About Panther Creek Trail
Panther Creek Trail links the Tremont side of the park to the Elkmont side through the backcountry. It climbs about 2.2 miles and 1,350 feet from the Middle Prong Trail to a junction with the Jakes Creek and Miry Ridge trails. You reach it after about 3 miles on the Middle Prong Trail from Tremont.
The hike
The trail follows a creek drainage and then climbs steeply through hardwood forest. It is mostly used by backpackers building loops that connect Tremont and Elkmont.
When to go
Spring to fall are best.
Getting there
Start at the Middle Prong trailhead at the end of Upper Tremont Road. Entry to the park is free, but a parking tag is required if you park more than 15 minutes: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year. America the Beautiful and other federal passes do not count, and the tag has to be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Overnight trips need a backcountry permit.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Middle Prong Trail: an easy railroad-grade walk to Lynn Camp Prong Cascades
- West Prong Trail: a 5.4-mile round trip along the river
- Little River Trail: a gentle railroad grade through old Elkmont
Planning and safety
Treat this as a full-day commitment. Steep mountain trail often takes closer to one mile per hour on the climbs, so build in extra time. Start early, set a firm turnaround time, carry a headlamp, and tell someone your plan before you lose cell service.
Weather in the Smokies changes fast, and it is noticeably cooler as you climb. Bring a rain layer even on a sunny morning, wear shoes with good traction, and carry more water than you expect to need. Black bears live throughout the park, so stay at least 50 yards away, never feed wildlife and store food properly. The park's hiking safety guidance is worth a read before any trip.
Good to know
- How long is Panther Creek Trail?
- Panther Creek Trail is 2.2 miles one way, with about 1,350 feet of climbing. It is rated strenuous.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
