Mac's Gap Trail #482

Categories: Play, Hiking & Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Backcountry Camping, Hikes to waterfalls, Dog Friendly Hiking Trails, Fishing for Wild Trout, Panthertown Valley Bike Trails, Panthertown Valley

Extend Map

Highlights

Third longest trail in the valley at just over 3 miles in length
Bisects the southern portion of the valley
Multiple use trail for Bikers and Hikers only
Moderate Trail with a large portion being flat
Multiple connecting trails and nearby waterfalls
Crosses Panthertown Creek and Greenland Creek

The Local Scoop

Mac's Gap Trail #482 is one of the most relaxing trails in the valley. We recommend starting this trail out at either end of the valley's two main parking areas. If you start from the West Entrance you'll start out on Panthertown Valley Trail #474 (West) or if you desire to start out at the East Entrance you'll pick up Mac's Gap Trail #482 from the entrance to the parking area on your Left. One of the highligts on this trail is the peaceful section of trail between Little Green Mountain Summit & Big Green Mountain Summit. This sections is through a nice Pine Forest and is relatively flat. There are some very nice spots for primitive camping and we highly recommend taking advantage of this area for that.
Be sure to take advantage of our local knowledge and tons of activities with trails to embark upon. Start plannig your trip today so you'll have a plan of attack for this area. Be sure to stop by some of the quality businesses on our site for all of your equipment needs, from food to fishing licenses, we have you covered.
NOTE: We recommend researching the Panthertown Valley area before coming and also suggest not coming by yourself or without a map. This area is "wild" and the trail system is unmarked, you can get lost very easily if you don't know where you're going. Our best suggestion is to download and print the map we provide on this site, find the trail(s) you are interested in and plan out your day accordingly. You need to avoid any side trails you come across (and you'll come across a lot of them).

The Local Directions

From the main intersection of U.S. Hwy 64 and N.C. Hwy 107 in Cashiers, N.C. take Hwy 64 East (towards Brevard) for 2 miles to "Cedar Creek Road" on your Left (crossing the Horsepasture River). Take Cedar Creek Road for 2.3 miles to "Breedlove Road" (S.R. 1121 or "State Road") on your Right. There will be a sign for Panthertown Valley at the Stop Sign. Take the Right and travel 3.3 miles to the end of the pavement for Breedlove Rd and where the rough, gravel road begins. Either park at the cul-de-sac here or continue on the rough but short gravel/mud road to the main parking area. Pick up Mac's Gap Trail #482 approx. 0.8 mile from the main parking area. Travel past the iron gate and info kiosk on Panthertown Valley Trail #474 passing the Wilderness Falls Trail #490 (faint trailhead) and the Deep Gap Trail #449 on your Right at 0.55 mile. Continue down the wide path to your next intersection (4-way) at 0.8 mile and take the trail to the Right, this is Mac's Gap Trail.