NEWS: Leave No Trace Hot Spot August 30-Sept 3
NEWS: Panthertown Stewardship Fund launched.

Often called the “Yosemite of the East”

Friends of Panthertown Protects & Maintains Panthertown Valley

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 Panthertown Valley. Panthertown Trail System

Panthertown is protected as part of the Bonas Defeat-Panthertown 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

Recreation

We improve the quality and experience of recreational opportunities available in Panthertown.

Conservation

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

Stewardship

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

Friends of Panthertown works in partnership with the 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. ➡️

How You Can Help