Standing Indian / Albert Mountain loop

 Interested in a little workout before the Thanksgiving holiday? After (re)reading Bill Bryson's "A walk in the woods" and their "epic" snow storm adventure on Albert Mountain, it is time to explore this section of the AT in person (not necessarily re-live the adventure though)! 

Starting at the Standing Indian Campground, we will hike up the Lower Ridge Trail (~4.3 miles) to the summit of Standing Indian (5498 ft). After a short break to enjoy the summit view, we turn north on the AT and hike about 13 miles to Albert Mountain (5250 ft). From there, we can descend past Big Spring shelter to the Long Branch trail intersection (~3 miles) and head back to our cars at Standing Indian Campground (~2 miles). 

THIS IS AN EXPLORATORY TRIP FOR ADVANCED HIKERS ONLY. The mileage, elevation change and potential weather (snow at these elevations in late November is not uncommon) will make this a challenging hike; the tripleader reserves the right to remove participants that don't have the experience/track record. 

Take I-85 N 10.8 miles to I-985 N 

Follow I-985 23.7 miles to GA-365 N / US-23 N

After 28.9 miles take a slight left and continue to follow US-23 N / US-441 N toward Clayton

After 43.7 miles turn left onto US-64 W

After 11.9 miles turn left onto State Rd 1448 / Allison Creek Rd / W Old Murphy Rd

After 1.9 Miles turn right onto National Forrest Service Rd

Standing Indian Campground will be 1.6 Miles in on your right

GPS Cordinates 35.076616 , -83.528391