Jawbone and Riding Ford Falls

Jawbone Falls and Riding Ford Falls are two waterfalls on the upper Tuckaseegee River in Jackson County.  The waterfall is located in Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: 4.5 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Panthertown Valley (Nantahala Ranger District in Nantahala National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.15766,-82.99869
Waterfall GPS: 35.17324,-83.00349 (Jawbone Falls), 35.17431,-83.00272 (Riding Ford Falls)

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 Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) at the end of the parking area and follow it down the switchbacks.  In about a mile, turn right on Devils Elbow Trail (#448).  Go about 1 mile and after crossing Little Green Creek is a split with Riding Ford Trail (#450).  Bear left on Riding Ford Trail and descend to the ford of the river.


Do not cross, but go left and follow a path through the woods to a campsite and to the river at the base of Jawbone Falls.


To see Riding Ford Falls, return to the ford and the waterfall is immediately downstream.  A path on river right leads to the base of the waterfall.


There are some rocks near the base to climb and get a good view.


Blog Entries:


13-Jun-2020: Panthertown Waterfalls

External Links:


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