Summer in Atlanta is a time when most of us search for ways to keep cool, or at least comfortable. The heat and humidity of summer is even harder on pets, and make staying inside an appealing choice.

For some of us, staying inside is boring, and for us Atlanta locals, the nearby north Georgia mountains offer a break from the summer temperatures. The higher elevation makes it a few degrees cooler, the high tree canopy keeps the suns heat away from the ground, and if there happens to be a cool mountain stream running alongside the trail, it will help lower the temperature even more. If your destination is a waterfall with a pool of clear mountain water to cool off in, the hike is even more worthwhile.

Panther Creek Falls is just such a place. Located just north of Clarksville in northeast Georgia, Panther Creek Falls is a 3.5 mile hike from the trailhead on Hwy 441.

The trail is easy, with a few short areas of minor difficulty. The first of these comes at about the 3/4 mile point, where the trail makes a sharp left turn, and you have to climb up about 8-10 feet through a crevice in the rock. This isn’t too difficult, but coming back it presented a problem. Dylan and Roger had no trouble climbing up, but it was too steep and narrow for them too get down. I had to carry each of them, which took a little coaxing, especially in the case of Dylan, who at 80 pounds isn’t accustomed to being carried anywhere.

Once you are up through the crevice, the trail is level and easy for about 21/2 miles, until you get near the falls, where it gets a little tricky, but nothing to worry about. Panther Creek Falls is one of the better waterfalls that Georgia has to offer. There is an overlook near the top which offers a great view , and when you get to the bottom a different view of the falls and pool awaits you.

The pool is pretty large, about 200 yards wide, and the water is cool and refreshing. There are always people swimming on weekends. The dogs love it. Dylan heads right out to the middle of the pool, while Roger, who can swim if he has too, but looks ridiculus doing it, likes to stay where he can touch bottom.

A lot of people swim over to the falls and climb around on the rocks. You can get under the cascading water for that ‘waterfall beating you on the head’ feeling that everyone enjoys.

After a swim, the lunch you brought will taste great. The rest of the day can be spent swimming, reading, talking to people you meet, or just hanging out. There are worse places to spend a hot summer day than Panther Creek Falls.

To get there, take I-85 north to I-985. Stay on I-985, which will become US 23/GA 365, until you reach US 441, about 50 miles. Go north on 441 about 9 miles, past the town of Hollywood, to Panther Creek Recreation Area on the left. The trailhead is on the right side of the road across from the recreation area.