Waterfall Hero Hikes: Mac's Falls and Pothole Falls

Mac's Falls and Pothole Falls are two smaller waterfalls on Greenland Creek in Jackson County. The waterfalls are located in Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: 1.8 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 (2)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.15766,-82.99869
Waterfall GPS: 35.15519,-83.00397 (Mac's Falls), 35.15540,-83.00454 (Pothole 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 Mac's Gap Trail (#482) at the start of the parking area and descend through the powerline clearing towards Greenland Creek. In 0.6 miles, turn right on Greenland Creek Trail (#488). In 0.3 miles, Greenland Creek Trail goes right to return to the parking area. Go left on an obvious path that descends to the top of Mac's Falls. Continue on the trail a short ways to find some rocks to go out in the creek at the base.