Panther Creek Trails
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Hiking            Biking            Equestrienne
	Deer Run Trail - 0.8 Mile, Moderately Difficult
The Deer Run trail passes through cedar glades and pine stands and features a series of curves and short, gentle hills.  This trail runs parallel to Cherokee Lake and is named for its similarity to a naturally winding white-tailed deer path.  The Deer Run Trail is used primarily as a connector trail between Panther Path and Trout Lily trail.
	Hunt Knob Trail - 7 Mile Loop, Moderate to Difficult
The 7-mile Hunt Knob trail is the longest trail in the park.  This scenic trail follows the perimeter of Cherokee Lake 5 miles before ascending Hunt Knob Ridge.  The trail offers variety from easy, straight, gently sloping sections along the lakeshore to strenuous, hilly sections around Hunt Knob.
	Lost Road Trail - 3.5 Mile Loop, Difficult
This scenic trail follows portions of the "goat paths" or crude roads traveled by settlers in the early 1900's.  The Lost Road trail steeply ascends River Ridge, passing the remaining stone pile foundations and privy depressions of early home sites.  This is an excellent trail for observing the park's largest mammal, the white-tailed deer.
	Maple Arch Trail - 3.5 Mile Loop, Moderately Difficult
The 3.5 mile Maple Arch trail loop is moderately difficult and features short, steep hills and one very steep ascent.  This trail is named for the unique tendency of Red and Silver Maple trees to form arches as they grow over the trail corridor.  Much of the trail follows the shoreline of Cherokee Lake before sharply ascending River Ridge.  The Maple Arch trail is excellent for observing waterfowl and other wildlife and offers many captivating views of Cherokee Lake.
	Norris Blackburn Trail - 0.2 Mile, Moderately Difficult
The Norris Blackburn trail features a short, moderately steep ascent to the park's wildlife observatory.  This is an excellent location to hear owls in the early evening or observe migratory birds in the fields below.  Hikers may also access the Hunt Knob and Old Wagon trails from this trail.
	Old Wagon Trail - 0.8 Mile, Easy
The Old Wagon trail is the most popular trail at the park and is excellent for all ages and abilities.  This trail follows the contour of Panther Creek and features a flat, wide surface ideal for mountain biking, hiking or jogging.  This is an excellent trail for the wildlife enthusiast, as many different birds and animals are frequently observed along this trail early in the morning.
	Ore Mine Trail - 1.5 Mile Loop, Moderately Difficult
The Ore Mine trail is a moderately difficult loop featuring a series of short, steep hills. This trail is named for manganese mining operations in the area during the early 1800's.  Manganese is an important property in the production of steel and has long been related to glass making.  The Egyptians and Romans used manganese ore to tint glass purple, pink and black.
	Panther Path Trail - 2 Mile Loop, Easy
Panther Path is an easy 2 mile loop featuring a series of flat, gentle curves and one steep ascent.  This trail passes through open fields and shaded stands of hardwood, offering many captivating views of Panther Creek.  Panther Path is an excellent choice for young bikers and beginning hikers.
	Piney Cove Trail - 0.6 Mile, Moderately Difficult
The Piney Cove trail passes through stands of Virginia and White Pie and features a series of gentle curves and one short, steep ascent.  Generally used as a connector trail between Panther Path and the Old Farm trails, the Piney Cove trail is an excellent choice for the novice mountain biker or hiker.
	Pioneer Trail - 2.6 Mile Loop, Moderately Difficult
The Pioneer Trail is a moderately difficult loop featuring a series of curves and short, steep hills.  This trail winds through stands of Shortleaf Pine and Eastern Red Cedar trees then ascends into a community of mixed hardwood trees.  this is an excellent trail for the wildlife enthusiast, as many different birds and animals are frequently observed along this trail.
	Point Lookout Trail - 1.2 Mile Loop, Moderately Difficult
The Point Lookout trail is a moderately difficult 1.2 mile loop steeply ascending to an elevation 400 feet above Lake Cherokee.  Point Lookout is the highest elevation in the park at 1,460 feet above sea level.  Along this trail, hikers are rewarded with a breath-taking view overlooking Cherokee Lake.  Hikers may access the Lake Trail at the lower end of this trail.
	Ridge Crest Trail - 0.7 Mile, Difficult
The Ridge Crest trail is a very difficult 0.7-mile trail steeply descending along Hunt Knob ridge to the lakeshore below.  Hikers may access Hunt Knob trail near the lower end of the Ridge Crest Trail or continue on to the shore of Lake Cherokee.  The trail ends with a breath-taking view of the lake.  Look for communities of Prickly Pear cactus growing in abundance along the trail.
	Road to Recycling Trail - 1.1 Mile, Easy
This self-guided Road to Recycling trail educates park visitors on the benefits of conserving natural resources.  Signs located along the trail were made possible through a partnership between Panther Creek State Park and the Morristown-Hamblen Chapter of Keep America Beautiful.  This trail was also awarded the Governor's Greenways and Trails Stewardship Award in 2004.
	Seven Sinkholes - 0.6 Mile, Easy
Sinkholes develop when rainfall dissolves the under-layer of porous limestone rock forming cavities.  These cavities and depressions within the limestone gradually enlarge creating sinkholes.  This easy 0.6-mile trail meanders around seven distinct sinkholes before dipping into a lush valley of cedar and pine.
	Trout Lily Trail - 2 Mile Loop, Moderate to Difficult
The Trout Lily trail is a moderately difficult 2-mile loop featuring curves, short hills and one very rocky descent.  This trail is named after the wildflower found throughout the eastern United States with a leaf pattern similar in appearance to a speckled Brown Trout.  Look for the pale yellow blossoms of the Trout Lily from march to May in the moist open woods along the trail.

    

    

 

 

2008 Friends of Panther Creek State Park