View Full Version : Standing Indian, NC - suggested hikes
We're planning on a 3 day two night in the Standing Indian area mid Jan 06. Anyone have any suggestions for parking, routes, etc?
bobgessner57
12-19-2005, 00:02
You can park at the trailhead parking area at the Standing Indian campground. The campground itself will not be open but the parking area is. The Kimsey Creek trail leads from the parking area up to the AT at Deep Gap. Go north on the AT and over Standing Indian, and on as far north as you want. If you go to Rock Gap you will come to another trailhead parking area for the Wasilik poplar. That parking area is on the road into the campground about a mile or two above the campground. There are also side trails leading from the AT down to the campground that offer options for shorter trips.
My wife just went to sleep by all my maps and trip notes. If you need some more detailed info I'll be happy to look it up tomorrow evening when I won't be waking her up by rummaging in the files. My son and I did this trip a couple of years ago between Christmas and New Years. Quite cold, light snow, sectacular views- a cold front came through and made the air as clear as I have ever seen it. The view from Albert Mtn was awesome. Hope your trip is as nice as ours was.
Skidsteer
12-19-2005, 06:36
You can also reach the AT at Deep Gap by taking Tallulah river rd(on the GA side). Drive until the road ends in a parking lot, hike the Deep gap trail @2.5 miles to Deep gap on the AT. It's @ 2.5 miles more to the summit of Standing Indian. Caution: Deep gap trail has an 1/2-3/4 mile section in the middle that's a little rough for those not in good shape.
orangebug
12-19-2005, 11:09
Assuming you walk up Kimsey Creek Trail, camp the first night on Standing Indian (great sunrise and night time sky), you might press to walk up and over Albert Mtn on day 2 and camp at the shelter just north. If not that enthusiastic, stop at Carter Gap shelter or camp in one of the gaps south of Albert for night 2. Day three would take you over Albert and past the shelter to Glassmine Gap. The blueblaze from there takes you straight to the backcountry parking at Standing Indian Campground.
A SOBO option would be to go up to Glassmine Gap, but take the Lower Ridge Trail down from Standing Indian back to the parking lot. It is a real fast downhill walk, but doesn't have the water of Kimsey Creek.
Rain Man
12-19-2005, 12:34
The Kimsey Creek Trail is not as well-marked nor nearly as well maintained as the AT itself. So, just be prepared. I had to take it one evening and lost the trail once darkness fell, even though I have night-hiked several times with little trouble. If you're on it during daylight, your only problem will be whether it has been cleared lately. The side trails seem almost never as good as the AT itself.
Another hint/warning is that there are two Carter Gap Shelters. If you don't realize that, you might stay in the old one and never realize what a nice new one is just up the trail another few yards on the east side.
Have a great hike!
Rain:sunMan
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