Waterfall Hero Hikes: Greenland Creek Falls (Panthertown)

Greenland Creek Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on Greenland Creek in Jackson County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: 2 miles
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Panthertown Valley (Nantahala Ranger District in Nantahala National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.15766,-82.99869
Waterfall GPS: 35.15089,-82.99813

Directions:

From Brevard, head west on US-64 for about 15 miles and turn right on NC-281. Drive about 0.9 miles and turn left on Cold Mountain Road. Go 5.7 miles to the end of the road and turn left onto the gravel road. Go a short ways and turn right to reach the parking area. This is the Cold Mountain Gap access to Panthertown Valley.

Map:

Hike Description:

Pick up Mac's Gap Trail (#482) at the start of the parking area and descend through the powerline clearing towards Greenland Creek. Where Greenland Creek Trail (#488) goes right, continue straight on the combined trail. (You could also hike down Greenland Creek Trail from the far end of the parking lot, it's about the same distance.) Mac's Gap Trail splits right to cross the creek; stay left on Greenland Creek Trail for about another 0.3 miles to the end at the base of Greenland Creek Falls.