Frolictown Falls

Hike Description: You’ll descend on Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) from the gate for 0.3 mile to Salt Rock, which offers a wide-open view of the valley. Continue descending on the road. At 0.59 mile, you’ll reach a fork. The road to the left provides the easiest access to Granny Burrell Falls. Take the right fork onto Deep Gap Trail (#449). It follows a mostly level course for about 0.25 mile, then descends moderately to the ford of Frolictown Creek at 0.43 mile from the road fork. There are side paths on both sides of the road 20 yards before the ford. The path on the right leads to Wilderness Falls. The path on the left leads a few yards to the base of Frolictown Falls.

Overview: See the Panthertown Valley introduction for general information about the area.
Although you wouldn’t want to make a special trip just to see this waterfall, its location makes it part of a great waterfall loop. Just before the side path to Frolictown Falls, you’ll pass a side trail entering from the left. This is Great Wall Trail (#489), which goes to a ford of Panthertown Creek. On the other side of the creek is a path leading down to Granny Burrell Falls. You could hike to Granny Burrell first, come here, then go to Wilderness Falls.
The orange-brown color of the water in Frolictown Creek is natural. It comes from tannic acid leaching from the soil. Most streams in Panthertown Valley have this coloration.
 

Directions to Trailhead:

1. See the Panthertown Valley introduction for directions to the Salt Rock Gap trailhead, on the west side.

Trails and Waterfalls can be dangerous; take no chances, only photos for memories. Read our Safety and Insider tips to have a safe, fun and enjoyable trip to Jackson County.

Leave No Trace — Seven Principles

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more details, visit www.lnt.org
©1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics