Waterfall Hero Hikes: Greenland Creek Falls (Panthertown)

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

Hike Length: 2 miles
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
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:

To visit the falls, head east on US-64 from Lake Toxaway and turn left to get on NC-281 north. In just under a mile, bear left to get 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. Mac's Gap Trail splits right to cross the creek; stay left on Greenland Creek Trail for about 0.3 miles to the end at the base of Greenland Creek Falls.