Geological Features Galore

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: July 2023

In just a 5.4 loop trail, referred to as Panthertown Valley to Mac’s Gap, hikers can experience a plethora of geological features and habitats. Everything from ancient forests with a composting “floor” to plenty of rock balds keep this route interesting.

In fact, the moderately challenging trail in late May to mid-summer presents some fairytale-like paths due to the abundance of native flowering shrubs and plants.

According to Hike WNC, pioneers termed the valley “Paintertown” (local for “Panthertown”) due to the number of panthers, or Eastern Cougar, that once roamed the area. Modern sightings of panthers are very rare.

Officially in the Nantahala National Forest, the All Trails-listed trailhead can be accessed from 107, by Lake Glenville, or from 64, in Sapphire. The drive requires as few back roads, one that winds by charming Christmas tree farms, and then entrance onto a gravel road that leads to a large parking area and signage about the various Panthertown trails. Llama trekking outfits use the trails for campers, so hikers may experience llamas tied to trailers ready for a hike, or they might encounter trekkers along a trail. The animals are friendly but typically not pettable, so hikers need only step aside and allow them to pass.

Before the loop begins, the wide trail has hikers ascending fairly gradually, with one open, stunning vista, Salt Rock Overlook, sporting several bald rock mountain peaks. When the trail splits in two directions, hikers can choose to loop left and continue down the Panthertown Valley trail, or loop right on the Mac Gap trail. Both will end up at the same place if the arrows are followed. Downloading the AllTrails map of the loop, or Gaia GPS, will ensure no accidental off-path adventures (aka getting lost).

The path is mostly flat, meandering by mountain laurel, rhododendron, and flaming azaleas, as well as by various creeks and streams; but then it ventures into a quiet forest of towering trees resembling Germany’s Black Forest. Approaching the Little Green Mountain portion of the trail is when it becomes somewhat challenging in that the elevation climbs. And, hikers end up on top of the bald rock mountain so the trail “disappears” onto the rocks. Take a moment to enjoy the views as well as take in all the “rock pools” – indentations that thousands of years of pooling water has created. Look for small arrows attached to trees to find the trail on Little Green Mountain’s rock bald again.

The highlight of this loop is Schoolhouse Falls, a wide fall that cascades into a deep, clear pool – perfect for swimming in on hot summer days. Plus, a rocky and sandy “beach” provides plenty of places for hanging out, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Close by Schoolhouse Falls are trails that, when not raining, are dry overflows of the parallel creeks and streams, so hikers are literally walking over waterway stones and sandy bottoms.

Once the loop is completed, hikers must ascend the path back up to the parking area. But the climb up, with another photo op at Salt Rock Overlook, is a time to reflect on all that has been experienced and accomplished on the loop trail.