July 11, 2017
Standing Indian Mt. from Deep Gap
Today's hike was from Deep Gap to a point about a half mile beyond the summit of Standing Indian
Trail information
This portion of the A.T. is nice for a summertime hike. 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 - 6.25 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 73 degrees F.
Hikers (11)
- Joe Collins
- Renee Corbett
- Stephen Gales
- Jenna Hensley
- Bill Hunt
- Gary King
- Dick Metzgar
- Terre Pratt
- Tony Presley
- Vic Robson
- Linda Schultz
Flowers in bloom
Starry Campion, False Foxglove, Wild Phlox, Spiderwort, Indian Cucumber Root, Galax, Sundrops, Whorled Loosestrife, Mt. Hydrangea, Rosebay Rhododendron, Purple Flowering Raspberry, Fire Pink, Queen Ann's Lace, Wood Aster, Woodland Sunflower, Red Bee Balm, White Bee Balm, Tall Bluets
Birds identified
Towhee, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Pine Warbler, Junco, Blue-headed Vireo, Black-throated Blue Warbler, White-breasted Nuthatch
Photos (14)
Our hike started at Deep Gap. Early into the hike, we enter the Wilderness Area. The beautiful Appalachin Trail ! Wild Phlox! The A.T. is marked with a single white blaze along the path. If you see a double white blaze, it means that there is a junction or fork in the trail ahead. Mushrooms of the week!. We see lots of evidence of the wild fires that hit the area in Oct.- Dec. 2016. Most areas have recovered very well but there are some areas that have not recovered so far. As we approach the summit, we see more damaged trees! This is just the beginning of Aster season. View one from the summit! The views at the top have openend up due to the fire damage. The views are great at elevations above 5,000 ft. Woodland Sunflower The OFHC gang for today's hike (l-r kneeling) Bill Hunt, Stephen Gales, Joe Collins, Linda Schultz, Jenna Hensley, Terry Pratt, Gary King, Renee Corbett, Dick Metzgar, Vic Robson and Tony Presley.