Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

Check frequently to make sure campground isn't closed due to bear activity.

Absolutely beautiful! Panthertown Valley is great because once you backpack in, you won't see many others! Make sure to bring a bear bag and hang your food away from your campsite!!! The bears are around here :). Also, be cautious crossing the river if you have any open cuts/scrapes or disinfect immediately.

Panthertown Valley is one of my favorite places in Western North Carolina to backpack and fish! Miles of backcountry trails are open year round to the public at no cost. The views atop the exposed rock faces are very picturesque are worthy of bringing a camera along. If you decide to camp here be sure to bring a bear bag and hang your food! This is a bear sanctuary so there are quite a few in the area.

When you get off the beaten path and follow any of the small streams running through the wilderness area you are likely to find the native Southern Appalachia Brook Trout in these high elevation streams. If you decide to wet a line please keep in mind that the streams in Panthertown Valley are designated as catch and release only!