Oh, to learn the naming origins of some of the trails, gaps, waterfalls, etc. in this region. Chunky Gal, Old Butt Knob, Boogerman, Junnywack, and Sweatheifer are all North Carolina Appalachian Mountains hiking spots.
Granny Burrell is another one. A waterfall and a trail named in this individual’s honor is located in Panthertown Valley, just 8 miles north of Cashiers and about the same distance from Sapphire Valley.
Although research could not dredge up information about the actual person for whom the falls and trail’s moniker are attributed, she must have been an important and beloved grandmother known by previous generations – so much so that a favorite outdoorsy spot bears her name.
Perhaps Granny Burrell visited the spot as a young girl, sliding the 12 feet from Panthertown Creek down the wide slippery, slide-like rock into the pool below. Maybe she partook in the same thrill as a perky aging grandmother and someone felt she deserved recognition.
Regardless of how Granny Burrell Falls and Trail was bestowed its name, it behooves visitors and residents alike to add this outdoor excursion to a must-do list. Whether the springy and spry or contemplative and meandering sort, it is for all ages a wonderful hike during all seasons. Additionally, it is a refreshing and exhilarating cooling off spot in summer months.
Not convinced? To “wet” – no pun – your appetite for this excursion, visit ncwaterfalls.com/panther4.htm and watch a short, 1:46 minute YouTube video featuring the falls.
To get to Granny Burrell Falls, hikers have options. The best course of action is to purchase ahead of time a U.S. Geological Survey map of Panthertown at store.usgs.gov/product/530601; that way, future hikes can be planned in the area. Or, visit https://www.panthertownmap.com/order/guides-guide to order a more extensive map and guide.
Granny Burrell is listed as #TR486 on Panthertown maps, and the trail is a .31 mile path connected to such intersecting trails as Mac’s Gap and the Great Wall trail.
However, the best way to get there might also be to type in “Granny Burrell” into the AllTrails app and it will pull up the Granny Burrell, Frolictown, and Wilderness via Panthertown Trail, which is listed as a 3.1-mile loop with an elevation gain of 475 feet.
With AllTrails, users can get directions as to where to park and then start the route on the app so that they can see where the trail leads.
GaiaGPS is another excellent and precise app that offers a detailed map with a dot following the course so it is easy to stay on the path.
Consider paying homage to Granny Burrell, whoever she was, by enjoying her namesake trail and waterfall.
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