Panther Creek Falls is the quintessential northeast Georgia waterfall hike. At 3.6 miles each way, this is among the longest tourist waterfall hikes in the state, but that never deters the crowds and for good reason. About 80 feet high with multiple tiers, Panther Creek Falls is a magnificent waterfall with one of the largest sandy waterfall beaches in Georgia. The deep, massive pool at its base makes for a terrific summer swimming hole. Towering white pine trees stand high overhead. 

The main trail to Panther Creek Falls begins along Old Historic Hwy 441. Much of the 3.6-mile trail is easy and gradual, with occasional moderate stretches and more rugged rock scrambling sections near the falls. It's downhill the whole way to the falls, so visitors often start feeling the difficulty a little more on their way out. As of 2026, the Panther Creek Trail is undergoing restoration to make it an easier hike among flood-damaged sections. An elaborate new footbridge over Panther Creek has recently been installed at a crossing where floods washed out the old bridge in 2020. 

Another trail is sometimes used to access Panther Creek Falls from the Yonah Dam area. Although a shorter hike at 2.5 miles, this trail is much more rugged with severe dropoffs and steep climbs. This side of the Panther Creek Trail also receives very little maintenance and usually contains numerous fallen trees. 

For detailed directions, see page 256 in Mark Ozboyd's "Waterfalls of Georgia" guidebook.