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Panther Top Lookout Tower - Nantahala National Forest, NC

2,176 views · Published 20 June 2017 · 7:23 · Indexed 11 October 2026

Channel: Zachary Robbins · 2017 · Travel & Events

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This was my third lookout tower on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, and was a substantial upgrade from Joanna Bald earlier. Panther Top is in the distant southwest corner of the state south of Hiwassee Lake and west of Murphy. A short 0.75-mile walk up the gated FR 85 leads to Panther Top. The 30-foot lookout tower was built in 1940 and was in very good condition. Even though the top cab was locked, the view from the stairs was excellent. Ironically, Panther Top is the lowest elevation mountain on the lookout tower challenge at 2,293 feet, despite being the furthest west. To the north across the lake are the Unicoi Mountains. The Valley River Valley to the northeast is encompassed by the Snowbird Mountains to the north and the Valley River/Tusquitee Mountains to the south. You can see the peaks of Georgia south beyond the Hiwassee Valley, including Rabun Bald and Brasstown Bald. Definitely a worthwhile quick stop if you are in the area.

I referred to the lake in the video as Persimmon Lake, which is listed on the USGS quad but is only a finger of the larger Hiwassee Lake. The conical peak in the distance I refer to as Standing Indian may be that, or may be Rabun Bald. I'm not sure, it was easily 30+ miles to the southeast.

Hike location
https://goo.gl/maps/cJ6FUhHqhqd9h6g4A

Hike report
https://www.hikingupward.com/NNF/PantherTopLookoutTower/

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