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Northeast Georgia HikingNew & Old Friends Who Like to Hike

June 14, 2016

Appalachian Trail - Standing Indian Mountain - NC

This week's hike was on the Appalachian Trail near Franklin, NC from Deep Gap to Standing Indian Mountain and back. Total hike today 5.25 miles. From Wikipedia: According to Cherokee mythology, Standing Indian Mountain is the remains of a warrior who turned to stone because he failed to remain at his post. This Indian warrior had been sent to the mountaintop to keep a lookout for the winged monster which came from the sky and stole children. The winged monster was captured and then the Great Spirit destroyed the monster with thunder and lightning. However, because the Indian warrior became afraid and ran away from his post, he was turned to stone for his cowardice. The Cherokee called Standing Indian Mountain Yunwitsule-nunyi, which means "where the man stood."

Trail information

This portion of the A.T. is nice for a summertime hike. Only 5.25 miles round trip and the air is always a bit cooler here along with great views at the summit of Standing Indian. It is a persistent uphill climb to the summit. The actual summit is on a short side trail to the right around 2.5 miles from Deep Gap. Near the same point, you will also see a side trail to the left (Lower Ridge Trail) that leads down to Standing Indian Campground. Total hiking distance today - 5.25 miles with a large mostly gradual elevation gain. We rate the hike only moderately strenuous

Directions

From Franklin, NC, go West on US64 14 miles (from the overpass where US23 turns South toward Atlanta) to FS71 Deep Gap Rd. It is the first road to the left past the County Line sign (Clay County). Drive approximately 5.8 miles on this gravel road (FS 71) to the end of the road - Deep Gap parking lot. Another great day for a hike! WILD

Conditions

Partly cloudy and mild with temperatures ranging from 67 to 74 degrees F.

Hikers (14)

  • John Anderson
  • John Bellamy
  • June Bellamy
  • Bob Browe
  • Joe Collins
  • Greta Driggers
  • Jim Driggers
  • Bill Hunt
  • Deena Johns
  • Mike Jones
  • Tony Presley
  • Doris Richardson
  • Gerald Richardson
  • Vic Robson

Flowers in bloom

Indian Cucumber Root, Indian Physic, Carolina Bugbane, Galax, Sundrops, Whorled Loosestrife, Mt. Hydrangea, Flame Azalea, Catawba Rhododendron, Purple Flowering Raspberry, Fire Pink, Goat's Beard, Bluets, Flowering Spurge, Meadow Rue

Birds identified

Towhee, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Pine Warbler, Junco, Blue-headed Vireo, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Veery, Ovenbird, White-breasted Nuthatch

Photos (14)

  • Parking at the end of FS Road 71
  • Appalachian Trail marker at Deep Gap.
  • Footbridge early into the hike.
  • The old wilderness sign has been replaced with a nice new sign.
  • A good wildflower day!
  • Numerous Flame Azaleas in shades from Yellow to bright red.
  • The beautiful NC Appalachian Trail.
  • Beautiful views from the summit of Standing Indian Mountain.
  • View 2
  • View 3
  • The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r front) Bob Browe, Doris Richardson, Gerald Richardson, Vic Robson and Joe Collins. (l-r back) Tony Presley, Bill Hunt, Jim Driggers, Greta Driggers, Deena Johns, John Bellamy, June Bellamy and John Anderson. (Not Pictured Mike Jones and "Barney").