Highlights

•  Fabulous views of the entire valley from rock face 
•  Short hike from West Parking Area for the valley 
•  Kid Friendly/Pet Friendly 
•  Great picture opportunity 
•  Nice place for a picnic on the rock 
•  Multiple hiking, camping, fishing and exploring opportunities

The Local Scoop

Salt Rock Gap provides excellent views of the entire Panthertown Valley area from it's rock face. We recommend this short little hike to those whom are looking to get outside and witness some nice views but don't have the entire day to do so.
From the West Parking Area for Panthertown Valley, you'll head downhill past the iron gate to the obvious lookout at Salt Rock Gap on your Left in approx. 10 minutes or 0.25 mile. From here you can see the predominant peaks and rocky dome-like faces of Big Green Mountain Summit and Little Green Mountain Summit that are just a couple of the highlights this area has to offer.
For those of you with more time on their hands to spend, we suggest pairing this short hike up with one or two of the nearby waterfalls in the area. Choose from Wilderness Falls Trail #490, Granny Burrell Falls, Frolictown Falls or possibly a combination of the three, depending upon how much time you have. Search for these waterfalls and many more in the Explore category. All make nice hikes that are doable within a half-day's time.
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 unmarked 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. You can either park here (if you have a low or nicer car) or you can proceed on rough gravel/mud road to main parking area at entrance to the valley. After you reach the main parking area (via foot- 10 minute walk OR car- 0.25 mile) you'll come to a Info Kiosk with a map of the valley in it and a gate across the trailhead. Be sure to take a look at the map and correspond the trails and their #'s with the ones in my local scoop. Finding the Panthertown Valley Trail #474 (West) for this hike.

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Coordinates

35.16627, -83.03602

Hike Distance

0.25 mile (one-way)

Access

Via West Parking Area for 
Panthertown Valley 

Nearest City

Cashiers

County

Jackson County

Distance From

Cashiers: 7.85 miles
(West Entrance to Valley)