Friends of Panthertown

Posted by: panthertown | November 19, 2020

Welcome, Friends!

We want to hear from you. — *Autumn 2020 – Take our survey to help us improve our activities and programs.*

Panthertown Valley is a treasured 6,311-acre backcountry recreation area located on Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina near the mountain towns of Cashiers, Sapphire, and Lake Toxaway, not too far from Asheville, Brevard, and Sylva.

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.

We are a member and volunteer supported 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our volunteers maintain 30 miles of backcountry trails, and our members and partners support conservation projects in Panthertown Valley with donations and grants.

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Posted in Friends of Panthertown, Panthertown Hike, Panthertown Valley, Trail Work Days

Posted by: panthertown | October 30, 2020

Panthertown Storm Damage & Road Closure Advisory

Heavy road damage and closure leading to Panthertown Valley.

October 30: The storm washed out Cedar Creek Road coming up from Highway 64 near Cashiers. Half the road is gone, road closed, and will be for some time. Use alternative routes to access #Panthertown #PanthertownValley

November 4 Update: This section of Cedar Creek Road located just before Breedlove Road will remain closed until at least December 4 according to North Carolina Department of Transportation engineers.

Alternative entrances: Use the Cold Mountain Gap eastern entrance to access Panthertown (off Cold Mountain Road near Lake Toxaway) or the Flat Creek northern entrance (off Rock Bridge Road off NC 281 near Tuckaseegee).

We will be assessing the trails to determine the extent of storm damages.

Be aware of significant risks of trails blocked due to fallen debris from high winds, and the potential of “hazard trees” and branches falling on you from above.

Avoid parking or camping in areas where trees could fall. Tree hazard safety advisory from U.S. Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/hazard-trees

“PSA: Cedar Creek Road near Cashiers. This is right before Breedlove Road, the road to the Panthertown Valley Salt Rock Gap Trailhead.” Photo above and PSA thanks to James Hughes @JamesHu94283365 via Twitter.

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Posted in Friends of Panthertown

Posted by: panthertown | October 13, 2020

Volunteer in Panthertown Valley

Would you like to go hiking in Panthertown and learn about the conservation work that we do to keep the trails maintained and the valley protected?

Friends of Panthertown hosts public trail work days in Panthertown Valley on the 3rd Saturday of each month, plus additional days throughout the season. Everyone is welcome! No previous trail work experience is necessary, just a desire to help out.

Saturday, October 17 ✅
~~Wednesday, October 28 (Pruning)~~ Canceled Due To Storms
~~Thursday, October 29~~ Canceled Due To Storms
Wednesday, November 4 (Pruning) ✅
Thursday, November 12
Saturday November 21
Saturday, November 28
Wednesday, December 2 (Pruning)
Friday, December 11
Saturday, December 12
Saturday December 19

You’ll get a guided tour of the valley, and meet others who also love Panthertown. It’s a fun way to give back to this special place.

To sign-up, or for more info about volunteering in Panthertown:

Panthertown Valley is a 6,311-acre backcountry recreation area featuring more than 30 miles of public trails on Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina.

Friends of Panthertown volunteers maintain and improve the trail system in Panthertown for all to enjoy.

Join today to help!