Despite increased visitation, Friends of Panthertown has received ZERO reports of recent bear/human interactions in Panthertown since the installation of "bear boxes" in the valley.
In 2020, Friends of Panthertown installed two large metal bear-proof food storage vaults, or “bear boxes”, to help prevent bear/human interactions by keeping food and scented items away from the bears. The vaults are approved containers for storing food, however they have limited storage capacity and are only available on a first come, first served basis. There are no guarantee these vaults will be available when you or your group visit, especially on a busy weekend.
Bring your own approved containers to be sure.
One of the installed vaults is located near the Great Wall shelter, and another is located near where Greenland Creek and Panthertown Creek meet to form the Tuckasegee River.
We plan to install three additional vaults this year.
Please note: The use of traditional methods of hanging your food are no longer approved by USFS for food storage in Panthertown unless also combined with the use of a bear-resistant container.
Our dedicated Stew Crew staff and volunteers work year-round maintaining 30 miles of backcountry trails in Panthertown Valley across 6,311 acres of public land. Everyone is welcome to volunteer. No experience is required.
Get your boots dirty and join the conservation conversation. We have upcoming trail stewardship work days coming up in the forest with plenty of volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers welcome in Panthertown! - Click to watch a short 2 minute video!
Friends, you can support the conservation, stewardship, and maintenance needs of Panthertown Valley by making a tax-deductible donation to the Panthertown Stewardship Fund. THANK YOU!
