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Backpacking Panthertown Valley: Day 1 - Nantahala National Forest, NC

4,707 views · Published 17 May 2018 · 17:38 · Indexed 11 October 2026

Channel: Zachary Robbins · 2018 · Travel & Events

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This video is the first day of a 2-day weekend backpacking trip to Panthertown Valley of Nantahala National Forest, NC. I had no concrete goals going into this hike. My expectation was to hike a large loop throughout the complicated trail system of the valley, hitting most of the well-known waterfalls and overlooks.

I began the hike at Cold Mountain Gap on the Panthertown Creek Trail, the eastern trailhead for accessing the valley. My first stop was Schoolhouse Falls, and from there I hiked to Little Green Mountain which possesses some of the best views in the valley. Next I followed the Macs Gap Trail, one of the main thoroughfares in the trail system. After a quick stop at Granny Burrell Falls, I followed the Panthertown Creek Trail east to the Powerline Road Trail. From there I took an unofficial trail and bushwhack down to Wardens Falls, forded the Tuckasegee River, and connected with the Devils Elbow Trail.

I arrived at the Riding Ford area around 5:00 PM and found an amazing campsite beside the ford and close to Jawbone Falls. So I decided to drop my pack weight and continue north on the Devils Elbow Trail to see Elbow Falls and Red Butt Falls. This whole area was much quieter than the first half my day, so I was pleased with my decision to make camp at Riding Ford. My hike for Day 1 was approximately 9 miles in 5.5 hours, including 6 waterfalls and 1 mountain summit.

I mention in the video I got the Reflectix idea from Evan's Backpacking Videos. He is one of my favorite follows on YouTube. Here's his channel, please check it out. 
https://www.youtube.com/user/TES56/featured

Hike location
https://goo.gl/maps/gEuWFSn1Xmz

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