Rattlesnake Knob Trail #452

Highlights

•  Nothern-most hike, bike and horse trail in the valley 
•  Short 1.5 mile trail (one-way)
•  Return hike/ride from Powerline Road Trail #451 & Blackrock Trail#447

The Local Scoop

The easiest way to access Rattlesnake Knob Trail #452 is from the West Parking Area for Panthertown Valley. Follow my detailed local directions and you will be just fine. This is the northern-most trail in the valley and leads up to Rock Bridge Road, just off of N.C. Hwy 281. This is a secluded section of the valley and the chances of seeing others is fairly slim. We recommend camping out for a night or two at one of the primitive campsites located throughout the valley. Please be aware that you may run into horses on this trail. It is designated as a multiple use trail open to hikers, bikers and horses.
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).

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 Rattlesnake Knob Trail #452 by accessing the Blackrock Trail #447 on the left from the main parking area and just before you pass the iron gate and down Panthertown Valley Trail #474 (West). Continue on Blackrock Trail #447 for approx. 1.8 miles at which point you'll be at a four-way intersection of trails (avoiding any side trails along the way). You'll need to take the right onto Powerline Road Trail #451 for approx. 0.6 mile where the trail splits. Take the left spur for Rattlesnake Knob Trail #452.