Often called the “Yosemite of the East”

Friends of Panthertown Protects & Maintains Panthertown Valley

Plan Ahead & Prepare
Visitor’s Guide
Know Before You Go

Bear-Resistant Containers Are NOW REQUIRED For Overnight Camping In Panthertown Valley

Panthertown Valley is a treasured 6,311-acre backcountry recreation area featuring more than 30 miles of public trails located on Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina, on the Eastern Continental Divide, between the Great Smokies & Blue Ridge Mountains. ➡️

Visitor’s Guide

Tips and suggestions to make your visit more enjoyable. Everyone is welcome in Panthertown.
Check our Visitor’s Guide.

Popular Activities

Hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, anglers, kayakers, birders, backpackers, scouts, and many more enjoy visiting.

Trail System Info

Friends of Panthertown maintains 30 miles of public non-motorized trails in the Panthertown Valley Trail System.

Panthertown is part of the Panthertown-Bonas Defeat Bear Management Area,  Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. It features a diversity of native flora and fauna, granite cliffs and domes, the pristine headwaters of the Tuckasegee River, a rare high-elevation southern Appalachian mountain bog, and dozens of waterfalls. ➡️

What Our Organization Does

Conservation

We conserve, monitor, and help protect the many natural resources that make up this special place.

Recreation

We enable sustainable recreation in Panthertown. You can help by leaving no trace when you visit.

Stewardship

We encourage stewardship of the forest through community partnerships, outreach, and education.

Friends of Panthertown works in partnership with U.S. Forest Service, Leave No Trace, National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance, American Trails, American Hiking Society,  Boys & Girls Club, Mainspring Conservation Trust, and many others. ➡️