Cohutta Wilderness - Panther Creek Headwaters Overnight Part 1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- I went on an overnight hike in the Cohutta Wilderness in search of the headwaters of Panther Creek. My hike began at the Hickory Creek Trailhead where I took the Hickory Creek Trail down to the Conasauga River. I connected with the Conasauga River Trail and hiked upstream to the confluence with Panther Creek. Crossing the Conasauga River I hiked up Panther Creek Trail until the point where the creek diverged from the trail. At this point I hiked off-trail following the creek up Cohutta Mountain until I reached the headwaters of Panther Creek.
Yes, there are easier hikes to access the headwaters, further up the Panther Creek Trail and on the East Cowpen Trail. My goal was not to take the easier route but to experience a part of God's creation that many never see. So.....I followed the creek upstream. The elevation at the confluence of the Conasauga River and Panther Creek is approximately 1850' and the headwaters of Panther Creek is approximately 3800'. Definitely a hike that gives one an elevated heart rate but totally worth it.
My progress was made somewhat easier because the wildfires of the previous fall had cleared much of the underbrush. There were plenty of neat cascades and beautiful sights to enjoy as I hiked up the creek. It was an amazing thing to find the headwaters of Panther Creek....not a spectacular sight but special nonetheless.
I appreciate you coming along with me on this hike. Thank you for hiking with Sleeves! Keep Hiking!
Very cool! Totally agree with not believing the forecast. 😂
It was pretty cool to make it up to the headwaters. I enjoyed spending some reflection time in the wilderness. When it started raining, I just had to laugh. It rained all the way back to my camp site. LOL! If you are out in the wilderness, make sure to be prepared for any type of weather. I appreciate you stopping by and watching. I trust all is well with you. Take care and have a fantastic week.
"two creeks divulged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled, and that has made all the difference"...lol......awesome adventure....I always like to explore off the beaten path, or should I say beaten creek..lol.....great discovery....looking forward to see the rest of your adventure!
Excellent! I love your analogy. I am sure Robert Frost would have enjoyed coming along on my adventure. I have found that exploring the less traveled path, creek, or road leads to some amazing discoveries. I trust you and I will continue seeking those off the beaten paths. Let's enjoy them. Thank you for watching. Take care........summer is coming.
"Never believe the weather forecast." Wisest words ever spoken, I hope the camera gear made it through okay. Thanks for another one Sleeves.
LOL! All I could do was shake my head. The rain started coming down in buckets and continued all the way back down to my camp site. Just be prepared. Yes, my gear held up nicely. This was an enjoyable time of exploration in God's creation. It was neat to think I was one of the few people that had made it up this creek to see the headwaters. Good stuff. Glad you stopped by to watch. Take care and have a wonderful week. Keep Hiking!
Great adventure you have there. Well worth the effort. Thanks for taking us along.
Thank you. It was a great adventure exploring God's creation. Neat to think I was one of the few people that had seen this special place. It definitely took some effort to make it up the creek but the prize at the headwaters was one I won't soon forget. I appreciate you watching and leaving your nice comment. I trust you and your family are well. Take care and have a wonderful week.
Great Hike Sleeves beautiful scenery
Thank you. I appreciate you stopping by to watch. Enjoy hiking in this area. God's creation is amazing.
Beautiful scenery, and a brilliant achievement to put under your belt :)
Thank you. You are very kind. This was a beautiful spot. Being off trail, it was neat to think that I was one of the few people that had ever seen some of the amazing features of this waterway. Climbing that mountain was definitely an achievement. I was worn out. LOL! I appreciate you watching. I trust all is well with you. Take care.
Fun stuff! I love that area and would love to explore more of it. That was a really cool trip to find the beginning, looking forward to part 2!
Fun indeed! Like you, this is a special place for me. Every time I hike in this area I find something new to explore and experience. Hiking up to the headwaters of Panther Creek has been on my list for a long time. I am very thankful that I was able to climb up to the beginning on Good Friday. We are so blessed to experience a new beginning in our life. Thank you for going along with me. Take care.
Very nice video and hike! Thank you for sharing, I really enjoyed watching. Always fun to experience nature through your eyes when I am unable to experience it first hand myself! :)
Hello, friend! You are welcome. As always, good to hear from you. Thank you for the nice comment. It was such an amazing opportunity to hike up the mountain to the headwaters of this beautiful creek. I was definitely blessed to see sights that very few people have seen. I am so thankful that you were able to experience this hike with me. I trust you are doing well and planning an eventful summer. May God bless you and lead you in His perfect will!
+Sleeves You are so welcome, for sure! Yes, fun stuff is planned for this summer. I am planning on doing some hikes (a few of them filmed, most of them not as to keep my sanity!!) in the East Tennessee area - it is always so refreshing to unplug from social media and plug into God's great outdoors!!
Nice video. I was surprised that you didn't stay at that camp site. It looked pretty nice, but you did go off trail. Kudos on that. You do see more.
Thank you. Yes this was a very nice camp site. As a matter of fact it was so nice that after I made it off the mountain I came back and camped at this site. Being off trail is definitely an adventure every time. God's creation seems to highlight the amazing details often missed while on the trail. Man, I am way behind on watching videos. Hopefully, I will be your way soon and catch up. Work has been crazy. Thank you for taking the time to watch. I trust all is well for you and your family. Take care.
Sleeves
I know what you mean. I am behind on watching people's videos. It's hard to keep up with everyone.
I remember one time I was camped at Panther Top---the big open spot where Panther trail junctions Cowpens trail---and needed water so I looked at my topo map and took the Panther Creek trail south down from the ridge and after a couple hundred yards got off the trail and went West to the headwaters of Panther Creek and found water in a field of boulders.
Yes, that it a pretty nice camp site there at the trail junction of Panther Creek Trail and Cowpen Trail. The only issue as you learned is that there is limited access to water. I have climbed Hickory Ridge Trail from Jacks River and failed to get water. I was kicking myself all the way up the Cowpen Trail to and finally to Panther Creek.
You made the perfect choice to find water and yes that is indeed the Panther Creek headwaters there among those boulders. Thank goodness for topo maps! I try to keep one with me even in this age of electronics. Thank you for watching! Keep Hiking! Have a wonderful Easter!
Thanks for the input. If I plan on camping somewhere on the high reaches of Hickory Ridge trail I'll get my water near Jacks River from a little unnamed creek at the Hickory Ridge trailhead. Unfortunately then I have to hump this "camp water" up the tough ridge to wherever I want to camp.
It's sister trail Rough Ridge is a little better because it has Crooked Dogwood Gap which has water midway and is an excellent campsite.
It pays to know all the little water seeps below these ridges but that would required alot of exploration on each side of the ridge etc. @@Sleeves
you appear out of nowhere! i love it.. so nice out there God bless you for taking us with you all the time. Was thinking of you over last weekend while i was out in God's Creation, we went super remote in Mojave. That creek head is really neat to see
Hello, friend. Funny......I try to pull the Star Trek effect every so often. I am thankful that you came along with me on this one. It was a fantastic trip hiking to the top of the mountain finding the headwaters of that beautiful creek. Wow, the Mojave! I am always amazed at the places you take us. Being out experiencing God's creation in the remote Mojave must be very special for you. I would love to make it out that way again. Maybe on day in the not so distant future....... Take care and Keep Hiking! God bless you and your family!
Awesome! I felt somewhat like that a couple of years ago when I hiked to the start of the Chattahoochee, although your journey was much more involved!
Thank you! As a matter of fact, as I was hiking up the mountain I thought of your story of the Chattahoochee. I remembered you telling me about it when we hiked together. Panther Creek diverged from the trail just beyond where we camped. I enjoy the adventure of being off trail. Good stuff. I trust things have settled down and a little normalcy has returned for you. Be strong and stay positive. Praying. Take care, friend.
You're always so full of kindness and consideration in your words and I truly appreciate it! Things will be chaotic for a while as a result of my ex brother in law and his wife, but we take it one day at a time. Hopefully in the fall we can schedule a hiking trip! I want to try the hammock camping again.
This must be a horrible situation. Life is very hard sometimes and difficult to understand. May you be surrounded with peace each day. I would love to take another hike with you. Maybe I could come your way and you could show me around some of the trails on your side of the state.
It is an awful situation, perpetrated by two people full of evil and hatred! I would actually like to hike some of the AT. I know you hiked Blood Mtn with your daughter recently, but have you done more of it?
I am always good with the AT. Pick out a section and we will tackle it.
Awesome adventure, my friend. Definitely some neat stuff. I checked out the terrain there, definitely some serious climbing. Good idea not to check it before hand, you might have changed your mind LOL! You nailed when you said that you see stuff that very few people see...I know plenty of so called serious hikers that never attempt off trail. The best stuff is almost always away from the trail. Perfect tip on ignoring the weather forecast too, especially this time of year, very unpredictable in a place like that. Be prepared for everything LOL! Looking forward to part 2, man!
Thank you, friend. This was one that I had been planning for a long time. I finally found the right time for it. Yes, it was a pretty tough climb. From the valley floor at the Conasauga River up to the Panther Creek headwaters was a little short of 2000 feet. Yes, for some reason I didn't check the elevation in all of my planning. Glad I didn't! You could probably tell from how I looked on the video that I was beat. LOL! Seeing stuff most people never see stokes the fire in my passion for hiking. I might have been beat but I came off of the mountain flying high. It is hard to describe to someone that has never experienced it. I know you have and understand what I am describing. When it started raining, all I could do was laugh. It started raining just as I arrived at the headwaters and it rained all the way down the mountain and didn't stop until after I got my tarp hung at the camp site. You are exactly right. Be prepared for every possible weather event. My next off trail adventure........I am researching a couple of hidden waterfalls in the Cohutta Wilderness. From all accounts they are very difficult to find. Still searching. Man, I appreciate you watching. Hope work is going well. By the way, stay away from those other creatures out enjoying the same unique spots as you!
Trust me, my friend, I was keeping plenty of distance, you know I don't like crowds LOL! I definitely know that feeling of being somewhere that not everybody sees. We have to accept the fact that there is pretty much no where in our areas that have not been seen by people, but the moment you step off the trail that number goes down significantly. There are a few spots that I have managed to find that made me wonder how those places have made it all this time without having a trail built, but I'm really glad they're still mostly untouched. I hope you find those hidden falls. They are out there, man, just waiting for you.
Nice hike sleeves. 2,000 feet high.
Thank you, friend. It was a neat time of exploring God's creation. I always enjoy spending time in reflection as I am out in the wilderness. Yes, that elevation gain was something else. The video didn't do the climb justice. LOL! I appreciate you stopping by and watching. By the way, I plan to stop by your online store soon. You and the family take care and have a fantastic week.
What ever made you think of that? Pretty good imagination on your part. Well done sleeves.
I appreciate you watching and leaving your nice comment. This has been on my list of things to explore for a long time. I have always been amazed at how streams can flow from high up on a mountain down into the surrounding valleys. With the mountains in this area not being snow capped it could not be melt water so in my mind it had to be an underground water source emerging at a spring. This is exactly what I found. Neat stuff. God's creation of the geological formations.......Fascinating! Take care.
Following the creek it's true course may be hard work ,But I'm sure it had it's hidden rewards .
Hello, friend. Yes indeed, following that creek was definitely hard work but fun. I couldn't help but think that I was one of the few people to ever see this area. God made this little spot on the mountain just for me, at least for this day. LOL! You and the family take care and have a wonderful week.
Looks like you found the headwaters of fly city
Funny! You are exactly right. It was crazy out there. This was one of the worst times I have ever experienced with bugs. I guess it was just that time of year. Oh well, it was still great to be out in the wilderness. Thank you for stopping by to watch. Take care and Keep Hiking!
Your videos have convinced me that I need to plan some Cohutta trips soon! I only have a 2wd sedan and I am finding mixed information about the conditions of roads that lead to the trailheads. How are the roads leading to Hickory Creek and Dally Gap? I've heard Rice Creek and Beech Bottom are very difficult without 4wd. Thanks.
Good to hear from you. Glad you stopped by to watch a video. Yes indeed, the Cohutta Wilderness is amazing and offers a special place to explore God's creation. I know you will enjoy this area. You should not have any trouble gaining access to Hickory Creek and Dally Gap with a 2wd sedan. For years I drove to almost every trailhead in the Cohutta Wilderness in my 2003 Honda Accord. LOL! It was my hiking/mountain vehicle! You are correct that Rice Camp and Beech Bottom are probably the most difficult. In my estimation Rice Camp is the most difficult only because one must do two creek crossings. If the water is flowing strong, I would not try these crossings in my 2wd sedan. Always keep an eye on the weather. Know how much rain has fallen in the days prior to your trip. The Beech Bottom access does have some rough areas. There is no doubt that a 4wd will provide a higher level of comfort as you drive on these forest roads. Although, with patience and care one can access most of the trailheads with a 2wd vehicle. Go for it! Keep Hiking and enjoy your experience! Give me an update on your trip.
allen, you dont need a 4wd. you can get to all those places with your car. you will have no problem unless there is a blow down across the road. or high fast water. as for beech bottoms car access is easier if you take the trail head on the lower end and hike up stream. from the hwy 411 side.
Hey Sleeves, not including your "off-trail" excursion to the head waters, what would you estimate the total mileage from Hickory to Panther Creek Falls and back out would be? Thank you and great vids.
Hello. Thank you for stopping by to watch the video and leaving your kind comment. From the Hickory Creek Trailhead to the junction with Panther Creek Trail it is approximately 3.5 miles. From this junction up to the top of Panther Creek Falls it is approximately 2 miles. The in and out hike would be somewhere around 11 or 12 miles. It can easily be done as a day hike if you start early enough. Try to save some time to have lunch at the top of the falls. In my opinion, the best way to experience this hike is as an overnight camping at the top of the falls. No matter which way you go this is an amazing hike. I never get tired of the hike and the view at the top of the falls. I appreciate you asking about this neat hike. Let me know how your hike goes. Take care and Keep Hiking!
You are most welcome sir and thank you for responding. I am planning an overnighter for Dec. I am a member of a couple hiking groups here in Georgia. I am hoping to get some of those folks to join me as I am not yet comfortable being that remote alone. I pack WAY too much when I am alone. I have a hard time balancing the hiker mentality with the survival mentality(too much Dave Canterbury). Any chance you would want to go?
Cool! Neat that you are a member of a couple of hiking groups. I hiked with a group from Ellijay, GA called "Stay Active Ellijay." They do some pretty neat hikes and excursions around the area. Their mission is to get folks outside and experiencing God's creation. I agree with you that it is good to hike with some other folks until you get comfortable being out in the wilderness solo. Funny, you made me laugh talking about packing way too much. I too love Dave Canterbury. I have some of his gear but definitely can't bring everything along. One must find the right balance. For me it is the fight between comfort and weight. For you it seems it is between survivalist and hiking. Maybe you can fulfill both directions by planning hikes with different goals. Good stuff! Thank you for the invitation. I always enjoy a good hike. Of course, December is going to be busy for me. Let me know when you get the dates and plans finalized. Who knows, maybe we can share the trail. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
December 9th-10th, I am shooting to be on trail by 10am, but I have never been up there and I might get lost or turned around plus I am driving up from McDonough(Henry Co), so the time is flexible. Hope to be able to share the trail with yah.
Hello. Let me check with my scheduler. LOL! I will see how that weekend looks. Have a great week!