AT Fix 5: STANDING INDIAN - Sat, Aug 23 2025

AT Fix 5: STANDING INDIAN

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Standing Indian

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Aug 23 2025 7:00 am >> Sat, Aug 23 2025 2:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Thu, Jul 24 2025 7:07 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Aug 21 2025 7:07 pm

Event Duration:

7 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

10.4 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Kiran
Mahsheed

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

11 / 3 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

FIRST THINGS First:

This is NOT a hike for BEGINNERS! This strenuous, 2500+ foot elevation gain hike, is only for members with recent D4+ experience who can maintain a moderate pace and stay with the group. If you are new to AOC and have hiking experience outside the club, prepare to discuss it. So, if you have mobility issues, are recovering from injury, or prefer a slow pace, please sit this one out!

That said, all those many years ago, I remember signing up for my first hike with AOC - to Standing Indian. In a way, by posting this hike, I am reliving the past; going back to where AOC began for me. So, for you chronic D5-vers out there, this will be an oldie, but goodie, and if you are new to AOC, this is the one that'll make you stay!

The plan: Start at the Kimsey Creek trailhead parking, hike approx. 4 miles up the Lower Trail ridgeway past Frog Mountain, to the summit of Standing indian (5502"), which incidentally is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail (AT), south of the Smokies. Several oohs and aahs, and a quick lunch later, pick up the westbound AT and head downhill to Deep Gap, then north along the Kimsey Creek Trail back to the campground, and our cars.

Required Items to Bring:

Weather appropriate clothing

Hiking boots/shoes w/ good traction

Headlamp

Water (2 to 3 litres), and

Your SOH (sense of humor)

Cash for gas (for your carpool driver)

Towel to sit on - for the ride back

Paper sack or bag - for mucky boots

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Trekking poles

Hat & sunglasses

Raingear or poncho (just in case)

Snack/Lunch

Camera

Dark chocolate (for Kiran)!

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

I will email participants the exact meeting location and detailed directions a few days before the event.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

230Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $92.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

Please, no unregistered guests or +Ones!

Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event, make it difficult for those on the waitlist to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible.

Please note: Members who sign up and fail to attend an event with an active waitlist, will automatically earn a “no show.”

If you need to get in touch with me, the best way is to TEXT me with your NAME at 4O4 7-Five-4 5OO5.

I usually hike RAIN-or-SHINE! However, in case of severe weather or other unforeseen emergencies that warrant a cancellation, I will text/email you at least TWO HOURS before the start of the event.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

If Life happens, and you need to cancel, please go to the AOC website and deregister by the deadline. If the site will not cooperate, TEXT me with your NAME at 4O4 7-Five-4 5OO5. FYI, thanks to those annoying robocalls, calling me will send you to my voicemail, but feel free to leave a message.

In order to earn credit for this event, participants must begin and complete the entire hike/event with the group, or within the stated time frame.