July 1, 2014
| This week’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail near Franklin, NC from Deep Gap to Standing Indian Mountain and back. Total hike today 5 miles.
HIKERS: Geri Barrios, Wayne Barrios, Karen Brown, Catherine Boyd, Chloe Boyd, Mary Grace Boyd, Phil Brownrigg, Chuck Crisp, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Pam Euliss, Cup Gales, Stephen Gales, David Hinson, Jack Jacobi, Kris Lewicki, Dick Metzgar, Jeanne O’Connor, Tony Presley, Carole Raguckas, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, . TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the A.T. is nice for a summertime hike. Only 5.25 miles round trip and the air is always a bit cooler here along with great views at the summit of Standing Indian. It is a persistent uphill climb to the summit. The actual summit is on a short side trail to the right around 2.5 miles from Deep Gap. Near the same point, you will also see a side trail to the left (Lower Ridge Trail) that leads down to Standing Indian Campground. Total hiking distance today – 5.25 miles with a large elevation gain. Directions: From Franklin, NC, go West on US64 14 miles (from the overpass where US23 turns South toward Atlanta) to FS71 Deep Gap Rd. It is the first road to the left past the County Line sign (Clay County). Drive approximately 5.8 miles on this gravel road (FS 71) to the end of the road – Deep Gap parking lot. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy and mild with temperatures ranging from 64 to 74 degrees F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Sundrops, Whorled Loosestrife, Mt. Hydrangea, Rosebay Rhododendron, Purple Flowering Raspberry, Fire Pink, Queen Anne’s Lace, Flowering Spurge, Black-eyed Susan, Red Bee Balm. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Junco, Vireo, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Veery, Ovenbird, White-breasted Nuthatch. |
 Parking at Deep Gap. |
 Trail marker at Deep Gap. |
 Headed northward on the A.T. to Standing Indian. |
 Entering the Nantahala Wilderness Area. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Trail sign for the Standing Indian Shelter. |
 Wildflower – Sundrop |
 This sign marks the short side trail to the summit of Standing Indian Mountain. |
 We arrive at the summit! |
 Very nice mountain views! |
 Beautiful! |
 Lunchtime at Standing Indian. |
 Wildflower – Whorled Loosestrife. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Pam Euliss, Chuck Crisp, Cup Gales with “Mack”, Stephen Gales with “Cotton”, Vic Robson, “Angus”, Cecilia Compton and David Hinson . (l-r back) Kris Lewicki, Carole Raguckas, Joe Raguckas, Jeanne O’Connor, Greta Driggers, Karen Brown, Jim Driggers, Geri Barrios, Wayne Barrios, Dick Metzgar, Jack Jacobi, Phil Brownrigg, Catherine Boyd, Chloe Boyd, Mary Grace Boyd and Tony Presley. |
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See video from today’s hike below!
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