Panthertown Valley Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Swimming · Views · Waterfall

What makes this 6.0 mile loop so interesting is the diversity of terrain. There are high alpine bogs, stunning waterfalls, granite overlooks, and a variety of unique fauna within the 6.0 miles.

From the Salt Rock Gap Trailhead, follow the Panthertown Valley Trail #474 (gravel road behind the USFS gate) down into the valley. At 0.1 miles, you'll come to an overlook known as Salt Rock. From here, you can see the entire valley of Panthertown.

Continue down the gravel road and look for a trail to the right marked as Mac's Gap Trail #482. Follow this narrow trail into a deciduous forest and eventually into a beautiful pine forest. At 1.3 miles, there is a spur trail to the right (Granny Burrell Falls Trail). Granny Burrell Falls is only about 200 yards down this spur trail. Backtrack to Mac's Gap Trail #482 and continue along the valley floor to Little Green Trail #485 (2.3 miles). Take a left on Little Green Trail, which starts as a moderate climb but gets steep, ascending a series of steps up the side of Little Green.

Once on the top, the trail follows the contour of the ridge line, and one must navigate across barren rock, which can be a little difficult to follow. Look for green markers nailed to a tree or an exposed root, following the tree line across the rock. There are some tremendous views of the valley along this stretch.

At the summit of Little Green, Tranquility Point can be a little difficult to find. You'll hike through a campsite onto a user trail through a tight rhododendron tunnel until you reach a beautiful overlook. After taking in the view of Tranquility Point, follow the steep trail down the backside of the mountain to School House Falls. After leaving School House Falls, the trail is on a raised boardwalk for a short stretch. Then comes to the Panthertown Valley Trail #474. Turn left and follow the trail back to the Salt Rock Gap trailhead.