STATEWIDE BAN
NO CAMPFIRES
IN PANTHERTOWN

Burn ban issued for all North Carolina counties
due to hazardous forest fire conditions
(effective November 29 until further notice)
Important Message from U.S. Forest Service

(Posted November 24): “Duke Energy will have equipment and trucks parked at Salt Rock Trailhead to begin maintenance work needed on North Road (FS 452) about 1.29 miles long to Powerline Road (FS 451) about 1 mile up from the intersection of North Road and Powerline Road.

Work will begin on Monday, November 29^th, 2021 and will end on December 18^th, 2021. The Trails will not close. There will be traffic control on both sides to safely manage folks hiking/biking in and out of those trails.

The Nantahala Ranger District recommends Equestrian Users to not use North Road (FS 452) during that time period.“
This Land Is Your Land; This Land Is My Land

Panthertown Feature
October-November 2021
Plateau Magazine

Often called the “Yosemite of the East”

Friends of Panthertown Protects & Maintains Panthertown Valley

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

Panthertown Valley is a treasured 6,311-acre backcountry area & bear sanctuary 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 protected as part of the Panthertown-Bonas Defeat Bear Sanctuary,  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 improve the quality and experience of recreational opportunities available in Panthertown.

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. ➡️