March 6-8
Panthertown Trail, Sapphire, NC 28774
For our spring backpacking trip, Troop 1 is heading to the world famous Panthertown Valley near Lake Toxaway, NC. The Panthertown Valley is one of those unique places that are well revered by hiking and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as ecologists, in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The valley contains a network of hiking trails that travel to a variety of popular destinations within this 6,700 acre tract of high-elevation Forest Service land. At least 8 major waterfalls and countless smaller ones lie along the area’s streams. You’ll also find hikes that take you to cliff-top views of the surrounding mountains, or to sandy beaches on deep, clear swimming holes.
Plans are to leave the scout hut at 4:00 in the bus. There will be a hike (about ½ mile) in to our Friday campsite (we are hoping to be in a shelter, but have tents as a backup) which will be after dark so make sure you are prepared with light and batteries. After breakfast Saturday we will pack to our Saturday night campsite which will be tent or tarp camping in the wilderness. You will need to bring food for Saturday breakfast – Sunday breakfast in your pack. Make sure you arrange to bring or share with someone a backpacking type stove and a way to purify water. You will need your water bottle and mess kit with knife and fork. Use the knowledge the Camping Merit Badge has taught you. The troop will provide Friday dinner going up and Sunday lunch on the ride home.
Please register by the March 3rd scout meeting. There will be a $20 per person fee for this trip.
You must be ready to leave the Scout Hut at 4pm.
Panthertown registration has closed.