Panthertown is a popular 10,000+ acre backcountry recreation area in Nantahala National Forest. Panthertown lies on the eastern continental divide in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Often referred to as “the Yosemite of the East”, Panthertown has more than thirty miles of trails, deep gorges and broad valleys, mountain bogs and granitic rock domes, tranquil creeks and plunging waterfalls. Friends of Panthertown provides volunteers and raises funds for much needed conservation projects in Panthertown Valley. We encourage environmental stewardship, volunteerism, and create public awareness of issues concerning Panthertown. The mission of Friends of Panthertown is to work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley. What We Do: • Engage volunteers in on-the-ground efforts at monthly work days • Foster environmental stewardship through outreach and education • Restore and maintain 30 miles of public non-motorized trails • Construct trail-head facilities and repair bridges and existing structures • Protect natural resources and monitor fragile ecosystems • Collaborate with stakeholders to develop solutions to natural resource issues • Provide funding for conservation projects through grants and membership contribution