panther creek recreation area

I really, really enjoyed the trail to the falls. It is not nearly as scary and treacherous as some will lead you to believe. When we reached the falls it was a bit of a shock. (They were beautiful - in fact the entire trail is BEAUTIFUL) There were no less than 100 people crammed on the beach. Tents everywhere. It was a bit of a circus. After the trek to the falls we didn't even go down to the crowded beach. We found another quiet, beautiful spot to relax. I will definitely come back and rehike this trail but if you are looking for a peaceful waterfall this is probably not it.

This is a 7 mile trail that is not for the faint of heart! The trail is well worn with roots and rocks almost the entire ways. While we were here we the wife and I had to climb over and duck under about 8 or 9 trees that had fallen across the trail. All of these trees were on the first 1/3rd of the trail. I would devide the trail into three parts. The first section is the more rooty of the trail, the middle section is semi-flat and a nice rest before the final section. The last section is the more rocky, steep section. This section can be very dangerous, especially after a rain. I don't know that I would recommend bringing kids, especially younger. There are some scary sections of the trail and the trail itself can be a bit of a beast. I have a 6 year old nephew and I wouldn't consider bringing him for a few more years. The falls itself is simply put, amazing. Bring your swim suits because the water is very refreshing after the 3.5 mile hike in. Overall I gave it 4 starts because of the difficulty and the condition of the trail (due to normal wear and tear and just nature). One more note BRING PLENTY OF DRINKING WATER!

My husband and I hiked this trail over 14 years ago without kids. This time we brought our 10 and 12 year olds and were glad we did, although we underestimated (and forgot about) the time and the treacherous hike. They soldiered through with some complaints, but ultimately we were glad they made the trip. Beautiful falls at the end with cool water. Varied landscape and great creek along the entire way. Nicely shaded--we would never attempt if it wasn't shaded or cool weather.

My wife and I just did this hike in June. 7 miles round trip, it runs entirely alongside the very picturesque Panther Creek, which really is much more than just a creek. This is a difficult hike, with elevation changes and some moderately dangerous paths with steep drop offs. I wouldn't take children on this trail, although we did see a family with 4 kids, so it's possible I guess. You will see and pass under some neat rock formations along the way, in addition to a few small bridges. There are numerous campsites along the way for backpackers, which are all first-come-first-serve. The Panther Creek Falls are spectacular. I was surprised at how big they are as I was expecting something much smaller. It was nice to receive a big payoff for the tough hike in. There are lots of smooth boulders near the base of the falls that serve as a great place to rest and take it all in. This was a fun hike and highly recommend giving it a try. But bring water. There are no facilities on the trail.

Panther Creek Falls is an impressive 75-foot waterfall in Chattahoochee National Forest, about 15 minutes outside Clarkesville. I'm not sure why TripAdvisor lists it as Atlanta; it's probably a good hour and half from there. The hike to the falls is about 6.6 miles round trip and rather strenuous in places - this is not a good hike for people with a fear of heights. From the recreation parking area, cross the street and go under the highway. In less than a mile, a blue-blazed spur trail splits to the left and follows Panther Creek more closely for about a quarter-mile. Along here is the First Waterfall on Panther Creek, a long water-slide. After here the spur trail ends, so continue on the main trail. In about 2.3 miles, you'll pass the Second Waterfall, a series of high shoals. Shortly after this, the trail becomes more difficult. It's quite narrow, hugging the rocky bluff face with a long drop to the creek below. In places, the Forest Service has put up fencing to help a little. In a little bit, you'll approach Panther Creek Falls. There are some boulders around at the top where you can see some cascades and the Third Waterfall, just above the main waterfall. The trail down to the base from here is the steepest and most challenging. When we visited, it was raining and the slippery rocks made it all the more treacherous. But we also so people trail running and backpacking in the rain. There's a big open area at the base of the falls to enjoy the view of the falls. It's really huge and pictures don't do it justice.