Waterfall Hero Hikes: Schoolhouse Falls (Panthertown)

Schoolhouse Falls is a scenic 20-foot waterfall on Greenland Creek in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: 2.4 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: 35.16308,-83.00665

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 the Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) at the far end of the parking lot behind the kiosk. It goes a short ways and then turn left on an old road. The road heads down via switchbacks towards Greenland Creek. Right after crossing the bridge over Greenland Creek, turn left on Little Green Trail (#485). Follow this a short ways until you come to boardwalks. Look for a campsite to the left. The beach in front of Schoolhouse Falls is just beyond the campsite.