October 15, 2024
Panther Falls and Angel Falls Trail
near Moccasin Creek State Park
This was our second hike on a cool fall day. This hike is short, but moderately difficult from the fairly steep final climb to each fall. The trail is well used, but not that bad. We did encounter a short section with one large blowdown on the bank of a branch feeding Joe Creek that required some scrambling up a loose embankment . . . but then Jim and Edwin found an easier path around that obstruction. Both falls have a very similar, but distinctive look with the stacked/layered rocks the water flows across. No wildflowers on this trail today.
Today's Hikers: Edwin Pruitt, Beth Hawkins, Renee Corbett, Gerald Richardson, Jim Driggers, Lynn Steele, Matt Henderson & Toby, Cindy Angliss, Linda Shultz and Jenny & Mike Bell
The route
2.5 mi · 436 ft climbing · 1h 50m out, 1h 29m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
13 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (13)
Panther Falls, a 70-Foot, double tier, stairstep Cascade seemed to be the prettier of the two falls today. Today's hikers (L-R): Beth, Renee, Jenny, Linda, Mike & Toby, Edwin, Lynn, Matt, Cindy, Gerald & Jim. Getting started at the trailhead off of Lake Rabun Road. Matt and Toby leading the way. Early on, the only obstructions caused by blowdowns from Hurricane Helene. This section of Joe Creek is dominated by these characteristic layered rock formations. Really pretty. "Spring in a Box" What a creative use of natural cooling to preserve food. At Panther Falls. Our lady hikers . . . and they are all still smiling. The lady hiker smiles must be because of their handsome male companions. Headed up, and I mean up, the trail toward Angel Falls. Beginning to see some fall colors. Angel Falls . . . not a lot of water today. Hurry up Mike! We're waiting. A curious use of an old sign board along the trail.