Description

Explore the Magic of Panthertown with Leadership Cashiers! 🍂🥾

We’re thrilled to invite Leadership Cashiers alumni and current participants to a series of guided hikes in Panthertown Valley this October — a hidden gem in our own backyard that many have yet to discover!

Led by our very own Kara McMullen, a 2025 Leadership Cashiers classmate and Trails & Stewardship Director for Friends of Panthertown, these hikes are a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of fall in the mountains while learning about conservation efforts that protect this cherished backcountry treasure.

🌲 Friends of Panthertown works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve Panthertown as a natural resource and enable sustainable recreation. We’re proud to spotlight this vital work during our time on the trails!

Hike Details:

• Meet: Salt Rock Gap Trailhead, 3192 Breedlove Rd., Glenville, NC 28736

• Directions: Click here for directions to the trailhead

• Start Time: 9:00 AM

• End Time: Approximately 12:00–1:00 PM (depending on lunch)

• Route: Blackrock Overlook for stunning fall color views, down to Granny Burrell Falls, and back via Salt Rock with an optional scenic lunch

What to Bring:

🥾 Comfortable shoes & socks
💧 Water
🧢 Hat & sunscreen (optional)
🥪 Lunch/snack
🪵 Hiking stick (if preferred)

🗓️ Choose from these October dates:

• Wednesday, October 1

• Thursday, October 9

• Wednesday, October 22

Come reconnect with classmates, enjoy crisp fall air, and experience why Panthertown is one of the most special places in the Southern Appalachians. 

We can’t wait to hit the trail with you!