Big Scaly Mountain Loop Backpack

How about joining us for the start of the spring season of '26 with a 2 night camping trip into the Southern Nantahala Wilderness!

Big Scaly is the mountain just below Standing Indian.  This backpack is a loop of about 11 miles and has roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain (and loss...see trail profile below).  If you have not completed a D5 hike or backpacked recently, expect to have some conversation with a trip leader prior to the event. 

Depending on who participates in the carpool, we might skip a mile of the hike along the road by having a car available for a short shuttle between the two points of our hike. If not, the gravel road is actually kind of cool, for a road, since it follows the Tallulah river on a gravel road.

We'll hike clockwise, on the Chimney Rock Cliffs trail, just past Case Knife Gap, to a nice campsite along Beech Creek in the saddle between Big Scaly and Standing Indian. 

After setting up camp, and collecting some firewood together, we can explore the surrounding areas. There's options to walk along Beech Creek, or hike up to the top of Big Scaly. You can also opt to just hang around camp. It's a beautifui saddle nested between two iconic mountains, nestled within the Southern Nantahala Wilderness.

On Saturday we can discuss how you want to spend the day, again by either exploring the area, or just hanging around in camp. Bonus to anyone bringing a saw for trail clearing if needed.

On Sunday we'll get up (no rush), break camp and hike down the Beech Creek trail, with an option to walk to High Falls, just off trail a little ways. This trail, wandering along Beech Creek is also beautiful, but as we go lower down river, there's most likely wet river crossings, so be prepared with your choice of footware on those crossings. I have done dry river crossings here, but don't rely on it, especially this time of year.

Then we either walk a mile down to the end of the FS road or complete the shuttle.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER BACKPACK *** You must be in good physical condition and be able to hike long distances and keep a moderate pace. ***

That said, this is not a fast hike.  The pace is moderate, and we plan to hike as a group.   

Take I-85 N to I-985 N which turns into US 23/441 to Clayton GA. Pit stop at Chik Fil A! (For bathrooms and "to go" only - we do not plan to sit down and eat.)  Then go West on US 76 about eight miles. Turn right on Persimmon Rd, near the volunteer fire department and sign for Tallulah River Campgrounds. Continue about 4.2 miles to left at Tallulah River Rd. This road will turn to gravel after a mile or so and leads thru gorge to Tate City. Follow to NC state line. Trailhead parking will come up soon on the left.

The road leading to the trailhead is gravel, so if you are uncomfortable driving at a reasonable speed on gravel please sign up to ride in someone else's car.