From Cashiers at the NC 107 / US 64 Junction, take US 64 east for 2 miles to Cedar Creek Road (SR 1120) on left. Or: From Sylva / Cullowhee / Tuckasegee, you can take a short cut and turn left on Bee Tree Road at Lake Glenville, to Cedar Creek Road on right.
From Asheville / Brevard / Toxaway, take US 64 west past Sapphire, turn right at Cedar Creek Road (SR 1120). IMPORTANT: DO NOT TRUST GOOGLE MAPS. It will take you to Cold Mountain Gap (east entrance). There are no vehicles permitted to drive through Panthertown, however that is what Google Maps wants you to do to access Salt Rock Gap (west entrance). Instead, take US 64 W past Sapphire. Link is provided simply to point to trailhead location.
Take Cedar Creek Road (SR 1120) for 2.3 miles to Breedlove Road (SR 1121) and then turn right. Go 3.5 miles to end of pavement, turn left onto gravel road to parking area. Drive slowly, watch for potholes. Trailheads begin near gate located at end of gravel road.