We just finished a 7.5 mile hike of Panther Creek Falls in Clarkesville, GA about 1 hour north of home. It was a spur of the moment, let’s take a Friday hike! I am sore, I am tired and I loved it!
We took Onyx on his first long hike and swim. The top was off the Jeep and the day held no humidity and perfect for a hike! We stopped in town for a bit at Yonah Coffee and enjoyed the service. I ordered some potato salad, and let me clarify, there are two types of potato salad in the south; the one made by a Karen or Sally for the ladies auxiliary club and the type you would find in a backyard bbq on a Saturday with lots of music, dancing and laughter….this was the Karen Salad, bland and flavorless… I need some kick, some paprika or some Slap Yo Mama seasoning…to my son, do not have the potato salad at this place.
We journeyed down a country road for two miles to be met with private property signs, when you see a No Trespassing tacked to a tree 5x in the country, turn around. Do not pass Go and you will only collect buckshot to the backside….so turn around we did.
We finally found the parking spot and began the hike…it was rated as “strenuous” and I only agreed when we returned. It was a beautiful hike along Panther Creek, the entire hike is along the river with beautiful camping spots. The “mile markers” do not mark the trail by miles, it’s 3.78 to the falls and the final marker number is 21.
The waterfall was absolutely breathtaking with a sandy beach! Onyx played with two other dogs 10x his size, he swam as many people do when the weather allows. We met people along the trail but at the falls spoke with a man my age and his dog from Lilburn, just out for some peace!
My goal was to (1) spend some time in a natural setting with Rachel and get back to something we enjoy (2) ride with the top off the Jeep and just enjoy the day! Both accomplished we are all the better for doing so.
My advice, get out and enjoy nature. When I walk in the woods along a creek it reminds me of my childhood home and the 51 acres of woods and rivers. It takes me to a simpler time and I forget all about the woes or pressures of life, we all have them, you will have them, so find your zen and just get lost in it. Take your mind back to simpler times!
Alex Putman 