends of Panthertown on Saturday, June 25 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Admission is free and everyone is invited. There is a parking fee of $10 per car and carpooling is encouraged. All the fun will take place in the Bald Rock Equestrian Community at the top of Trays Island Road off US Highway 64 E in Sapphire, NC. Turn at the entrance to Sapphire National Golf Club then follow signs.


Benefit 1Beginning at 10 AM when gates open you will be able to bid on silent auction items in the barn, listen to music, engage in kid’s arts and crafts activities, meet Friends, and visit various booths. Kid’s face painting by Macon Faces Face Painting from 10 to 12.


Rounding out the auction will be guided hikes, a whitewater rafting river trip, a lake tour, local art, photography, dining experiences, gift baskets, and much more. 


Starting at 11 AM a delicious BBQ lunch will be for sale or bring your own picnic. 


Meet and greet horses up close from 11 to 11:30 and again from 1:30 to 2. The exhibition will begin at 12 noon with a grand parade of horses.


Over a dozen different breeds will be on display showing off their attributes. Some include quarter horses, bred to be a fast powerful sprinter over a quarter mile tract. These horses have huge hindquarters that enable them to pull a cow or jump a big fence. The Paso Fino and Trote y Galope breeds are called gaited horses. This means that they can move their feet very quickly with very little forward advancement in a four beat gait with three feet on the ground at all times.


Horse Exhibition
Arrive early to meet horses up close!


Listen for their gait. It’s fascinating! Gypsy Vanner horses only first came to this country in 1996. Their name refers to a horse selectively bred for over half a century in Europe to create the perfect caravan horse. These are typically a people-sized Draft Horse with heavy bone and broad body but on a smaller scale than the larger drafts. The manes and withers add to the Gypsy Vanner’s amazing looks. The breed possesses a temperament that is friendly and engaging – sometimes referred to as a Golden Retriever with hooves!


The Laurel Magazine - June 2016 Article
The Laurel Magazine – June 2016


Bring your children, family, and friends – but please leave your dogs at home for the safety of all the animals! Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Come rain or shine. In the event of heavy rain or lightning, activities may change.


Thank you to the residents of Bald Rock, to our silent auction donors, and to our event sponsors for helping to make this exhibition possible: The Divide at Bald Rock, Landmark Realty Group, McKee Properties, Silver Creek Real Estate Group, The Carolina Cone Team (Keller-Williams), SonRise Sanitation, and WhiteWater Equestrian Center. Special thanks to: The Laurel Magazine, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, North Carolina Mountain Towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva.


Horse Exhibition
Bring your family on Saturday June 25!


All proceeds from this event will benefit Friends of Panthertown, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which protects and maintains 30 miles of public trails in Panthertown Valley, a 6,295 acre backcountry recreational area in the Nantahala National Forest. Panthertown offers some of the area’s most scenic public trails. Visitors enjoy its gorges, waterfalls and mountain views, all accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Dedicated volunteers maintain the trail system for the public’s enjoyment. This is a great chance to give back and support a worthwhile cause.


For more information or to make a donation call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) or e-mail friends@panthertown.org




					

					

						
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					Posted by: panthertown | May 31, 2016 
					
National Trails Day Guided Hike in Panthertown

				

				

					

					
National Trails Day Group in Panthertown


National Trails DayYou are invited to join us on Saturday, June 4, 2016 for our annual National Trails Day Guided Hike in Panthertown.


American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is the country’s largest celebration of trails. Make sure you don’t miss out on this fun and casual exploration of Panthertown Valley led by Friends of Panthertown volunteers. Group size is limited. Call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) for more info or send an e-mail to RSVP.


Everyone is welcome. Some hiking experience is recommended. There is no fee to participate, although donations are appreciated. Hikers should meet at the Salt Rock trailhead (located at end of Breedlove Road in Cashiers) at 9:30am to join Friends of Panthertown guides on a loop hike into Panthertown Valley. We expect to hike 5-6 miles on moderate to intermediate trails (subject to group experience) and be back to the parking lot by 2pm. Don’t forget to wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water to keep you hydrated, rain gear (just in case), snacks, and a lunch to enjoy on the trail.


 Invite your friends on Facebook.Invite on Facebook


National Trails Day Hikers in Panthertown


Friends of PanthertownOur seasonal newsletter filled with Panthertown news will soon be mailed out to our members! Become a supporting member of Friends to help us protect and maintain Panthertown Valley for all to enjoy. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. The mission of Friends of Panthertown is to work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Get involved, join us, or sign-up to volunteer today!

					

					

						
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					Posted by: panthertown | April 21, 2016 
					
USFS: Fire Danger High Across North Carolina

				

				

					

					
Fire Danger High


Fire Danger High Across North Carolina


ASHEVILLE, N.C., April 18, 2016 –


The U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Forest Service are warning the public of high fire danger across North Carolina.


Fire danger is high across the state due to lack of rainfall in recent weeks and low humidity. Conditions across North Carolina are forecasted to remain dry for the next couple weeks.


April typically marks the height of wildfire season in North Carolina. This year, with limited rainfall throughout March and April, forests are especially receptive to spreading fires. Concern is highest in Western North Carolina where trees have not fully leafed out.


Both agencies would like to remind the public to use caution in any outdoor burning. “The public is an important partner in fire prevention,” says Riva Duncan, Fire Management Officer for National Forests in North Carolina. “Right now, with fire danger at critical levels, we are urging the public to use common sense when it comes to outdoor burning.”


99% of wildfires in North Carolina are human caused, with the greatest number caused by back-yard debris burning. Even when burn-bans are not in effect, conditions may not be advisable for outdoor fires. The public is discouraged from lighting campfires and burning yard waste during periods of low humidity or high winds.


Both the U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service are currently responding to multiple wildfires across North Carolina.


Source: USFS Press Release


Smokey Bear Sign "Only You"


Friends of PanthertownIf you enjoy hiking in Panthertown Valley and would like to help Friends of Panthertown protect this spectacular natural resource, we ask that you become a supporting member of our organization by volunteering at one of our upcoming trail work days, or by becoming a member. Donations are tax-deductible and new volunteers and members are always welcome to join us. For more info call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) or e-mail friends@panthertown.org

					

					

						
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					Posted by: panthertown | April 1, 2016 
					
Polar Bear in Panthertown! USFS Closes Hiking Trails

				

				

					

					
Rare Polar Bear Sighting in Panthertown
A rare polar bear (Ursus maritimus) sighting in Panthertown


PANTHERTOWN VALLEY, NC (Published 4/1/2016) –


A rare polar bear (Ursus maritimus) sighting in Panthertown has prompted U.S. Forest Service officials to close all trails in the forest until further notice.


Nantahala District Ranger Mike Wilkins was reported to have been heard discussing the situation with North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission biologists, “Unlike other bear species, polar bears are almost exclusively meat eaters (carnivorous). We don’t want any hikers to become an easy food source for these beasts.”


Sources claim the bear was first seen bathing in the pool below Schoolhouse Falls and again on top of Little Green Mountain. Be safe out there folks. Don’t feed the bears.


Story update: Ranger Wilkins has issued an official statement encouraging mountain bikers and equestrians to continue using the trails since they can move more quickly than hikers and would provide tasty bear bait. Officials hope the rare polar bear will follow the horses and bikes out of Panthertown and into nearby neighborhoods.


News at 11.




Bears in PanthertownFriends of Panthertown is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Join Friends to help us protect and maintain Panthertown Valley for all to enjoy. Even polar bears. Click here for info about black bear activity (Ursus americanus) in Panthertown.

					

					

						
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					Posted by: panthertown | December 23, 2015 
					
Winter Welcome in Panthertown

				

				

					

					
Frozen Schoolhouse Falls. Photo by Todd Ransom.
Frozen Schoolhouse Falls. Photo by Todd Ransom.


Wonderful Winter Welcome


As we each gather together with our families and celebrate this holiday season, we would like to say thank you and wish you a happy and healthy new year.


We want to recognize the exceptional contributions of all our members and the many outstanding volunteers who were a direct part of our successes this year.


2015 was a busy year for Friends of Panthertown and we appreciate everyone who has helped us protect and maintain Panthertown. If you have not yet had a chance to renew your membership, there is still a little time left before 2016.


    

  • With your support, our dedicated volunteers have maintained 30 miles of public trails this year spread out over 6,295 acres in Panthertown Valley.
    • 

  • This fall we removed the invasive autumn olive from Granny Burrell’s homesite along Deep Gap Trail and cleared the way for future upkeep.
    • 

  • This summer we helped the U.S. Forest Service complete a much needed parking lot improvement project at the Cold Mountain trail head that will benefit everyone who visits that popular entrance to Panthertown.
    • 

  • We continue to work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown for all users.
    • 





Frozen Schoolhouse Falls. Photo by Todd Ransom.
Frozen Schoolhouse Falls. Photo by Todd Ransom, author of Waterfalls of Panthertown Valley


WINTER IN PANTHERTOWN




We are preparing for whatever this winter’s weather may bring. With heavy snow and ice predicted, we expected there will be lots of trees and branches coming down and plenty of trail clearing work for us to do by springtime. Our dedicated volunteers work hard to keep your favorite trails clear and maintained for everyone to enjoy.




Thanks again for all your support!














EIGHT WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO PANTHERTOWN

and support the work of Friends of Panthertown:


    

  1. Join Friends of Panthertown – We work on your behalf to protect Panthertown.
    2. 

  2. Volunteer – We invite everyone to get involved, whatever your interests & skills are.
    3. 

  3. Donate – Make a donation today and we will put your gift to good work immediately.
    4. 

  4. Attend or Sponsor – Our benefit horse exhibition and silent auction is June 25, 2016.
    5. 

  5. Adopt-A-Trail – Find out how your group can help us protect the trails you love.
    6. 

  6. Shop at Highland Hiker – Until 12/31, they will donate a portion of your purchase!
    7. 

  7. Use Amazon Smile – Click link to donate .5% of your sale to Friends of Panthertown.
    8. 

  8. Tell a Friend! Know someone who loves Panthertown? Invite them to join Friends.
    9. 






					

					

						
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					Posted by: panthertown | November 6, 2015 
					
Panthertown and Tuckasegee headwaters part of Forest Plan; Scenic river designation possible

				

				

					

					
Panthertown Valley Autumn 2015


The U.S. Forest Service – National Forests in North Carolina is asking for the public’s involvement during the Nantahala and Pisgah Forest Plan revision process, which includes Panthertown Valley and surrounding forests.


Panthertown Valley protects the healthy headwaters of the Tuckasegee River. This precious watershed has been identified as having potential Outstandingly Remarkable Values and may be eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.




North Carolina has approximately 37,853 miles of river, of which 144.5 miles are designated as Wild & Scenic — less than 4/10ths of 1% of the state’s river miles. Currently, those rivers include the Chattooga River, Horsepasture River, Lumber River, New River, and Wilson Creek.




If this identified segment of the Tuckasegee is designated Wild & Scenic, Friends of Panthertown will continue to work with the U.S. Forest Service  to be good stewards of its headwaters, which include outstanding and pristine Panthertown Creek and Greenland Creek. Current recreational usages would remain permitted and protected. Only about 1/4 of 1% of our nation’s rivers are protected under the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.


Tuckasegee River Outstanding Remarkable Values


Public meetings scheduled:






Monday, November 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.


Tartan Hall


First Presbyterian Church


26 Church Street, Franklin, N.C.




and




Monday, November 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.


Mountain View Room


Wilma M. Sherrill Center & Kimmel Arena


University of North Carolina, Asheville


PANTHERTOWN VALLEY NWPS MAP OCT 2015


Find out more about the forest plan and more opportunities to get involved:


http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/?cid=stelprdb5397660


Meeting Flyer

							

					

						
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					Posted by: panthertown | October 2, 2015 
					
Hurricane Joaquin expected to bring severe weather, flooding to Panthertown Valley

				

				

					

					
Forest Service Alert





Due to heavy amounts of rain already received and anticipated heavy rainfall amounts from Hurricane Joaquin, currently a Category 4 storm in the Atlantic Ocean, the U.S. Forest Service will be closing some areas on the National Forests in North Carolina.




“Visitor and Forest Service employee safety is a priority and everyone is encouraged to be prepared for possible flooding, fallen trees, rock slides and other safety concerns. Visitors are encouraged to stay off Forest Service roads and reschedule outdoor activities.”




Due to changing weather conditions other recreational areas and road closures on the Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie or Croatan National Forest may occur.






 The U.S. Forest Service has asked visitors to follow these safety tips:




    

  • Do NOT cross roads that appear flooded
    • 

  • While traveling on Forest Service roads slow down for weather conditions, and watch out for locked gates and/or fallen trees
    • 









Flash flood, high wind watch alerts, plus a statement on increased risk of life threatening landslides have been issued by the National Weather Service for Jackson County and most of Western North Carolina


Hurricane JoaquinThe most rain Panthertown Valley has seen in a decade is forecast to fall this weekend. The Crossroads Chronicle reports this storm event will likely bring “the most rain the Cashiers area has seen in such a short time span since 2004, when remnants of Hurricane Frances and Ivan hit the area back-to-back and dumped 15 inches of rain“.


In anticipation of the rain, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for southern Jackson County and most of Western North Carolina until 8 a.m. Monday. A high wind watch has also been issued for much of Western North Carolina, in effect from Friday evening through Sunday evening. “Strong wind gusts will combine with saturated soils to create the possibility of numerous downed trees,” the Weather Service advisory states.


Don’t take any chances with your life in Panthertown Valley or anywhere near water! Ready.gov and National Weather Service caution:


“Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning. If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the #1 cause of weather-related deaths in the US.”


Read more Emergency Preparedness tips here.


If you have any questions, please contact the Jackson County Emergency Management office at (828) 586-7508

							

					

						
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					Posted by: panthertown | August 14, 2015 
					
Friends of Panthertown Family Fun Picnic & Concert is Saturday, August 22 at Camp Merrie-Woode in Sapphire, NC

				

				

					

					
Friends of Panthertown Event Poster
Click to view poster.


You are invited to join us for our annual event! Food, music, and fun hosted by Friends of Panthertown. Our picnic is Saturday, August 22 at Camp Merrie-Woode in Sapphire, North Carolina, adjacent to Panthertown Valley, from 3 to 8 pm. Admission is free. Parking is $10 donation per vehicle (includes a prize ticket). Carpooling is encouraged.


ad @ Camp Merrie-Woode
Join us under The Lily Pad, covered pavilion on Lake Fairfield, at Camp Merrie-Woode.
The picnic and concert will be held rain or shine under a covered picnic pavilion on the shores of Fairfield Lake.


Family fun activities from 3 pm to 5 pm include outdoor games, kids’ art table, hiking around the lake, viewing the magnificent waterfall located at Camp Merrie-Woode, and visiting the lush moss garden hidden in a beautiful cove at the end of the lake. 


Food, live music, and a festive social event will be from 5 pm to 8 pm, food and beverages from a featured local guest chef will be available to purchase, or you may bring your own picnic to enjoy. Live music by Strange Brew, featuring a talented group of local musicians from Hurricane Creek Band playing originals and upbeat rockin’ classics from Cream, Hendrix, Zepplin, Tom Petty, ZZ Top, and much more!


Friends of Panthertown trail leader, Mike Purdy, will lead a trail building demonstration.


Laurel Article
August 2015 – The Laurel Magazine


Camp Merrie-Woode is located in Sapphire Valley at 100 Merrie-Wood Road off US 64 about five miles east of NC 107 Cashiers. You are welcome to invite your friends, but please leave your pets at home.


For more information: You may visit our Facebook event page, send e-mail to friends@panthertown.org, or call us at (828) 269-HIKE (4453).


Thanks to our event sponsors:

Camp Merrie-Woode, McKee Properties, Landmark Realty Group, Food Matters Market & Cafe, Cruise Planners, Lupoli Construction, Buck’s Coffee Cafe, Sonrise Sanitation, Inc., and Wendy’s of Cashiers.


Friends of Panthertown volunteers are responsible for maintaining 30 miles of public trails in adjacent Panthertown Valley, the popular backcountry recreation area in Nantahala National Forest. This event is held annually to show appreciation to the volunteers, members, and community that give support towards the conservation of Panthertown Valley.


Invite your friends via FacebookInvite your friends or RSVP to this event via Facebook!

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Win A Big Green Egg!

Here is your chance to help support conservation in Panthertown and win a Big Green Egg grill. Winning raffle ticket will be drawn at our August 22 event! Winner does NOT need to be present to win.


Raffle tickets for a chance to win this versatile prize are $5 each or 5 for $20 with proceeds to benefit Friends of Panthertown.


This is your last chance to buy raffle tickets and enter to win a Big Green Egg grill, smoker, and cooker with Big Green Egg Nest! 



							

					

						
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					Posted by: panthertown | July 31, 2015 
					
Panthertown Cold Mountain Trail Head Will be Closed August 3rd – August 14th

				

				

					

					
Parking Lot Improvements
8/7/15 Update: Construction is over! Forest Service Road 4673 and Cold Mountain entrance has re-opened. Enjoy the new parking spaces!


Update (August 7, 2015): 


Cold Mountain trail head has re-opened.


***


Construction is over at the Cold Mountain entrance and the U.S. Forest Service road has been re-opened.


***


Enjoy the new parking area!


***


***






U.S. Forest Service

National Forests in North Carolina


NEWS RELEASE


Panthertown Cold Mountain Trail Head Will be Closed August 3rd – 14th, 2015


Cold Mountain Trail Head Closed 8/3 - 8/14
Cold Mountain Trail Head Will Be Closed 8/3 – 8/14


PANTHERTOWN, N.C.,

July 31, 2015 – Nantahala District Ranger, Mike Wilkins, advises everyone that Forest Service road 4673 which accesses the Panthertown hiking trail system from the east side in the Cold Mountain area will be closed beginning Monday morning August 3, 2015 on week days until August 14, 2015 to construct a 9 – 12 car parking area. The project is a cooperative effort between the Friends of Panthertown and the US Forest Service made possible by a grant provided by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation.


For more information contact Assistant Ranger, Bryan Killian at 828-524-6441.




Forest Service Road 4673 at Cold Mountain Gap
U.S. Forest Service Road 4673 at Cold Mountain Gap Entrance To Panthertown Temporarily Closed For Planned Parking Area Improvements 8/3 – 8/14


Access to Panthertown’s popular Cold Mountain Gap trail head (located at end of Cold Mountain Road in Lake Toxaway, NC) will be closed on week days beginning Monday, August 3, 2015 through August 14.


Expect heavy equipment, large hauling trucks, and temporary parking restrictions at the Cold Mountain entrance until the trail head improvements are completed.


Please instead use the west entrance at Salt Rock Gap located at the end of Breedlove Road in Cashiers or the much smaller north entrance at Rattlesnake Knob Trail located on Rock Bridge Road (SR 1140) off NC 281 in Toxaway.


Directions to Salt Rock Gap (west entrance):


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 (northeast) on Breedlove Road (SR 1121). There is a Forest Service sign here that indicates Panthertown Access. Drive 3.3 miles to the end of Breedlove Road until the pavement ends and turns to gravel. Continue ¼ mile on the Forest Service gravel road that leads to the Salt Rock Gap trail-head parking area.


Directions to Rattlesnake Knob Trail (north entrance):


From the NC 281/US 64 junction at Lake Toxaway, take 281 north for 9.1 miles to Rock Bridge Road (SR 1140), on left. Take Rock Bridge Road for 0.8 miles to small parking area and the start of Rattlesnake Knob Trail, on left. (From Tuckaseegee, on NC 107, take NC 281 south for 15.9 miles to Rock Bridge Road, on right.)


Click here for project updates via our Facebook page. 


Find out how you can help support the work we are doing! Become a Friend.


Friends of PanthertownFriends of Panthertown is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.


Our mission is to work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley.


Send E-mail or call for more info: (828) 269-HIKE (4453)

							

					

						
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