An Edge of Panthertown
Hike Number: 678
Area Location: Panthertown
Trailhead Location: old NC 281
Trailend Location: same
Hike Type: lollipop
Hiking Distance (miles): 7.5
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Range: 2,800 / 4,300
Total Elevation Gain: 1,800
Total Elevation Descent: 1,800
Trail Description: Begins with a long gradual ascent on an old road to a gap, followed by an equally gradual descent to a viewpoint near the bottom of the Devil’s Elbow Ridge. We’ll climb the old trail up the ridge to a great viewpoint at lunch. descent to another old road will take us back to our gap and from there back to the trailhead. Time permitting, there will be a short detour to Aunt Sally’s falls. The old roads are all open and have foot trails on them.
Topos: Lake Toxaway
Special Features: Mountain Views, stream crossings
Flower Season: April-May
DriveHead: Westgate Shopping Center
2nd Meeting Place: Bi-Lo, Pisgah Forest
Driving Distance(Miles-RT): 110
Driving Directions: I-26 E to NC 280 S to US 64 W; right onto NC 281 for 5 miles, then left at "Carolina Trails" sign to end of road.
Notes: Then a short steep 250 ft. bushwhack down to an old trail, which completes the circle of the lollipop. There are a couple of easy rock hops along the way.
Hike History: A1001, A1002