Editing Ridge Crest Trail

{{Trail
|Trail Highlight=Steep descent to Cherokee Lake
|Park=Panther Creek State Park
|Trail Marking=Black arrow on silver diamond
|Trail Use=Hiking, Geocaching
|Trail Features=Lakes
|Difficulty Rating=Medium
|Hike Time=60 min
|Trail Distance=0.70 mi
|Round Trip Distance=1.4
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
|High Point=1375 ft
|Low Point=1073 ft
|Elevation Gain=55 ft
|Elevation Loss=324 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=West-to-East
|Parking location=36.21085, -83.42207
|Trailhead location=36.21064, -83.42359
}}
{{Trail Map}}

__TOC__

==Trail Overview==
Descend on rocky path from Smallman Area parking on highpoint to Cherokee Lake - and back up!

==How To Get There==
Once at the state park, stay on Panther Creek Park Road to the parking lot near very end.  Trailhead just to the west of the "heart" turnaround.

==Route Description==
[[File:PCSP Ridge Crest Trail Profile.png|thumb|right|Trail Profile]]
For the hiking club, this trail is medium difficulty due to short length and limited elevation change but modified in this range for the strength of your knees.  However, for general public, it is difficult due to rocky tread with a couple of steep parts.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Mileage !! Feature !! Elevation 
|-
| 0.00 || Trailhead with bench nearby || 1345
|-
| 0.6 || Intersection with Hunt Knob Trail || 1152
|-
| 0.7 || At Cherokee Lake || 1078
|}

==Typical Conditions==
Rocky as the trail follows the ridgeline outcropping, but also would not recommend during/after a rain as likely slick on the clay soil.  The path itself is poorly marked in places due to many social trails as visitors scramble.  Know that you're going down and then back up.  Highly recommend a walking stick or trekking poles.

==Miscellaneous Information==
The parking area offers the best vista of Cherokee Lake, although there would be more views when the leaves are down. 
 At the Smallman Area, there are many picnic tables, restroom, and a shelter which can be rented.

Prickly pear cactus can be seen growing in places along the Ridge Crest Trail.

==Gallery==
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Photo spot
|Marker Title=At Cherokee Lake
|Marker Description=[[Image:Cherokee_Lake.jpg|150px|View across the lake]]
|Marker Location=36.20888,-83.43246
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail sign
|Marker Title=Trail intersection
|Marker Description=Ridge Crest / Hunt Knob
|Marker Location=36.20816,-83.43180
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail sign
|Marker Title=Trailhead sign
|Marker Description=Ridge Crest Trail start
|Marker Location=36.21064,-83.42359
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Overlook
|Marker Title=Parking Overlook
|Marker Description=Cherokee Lake vista
|Marker Location=36.21137,-83.42153
}}