Wilderness Falls

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

Hike Description: You’ll descend on Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) from the gate for 0.25 mile, then turn right on Wilderness Falls Trail (#490) a few hundred feet before Salt Rock. At 0.4 mile, the trail turns sharply left, dropping off the ridge. It descends 0.2 mile from the ridge to the base of the falls.
The trail continues downstream from the falls and reaches Deep Gap Trail (#449) in about 0.4 mile. The short path to Frolictown Falls is straight ahead. A left turn on Deep Gap Trail leads back to Panthertown Valley Trail near Salt Rock. Rather than backtrack, you might as well do a loop and add Frolictown Falls. You can also add Granny Burrell Falls for an easy half-day outing. A Guide’s Guide to Panthertown shows all the trails.
In the last edition, I stated that the trail leads from the base of Wilderness Falls to Salt Rock. That section has been closed for safety and environmental concerns. It’s mostly grown over and indiscernible. Please stay on the official trails.

Overview: See the Panthertown Valley introduction for general information about the area.
Everyone reacts the same way when they see this waterfall for the first time: “Wow, I wasn’t expecting this!” The reaction is even more pronounced when hikers approach the falls from the bottom. From that direction, the path follows the calmly meandering Frolictown Creek, then turns to follow the equally calm Double Knob Gap Branch upstream. Just when you get the feeling you’re too far upstream on this little creek for there to be a significant waterfall, wham, there it is.
The creek is unnamed on the topo map. In the last edition, I listed it as a tributary of Frolictown Creek. The name Double Knob Gap Branch seems to have taken hold. I’ve also heard the waterfall called Double Knob Gap Falls. I first saw the name Wilderness Falls on a Forest Service map shortly after the last edition, and it’s the name Burt Kornegay uses on his map. Given the exploding popularity of Panthertown’s waterfalls, you might not think it an appropriate name. It probably won’t feel much like wilderness when you’re sharing the waterfall with several other hikers.

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