Sat, Feb 6 2016 - High Falls, Big Scaly and Standing Indian - Third Attempt (View Original Event Details)
| Trip Leader(s): |  |
Jared S
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| Participants: | | Jared S, Tony Tennille, Ricky H, Arvin, Fardis, Mark P, Emily Boylan |
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Write Up:Another great hike up Standing Indian! The water was quite high so we used blowdowns to get across 3 of our water crossings. The fourth one we had to take shoes off. Thankfully the crossing was only a few steps because the water was ice cold! The stunning high running water was absolutely worth the inconvenience. Naturally High Falls was a bit more spectacular. Interestingly, I would say that we saw 3 waterfalls. Normally 2 of them are dribbles but not this time. We didn't see any snow but a little ice here and there on the rocks and branches in the river.
As for the Beech Creek Connector trail, we stayed on the left (north) side of the creek the entire way up. It was steep the whole way but we didn't run into the rock face. Definitely seemed to be a slight heard path but it comes and goes. It must get occasional traffic. I guess I would agree it is one of the steepest marked (barely) trail near us.
When we arrived at the top of the connector trail, we found a great cleared area for us to rest and eat lunch. Very pleasant in the sun.
After lunch, we quickly ascended Standing Indian via the AT. After checking out the main vista, I explored south and found a second vista. This second vista only had room for three or four at a time but it afforded a wider view. Brasstown, Yonah, Tray and others were spotted in the distant blue mountain horizon.
We descended down into Case Knife Gap as planned and hike up the Big Scaly ridge that seemed to have been recently cleaned up. By this time I think we were all feeling the miles and the elevation but we still had 3 or 4 more miles of descent.
The drive out of Tate City is always a treat but the high running bluish water was a nice way to top off a great day.
Total mileage was 13-14 miles and about 4000 feet of elevation.
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