Hike to Frolictown Falls

This is an awesome hike to do if you're short on time or have hours to kill. Because it is so easy to access, it doesn't take very long to get down to it and can be accessed by two separate trails. Both trails are well maintained, however, while there are some blazes, it is not heavily marked. There are several side trails that go off the main one, but it should be obvious where the maintained trail leads. 

There is a small hut in the parking lot providing more trail and emergency contact information if needed. All of the trails in Panthertown Valley are numbered (this will be helpful when reading the topographic map before your hike).

No matter which way you decide to go, they both start on the Panthertown Valley Trail (474), located to the left of the parking lot as you pull in. Its graveled and acts as an access road for park employees. The first way you can go is by-way-of the Wilderness Falls Trail (490). You will see the sign for this trail about .2 miles into the hike from the parking lot. This will take you past Wilderness Falls (about .5 miles from the Wilderness Falls Trail sign) and through part of the valley to Frolictown Falls (it is about .35 miles between the two falls). You will come out and cross over the Deep Gap Trail (449). The falls is just on the other side of the trail (you should have no problem hearing the rushing of the falls). This way will be slightly longer due to the distance between the falls. 

The second way you can take is continuing on Panthertown Valley Trail (474) from the parking lot (past the Wilderness Falls Trail (490)) for about .3 miles until intersecting with Deep Gap Trail (449) on the right-hand side. This trail will continue for about .4 miles until you reach the falls on your left-hand-side. 

This hike can easily be done in a loop or out-and-back on the same trail; either way is going to be around 1.5 miles roundtrip. 

NOTES:

Make sure you let someone know where you are going! While there are maps of Panthertown and the recreation areas there, it is not heavily marked with blazes and signs! You can end up in the middle of nowhere quickly so let someone know an idea of where you're going and what time you will be coming out!

Be mindful of what you pack in! Its an awesome place to have lunch or snack break but make sure you pack all your trash out! Panthertown has had increased bear activity due to improper care for food (or products of food) so lets try and leave it better than we found it.

If its warm, bring your swimsuit! Even though this falls is small and not super deep, its a great place to cool off and relax!