Standing Indian

So why is this mountain called "Standing Indian"?  According to Cherokee myth, the peak is the stone remains of an actual watchman, an Indian warrior sent to the mountaintop to keep a lookout for the winged monster that had stolen a village child. When the Great Spirit answered the village's prayers and destroyed the monster with a furious lightning storm, the mountain was shattered and the lone scout was turned to stone. The legend also "explains" the treeless heath or shrub bald summit, covered primarily with purple rhododendron.

We'll start our hike up the (steep) 4.2 mile Lower Ridge trail, connecting with the AT for 1 mile to the summit of SI. Hiking another mile after lunch to the Kimsey Creek trailhead & continue down this trail for 3.7 miles back to the campground< 

The overall pace for this hike will be considered moderate, but we will be slowing down for the steep inclines and bushwhack section.  If you are looking for a fast paced fitness hike, this is not the hike for you.  Please be aware that you still need to be in excellent shape to attempt this hike.  If you have not completed any D5 hikes recently, the trip leaders will contact you to determine your hiking experience and reserve the right to remove any registrants that they feel may not be able to keep pace with the group.

After the hike on our way back to Atlanta, we will stop for dinner in Clayton.  If you do not intend to have dinner with the group, then plan on driving separately unless you can coordinate with others at the carpool who will need to return to Atlanta early. 

This event will not allow 'meet at event', but we can pick up folks in Clayton, just let the trip leader know well in advance.

From the Indian Trail park & ride, take I-85 North. After 11 miles bear left to take I-985 North. This road will change to GA 365, US 441, and US 23. Stay on it for 75 miles, then stop at the Burger King in Clayton for a pit-stop and to meet the trip coordinator. Once back on the 441, continue 21 miles to Franklin, NC. Make a left (west) onto US 64 West and travel 10 miles, then turn left on to S.R. 1448 (Old US 64). Continue on S.R. 1448 to Wallace Gap and turn right, following the sign to Standing Indian Campground. Do not turn into the campground but continue on S.R. 1448 to the parking area at the Backcountry Information Center (just a big sign). We'll be driving on paved road the entire way.