Trail Run Project Logo

2019's Headwaters Course. Annually held on the first Saturday in December.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

18.6

Miles

29.9

KM

91%

Runnable

4,440' 1,353 m

High

3,631' 1,107 m

Low

2,510' 765 m

Up

2,513' 766 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This course features 18 miles of amazing and challenging trails.

Need to Know

Snakes are common in Panthertown Valley, so watch your step. Black bears are also common so stay alert.

Runner Notes

Panthertown Valley is the headwaters for the Tuckasegee River. The trails can be wet, especially after a rain. Be prepared for wet feet. Bring a map. There are many side trails and non -anctioned trails in Panthertown. It is easy to get lost. The Burt Kornegay map is the best most current map for Panthertown Valley.

Description

The race begins at the Salt Rock Parking area. Runners will then follow Blackrock Trail #447 to Powerline Road Trail #451 then continue to Turkey Knob Trail #469 for a quick out and back to aid. Then back on Powerline Road Trail #451 to North Road. This will bypass a creek crossing that was on the course last year.

From North Road, you'll head up Little Green Trail #485 off of Mac's Gap Trail #482. School House Falls will be on your right, runners will continue to Panthertown Valley Trail #474 towards the Cold Mountain Parking area for the second aid station.

From there runners will take Mac's Gap Trail #482 to Big Green Trail. We bypass the summit trail and head for Great Wall Trail. Runners will hop on Deep Gap Trail toward Panthertown Valley Trail #474 for the climb out to the finish.

Flora & Fauna

Panthertown Valley is on of the most diverse places in western North Carolina.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matt Kirby

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#3277

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#129

in North Carolina

#3,277

Overall
11 Views Last Month
784 Since Mar 14, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
50%
0%
50%
0%

Photos

Schoolhouse Falls along the Panthertown Valley trail
Aug 13, 2019 near Cullowhee, NC
The School House Falls are one of the highlights of the Panthertown Valley Loop.
Dec 21, 2015 near Cullowhee, NC
Rhododendron tunnel.
Dec 26, 2019 near Cullowhee, NC
View of the Great Wall in the winter.
Dec 26, 2019 near Cullowhee, NC
Panthertown Valley provides pleasant views toward Green Mountain.
May 29, 2017 near Cullowhee, NC
View from a top Little Green Mountain Trail.
Dec 26, 2019 near Cullowhee, NC

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.