Panther Creek Recreation Area

Very hard to find if you are using a cell phone /​google maps… don’t search for Panther creek falls, it will try to drive you to the falls. Try panther creek trail hike. It is off 441 to «OLD 441» about three miles south of Tellula Falls. The parking area and trail head is just down the road a ways. Fabulous falls and a good work out. 7 miles roound trip. Up hill one way and downhill back. Worth the trip.

Don’t Miss This Great Hike!
The hike was super nice on cool trails riding through the forest.
The waterfalls were really tranquil and just a nice spot to live for the rest of your life next to them in a tent!
Make your way out here for sure if you are within a couple of hours… You will not regret it.

Awesome hike! I found this hike as we were taking a road trip through the U.S. (On Unilocal). I’m always excited when the hike has a waterfall at the end to look forward to! I believe the hike was 7.5 miles or 8 miles round trip which wasn’t bad at all. It was a little humid, but we didn’t mind. The trails are heavily trafficked, you can’t really get lost if you follow the trail…
GREAT HIKE, with a WATERFALL!

I loved our visit to panther creek falls.
I read a lot of the Unilocal reviews and I have to say I agree with some things, some things I dont.
So here is my perspective to add to the considerations before visiting
1. stamina– this trail whether you stay on the trail (or venture off for a harder challenge) you need good stamina. If you cant walk 7 – 8 miles flat, dont even bother this. You wont enjoy your walk despite how beautiful the scenery is. You need energy for 6 hours roughly.
2. Bathroom– go before, there is no where to go unless you wanna go in the water lol
3. Water/​food — bring water and food, no where to buy any (seriously, someone should sell water and food down at the end– they would make a good few bucks!)
4. Shoes/​clothing — I see so many old people exaggerating by having hiking backpacks, poles, hiking boots and saying this trail isnt for kids and yada yada yada… seriously, you dont need it and its a waste to us young folks. If you stay on the easy trail you can go in flip flops (most of us did) with a water bottle in hand. There were a tons of kids and dogs. Anyone can hike here!
5. Trail Level– higher up trail is easier and quicker. Lower down where you get to see 3 – 5 waterfalls in total is a longer and harder trail… or maybe we just got lost. But our dog did it so no excuses! You have to definetly grab some roots and jump a lot to get around like a rock climber but its more fun for sure and rewarding.
The waterfall is beautiful and very rewarding. I say totally worth going here once.

A very fun hike! My family and I go here to walk after dinner fairly frequently and while the trail is nowhere near crowded, you come across other people (and more importantly, dogs) on occasion. The waterfall at the end is beautiful, but beware if you aren’t particularly ready for a long (and in some places, a bit treacherous) hike. Wear shoes with a good tread for this, be prepared to watch where you step, and make sure to be aware of other hikers in the slimmer sections of the trail. Definitely do NOT bring very young, walking kids or difficult dogs that may get away from you, as it definitely could be dangerous for them should they not have your complete attention at certain points.

The hike took us 4 hours start to finish, including time to swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall and eat lunch. Deceptively steep (on the way out it is mostly downhill, so the way back is more exhausting. Overall a fun, moderate difficulty hike. I recommend starting early in the day, it can get crowded in the afternoon.

One of the hardest hikes I have done! This is a multi terrine hike, climbing under and over fallen trees, though streams, over bridges, through narrow path ways and steep inclines. There are a few very dangerous spots. Some of which you have a foot wide pathways over the edge of a cliff thats 60ft down. Be prepared, wear good shoes with good grips, bring lots of water and food and be sure that you’re in decent health, and probably not for children under 8. But the fall is beautiful! The mile marker said that its 3.5 miles to the falls but it’s a bit farther, about a mile or so more. Some people said they have done this trip in 3 hrs. Our GPS tracker was going and it said the total trip was 8.6 miles and it took us about 6 hrs to complete it!
I cannot say enough… This hike is not for the faint of hearts. It’s a moderate at its easiest and difficult when you come to the slipper slopes looking over cliffs. I have hiked many many places in the Smokey Mountains and around GA and this was the most dangerous.
Oh but it’s worth it! And you’ll be glad you did it!

This is a must do when visiting tallulah falls! One of the best hikes, so rewarding !! The falls were amazing and we got some amazing photos.

Since everything has already been said
Here’s a video of what to expect.

***** P L E A S E R E A D *****
(if you are planning to hike here)
Panther Creek is probably one of the most rewarding trails in Georgia considering it ends at one of its best looking waterfalls. Even so, I feel compelled to write an update to my previous review urging hikers traveling this trail to do so in pairs. This IS NOT a good trail for young children (under 7) or anyone not in modest health, so please BE CAREFUL!!!
Parts of this trail will require good balance and a sure foot. There are lots of downed trees and narrow passages near steep drop-​offs. One area you should be most concerned is this stone outcrop you will pass within the first mile of your hike:
NOTE 1: This part is not very dangerous, but I want to use it as a visual to warn you of which trail to take just after you pass this landmark.
Stay left at this stone outcrop and take the trail that passes through the middle of the stones:
PAY ATTENTION TO WHICH TRAIL YOU USE
Shortly after you pass the area pictured above, you will come to a split in the trail. STAY ON THE TRAIL TO THE LEFT that goes uphill and AVOID THE TRAIL ON THE RIGHT that goes downhill.
IF you follow the trail on the right, you will find yourself in an area that you could EASILY loose your footing and go tumbling down a 60+ foot embankment (especially if it is wet). One of the hikers in our group did just that and it was a SUPER SCARY moment. He slipped and lost all control, even went airborne during his tumble. He was very fortunate he only bruised his back and hands, but could just as easily have suffered a head injury or even been impaled with a protruding branch or stone.
NOTE 2: Wear the proper shoes. Shoes that have no grip can be dangerous on ANY hiking trail, but especially this one.
Another area of concern is near the waterfall. Here, you will begin a steep descent to the campgrounds at the base of the falls. The cable railing on this descent is poorly maintained and not to be trusted. Your best and safest bet is to keep as far to the right as possible using the rock ledge. Stay low and pay careful attention in the placement of your feet.
NOTE 3: Two hikers in our group had Fitbit activity trackers. Each calculated this hike to be the equivalent of climbing 80 flights of stairs! Good workout!!!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Please don’t let my warnings deter you from hiking this trail… just be careful!!! You will be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall worthy of the 7 plus mile round trip hike, but you MUST watch your footing. Speaking of footing, I highly recommend hiking boots. I didn’t slip off an embankment, but I did bust my butt and almost broke my camera in another slippery section of the trail.
I urge you not to do this hike without a hiking buddy and a fully charged mobile phone. I’ve done many hikes, and this is the only hike I have completed to date that I’ve ever made such a recommendation. Now that you’ve been warned of the dangers, go have fun! A shallow pool of water at the base of the falls is perfect for cooling off during hot summer months.

Awesome hike, awesome place to camp. This trail is not for beginners or those looking for a leisurely stroll to some scenery. Nearby Amicalola can provide that with their ADA access paths and overcrowded falls. However, the views here are gorgeous. The trail is not dangerous per se, you just have to watch where you’re walking at all times, especially nearby the falls. I love that the trail is still rugged and you are responsible for your actions! What a concept. I wish all trails and parks were like this one.

This trail has a 3.5 mile option and a 8 mile option. The views are pretty nice. It is a decent, moderate level trail. The paths are overall pretty dog and older kid friendly too. The path seems to be maintained well. There are railings in area where it may be a more difficult.
The trees provide good shade and protection from Georgia’s summer heat here. Do NOT forget the bug spray! I went with a group of 9 friends and got stung by a yellow jacket in the calf (though I do not think bug spray deters jellow jackets).
The difficulty ratings of 7.1 you may find online is likely due to the length of the hike and not so much the inclination. Also, the hike back is definitely more difficult than the hike to the falls.
Enjoy!

Went here with a group of friends after we failed to get Tallulah Gorge passes (Gorge Floor Passes) at nearby Tallulah Gorge State Park. We were told our best bet for next time was to come on a week day for greatest chance to get a pass. Panther Creek Hiking Trail is nearby and a great alternate option in the event you cannot get the Gorge Floor Pass at Tallulah Gorge State Park.
Panther Creek Hiking Trail is a challenging hike to be sure; however, it is also a great trail with beautiful water falls (for swimming /​wading) at the end. Friends of mine have camped alongside the trail overnight. You park in the lot on one side of the highway and cross the highway to get to the trail entrance. At the trail entrance you will see the sign which reads that the Panther Creek Hiking Trail is 3.5 miles to the falls and 3.5 miles back. You have some steep hilly climbs with a few flat stretches along the creek.
There are a plethora of reviews here (and Stephie Z’s in particular is accurate and typical) so I’m not going to go into much more detail. Many other reviewers have already written about the warnings regarding how treacherous some areas of this trail are. Also note that many parts of the trail are moderately difficult to traverse. You really have to be in good physical shape! Plan on two plus hours in and two plus hours to get back out.
You need good trail running shoes or light hiking boots; Many stretches of the trail require crossing streams with wet stones and rock cliff outcroppings. The hilly parts have protruding tree roots and many stretches require stooping, grasping and very careful foot placement.
Some surfaces become very slippery if the rocks are wet from rain or water runoff. The trail gets very steep in quite a few places. I would say this trail is not a good trail for older dogs or small children. The trail is definitely not good for geriatric adults either or those adults who are not in good physical /​athletic shape.
Panther Creek Hiking Trail is definitely not good for those afraid of heights (as parts of this trail contain precipices that are very steep and there are many drop-​offs to consider). Otherwise take it for what it is; a stunning piece of Georgia nature.
Perhaps really deserves 5 stars; however, due to the challenging nature that this trail presents for some. I am going to dispense 4stars (I doubt this will hurt them).

Normally, I hike the AT, but decided to go to a new place for an easy day hike.
The waterfall was an awesome change from my normal hikes. I suggest bringing lunch, your dog, bathing suit, and a towel especially since summer is here. You can easily enjoy a few hours here before you hike back.
It’s a pretty easy hike about 3 – 4 on a scale of 10.

Great trail with beautiful falls at the end. Have camped overnight here several times. There are plenty of reviews here so I’m not going to say too much here except to heed the warnings about how treacherous some areas of this trail are.
You absolutely need good boots as parts of the trail require crossing streams and parts are simply a total bog. Very very slippery when the rocks are wet from rain or runoff. Incredibly steep on places. Not a good trail for young kids. Too steep and too many drop offs to consider.
Otherwise take it for what it is, a stunning piece of GA nature.

I am in L O V E with this place!
We got to this one a little late in the day and thought we would just look around and maybe come back another time to actually hike it. Turns out our ‘look’ around took us about 2.5 miles in! We really wanted to get to the end but were running out of daylight. Because of that, we hiked it pretty fast and still didn’t make it :(I hear the waterfall at the end is beautiful! One day I will see it! and when we return, we will hike a bit slower to enjoy what we must have missed the first time.
There are plenty of spots to camp. We plan on doing that on our return trip and have picked the perfect spot! I am so excited and can’t wait!
Please wear hiking boots! This is NOT flat land. There are elevations and it is very rooty. I lost my footing once and I think my honey almost lost his lunch! Bring plenty of water, especially if you are hiking this during the warmer months. I would not bring pets or children, as it seems a little unsafe for both. And for the love of nature, PLEASE pick up your trash! This is a beautiful trail and nobody wants to see your empty bottles or snack wrappers laying around!
If you are a hiker or wanna be one… do yourself a favor and do this one!

A rock solid 5 stars all the way! This trail is just what I was looking for in getting some exercise, being outdoors and enjoying some beautiful scenery. The cost is only $ 3 bucks to get park and access the trail and there was ample parking. The trail is a definite moderate rating. Very rooty and rocky in some places. Please be careful as other reviews say. Sure footing is a must. There are several steep drop offs that could land you in the creek! Dogs and kids both should be leashed! There is several back country camp sites all along the trail. The scenery is awesome too. Several waterfalls, shoals and rock outcroppings. Beautiful waterfalls at the end. Make sure you take your time and allow plenty of time so you dont get stuck in the dark! Go, go, go! You wont be dissapointed!

Panther creek is one of those trails where your fun can really be dependent on the weather. I saw several reviews on other sites that mentioned that panther creek was an easy to moderate trail, and when dry, I can see that, but when it’s wet, you’ll work a little more to not slip and fall
Richard R and I took on this hike when it was misting to sprinkling raining on an early Saturday morning, and while neither of us were really huffing and puffing at any point of the trail (not until we hit a few spots on the way up and out), I don’t think either of us I were anticipating slick wet rock faces that you could have a very hard time getting past without sliding off of.
Panther creek has an elevation grade of right around 860 feet, give or take, but the elevation changes are never so ridiculous that you’ll not have a great time. I’d say about 1.5 miles in you’ll hit a branching of the trails, and i’d strongly suggest to hang to the left, closest to the water, because you’ll fall in love with some of the water rushing at and past you! The water flows at almost white water rafting level (i’m not sure if anyone has rafted/​kayaked it) and looks/​sounds impressive along each leg of the trail
Getting to the bottom of the trail is a delight, as the falls, while not tall, are very full, very powerful and they dump out into still waters that you probably will take countless photos of. It’s really worth the hike.
Couple of things to note.
1) This probably isn’t as groomed of a trail as more well traveled trails, or state parks, which isn’t a bad thing! You’re also likely to only encounter a handful of hikers along the trail, again, not bad
2) When it’s wet, or icy, you really should go with somebody, as there are several areas where you can really slip and hurt yourself (I know, most hikers are loners… just saying).
3) I saw both dogs (leashed) and kids along the hike. While I think all are fair game during dry times, i’d be a little cautious during wet weather to bring either.
3) Don’t be afraid of the mileage. It’s not a taxing hike at all until you hit a few of the elevation changes, but even then, you should be fine.
This was my first time hiking Panther Creek, definitely wont be the last, and I had a great time. Thanks for the invite Richard!

damn, i thought i’d get FTR. but i’ve done this hike, many many times before Unilocal was wearing diapers, and just did it again this past weekend.
stephie Z lays out the directions, so i’ll spare the technicalities. it’s a great short day hike with a splendid reward. beware this time of year (august) as the yellow jackets are out with a vengeance, as i was stung several times. but hey, i think i’m tough, so despite flailing my arms and braying like a jackass eating briars, i hiked on.
we started from the east end trail head. small parking area. 3 bucks but i noticed several cars didn’t have the tags hanging from their mirror. which is a shame, because people complain about parks being closed down but think they are so sly by not paying a measly 3 bucks to park and support the park system… anyway.
the trail is easy, and i guess you can camp anywhere you like. we passed several tent campers along the trail. it’s truly lovely. i guess you can camp further away from the water feature and avoid the noise or camp closer to the water which is beautiful.
the trail pretty much parallels the creek the whole time, with a few bridge crossings. it was pretty busy today. and dogs everywhere. i’m torn about the whole leash thing. my brothers dogs… pit bulls, very well behaved, extremely docile. but always leashed. others, not so much. i’m sure your lab/​terrier/​sheep dog is also friendly, but dogs are fickle and… well, enough of that.
after about 3 – 4 miles, the trail dumps into panther creek falls. an extremely beautiful, large cascade of waterfalls over the granite rock. i foolishly forgot to wear something that would dry and couldn’t swim, but there were smarter hikers whom were bathing and enjoying the cool creek and falls.
i think there is a west side approach, but we decided to have lunch and head back to the car. it took us about 2 hours to hike in, and about an hour to drive there from suwanee, ga.
wonderful hike!!!

One of my favorite day hikes!
Panther Creek Falls is about 1 ½ hours from downtown Atlanta. Head north up 85, then bear left onto 985 towards Gainseville and Tallulah Falls. 985 will eventually turn into 441. After about 45 minutes on 985 look for a Kangaroo gas station on your left. About 3 or 4 streets after that will be Travis Smith Rd. Turn left on to Travis Smith. Make your first and only right onto Old Hwy 441 and less than 1 mile down on your left you will see Panther Creek Recreation Area. Park in the lot (there are bathrooms there). Then walk back out and cross 441. The trail head starts across the street– you will see a sign for Panther Creek Falls.
The reasons to hike this trail are A) it’s gorgeous B) there are large falls at the end and C) you can swim in the bottom of the falls. I would consider the trail to be of moderate difficulty. I have seen plenty of older folks hiking so I don’t think it is too tough, but right before the falls there are some pretty heavy rock areas that you have to scramble over and some sharp drop offs where you will want to pay great attention to where you put your feet. Oh and make sure you follow the green blazes. The trail to the falls is about 3.5 miles so keep in mind it is 7 miles total to get there and back. Not that tough, but plan for the hike taking several hours.
The first part of the trail isn’t very scenic. You walk through some scrub and under the 441 overpass. Don’t let this fool you, you quickly make it into the woods where there are lots of easy up and down switchbacks. They will have you breathing heavy on the way out. You will then begin following the river providing for plenty of beautiful views. This trail is okay for dogs as long as you pay attention to where they are at and keep them leashed. There are some areas you might have to help them up and over. At about the 1.4 mile mark you will be right next to the stream and need to cross your first bridge. Don’t worry, it’s small. Now you will begin hiking next to the river and through a flat sandy trail. The river is pretty calm here. Again make sure you follow the green blazes. There was one part of the trail that wasn’t well marked and a second trail broke off. (2 miles or so in) Go to the left, towards the river. *Remember this entire trail follows the river so if you are near to it, you are on the right path.* There are 2 more bridges to cross and tiny stream with rock stepping stones to «forge» before you get to your first steep «scramble». There are metal poles and guidewire here, but be careful since some of the poles have come loose from their mooring. You’ll reach the upper falls at 3.4 miles and think you are there. Here will be more areas where you might have to get on your butt and maneuver, it’s really steep and you want to be careful. Again the poles and guidewire haven’t been maintained in some time so pay attention. You will then make it to the bottom of the falls where there is a nice flat sandy area. You can stop, take pictures, eat lunch, swim, do whatever. It is beautiful. You will probably not be the only one at the falls; it’s pretty popular. Once your done admiring nature’s beauty, rinse and repeat– go back the way you came in… and make sure you carry all your trash out.
All in all a great hike that lends it’s self to some fabulous pictures.