Standing Indian Loop

Join us on an out-and-back hike starting and ending at Standing Indian campground, near Franklin, NC. We will head west and south from the campground on the beautiful Kinsey Creek Trail to Deep Gap where we join the Appalachian Trail. We hike on the AT for a few miles to Standing Indian Mountain, where we will enjoy spectacular view. There is a chance we will encounter AT through hikers here. After enjoying the views, and likely lunch, we will turn around and follow the same path back to the beginning. We will cover 12.7 miles with 2,730 feet of elevation gain. There are a number of chances to get your feet wet on this hike, so come prepared!

This hike is a strenuous hike that is not for beginners. You must have recent D5 AOC hikes or provide the trip leaders with links to recordings of comparable hikes, which the trip leader will consider. If you do not have appropriate experience, you will be moved to the waitlist.

The duration of this hike is an estimate, as when I did it last I did a loop hike rather than an out-and-back. I decided that the other trail I used wasn't nice enough, so we will go out and back on the same trails. So I can only guess how long it will take. 

From the intersection of US 441/23 and US 64 south of Franklin, NC, take US 64 12 miles to Old US 64/West Old Murphy Road and turn left.

Go 1.8 miles on Old US 64/West Old Murphy Road and turn right onto Forest Service 67/Upper Nantahala Road.

Pass Rock Gap parking area at .5 miles and continue to 1.8 miles where the Standing Indian parking area is on the right. If you get to the Long Branch trailhead, turn around and go back .2 miles.

In Google Maps or Apple Maps, enter "Standing Indian Campground."

There is a $5 parking fee for the Standing Indian Campground parking.

Here is the route we will take: