Panthertown Valley | Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2021

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Yosemite of the East,’ Panthertown Valley (part of the Nantahala National Forest of North Carolina) is home to dramatic granite cliffs, large waterfalls, trout-filled streams, and sweeping views. Because of these features, Panthertown is designated as a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area natural heritage site. Thirty miles of backcountry trails in Panthertown Valley are open to hikers, and many of those trails also allow mountain biking and equestrian activities.  The well-established trail system and stunning landscape draw in 25,000 visitors from around the world each year.  This ever-increasing level of visitation to an area less than 7,000 acres has caused significant impacts over the years, including campsite impacts, campfire impacts, and proliferation of undesignated trails. For the Hot Spot activation, the Subaru/Leave No Trace Team will be at Panthertown Valley leading a variety of workshops, outreach programs and community events, including opportunities for community involvement.

*Panthertown Valley is located on the ancestral lands of the ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East) and possibly other tribes*

Solutions

During the Hot Spot activation, the Subaru/Leave No Trace Team led a variety of workshops, outreach programs and community events at Panthertown Valley. The team hosted a Leave No Trace Introductory Workshop – Skills & Ethics which covered the following topics:  

• Overview of Leave No Trace principles that protect the outdoors while minimizing our impacts to the land, soil, vegetation, water, wildlife, cultural resources and other visitors.
• Leave No Trace guidelines to practice, promote and share whether in the backcountry, frontcountry, your favorite local parks and natural areas or in your everyday life.
• Programs and resources of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and ways to get more involved.

During The Great Panthertown Campsite Clean-up service project, volunteers worked on projects addressing campsite impacts such as removing trash, pruning and dispersing brush, drainage improvements, campfire ring and tent pad upkeep. Volunteers were introduced to Leave No Trace and the Hot Spot program, received a rundown on the service project and safety briefing, and learned more about how to protect Panthertown Valley.