Lee and Karen Duquette,
The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
hiked to Panther Falls
Panther Falls Road
in Buena Vista, VA 24416
(although some web sites list it in Amherst VA)
April 7, 2019

Panther Falls is an extremely popular local swimming hole and waterfall on the Pedlar River east of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Buena Vista. On summer days, the falls are packed with people jumping from the top of the two rock shelves that frame the 10-foot falls. The very short hike to the falls is only .4 miles. But the road driving in requires caution.

In the summer, the parking lot is packed until the early evening. If you want to skip the crowds, come early on weekdays or in the early evening. Avoid weekends if crowds are undesirable.

Below: Panther Falls Road (FDR-315) is a narrow, curvy, gravel road, 3.5 miles long, with steep drop-offs and ditches. As Lee Duquette drove their car, Karen Duquette tried looking as far ahead around the corners for on-coming cars.

Below: The hike was short and level and not very hard, although Lee and Karen Duquette had to be careful not to trip over multiple tree roots along the way.

Below: Lee and Karen Duquette found the trail to be extremely MUDDY from being crossed by small streams. They recommend caution and proper shoes on this and all hiking trails.

Below: Lee and Karen Duquette arrived at Panther Falls just as a group of young people had finished swimming, so the nice youngsters took a photo of Karen and Lee Duquette.

Below: Then Lee Duquette took a couple of selfies. Lee has finally learned to smile while taking selfies. Often he is so focused on what is in the background that he forgets to smile. (Oldsters can learn new tricks too!) ha! ha!

Below: This is where the young people had been swimming when Lee and Karen Duquette first arrived here. An undercut ledge rings the pool and currents can be strong, making climbing out of the water challenging and requires caution. Not something that Lee and Karen Duquette want to do, especially in this cooler weather.

Below: Different views of the waterfall. Lee and Karen Duquette find themselves alone so often, so they have learned to be extra cautious because there is no help around if they get hurt.

Below: Karen Duquette photographed the flow of water from each side of the big boulder she was standing on.

Below: Then it was time for Lee and Karen Duquette to hike back to their car.

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