June 14, 2016
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This week’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail near Franklin, NC from Deep Gap to Standing Indian Mountain and back. Total hike today 5.25 miles. From Wikipedia: According to Cherokee mythology, Standing Indian Mountain is the remains of a warrior who turned to stone because he failed to remain at his post. This Indian warrior had been sent to the mountaintop to keep a lookout for the winged monster which came from the sky and stole children. The winged monster was captured and then the Great Spirit destroyed the monster with thunder and lightning. However, because the Indian warrior became afraid and ran away from his post, he was turned to stone for his cowardice. The Cherokee called Standing Indian Mountain Yunwitsule-nunyi, which means “where the man stood.” HIKERS: John Anderson, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Bob Browe, Joe Collins, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Bill Hunt, Deena Johns, Mike Jones, Tony Presley, Doris Richardson, Gerald Richardson and 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 mostly gradual elevation gain. We rate the hike only moderately strenuous. 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 67 to 74 degrees F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Indian Cucumber Root, Indian Physic, Carolina Bugbane, Galax, Sundrops, Whorled Loosestrife, Mt. Hydrangea, Flame Azalea, Catawba Rhododendron, Purple Flowering Raspberry, Fire Pink, Goat’s Beard, Bluets, Flowering Spurge, Meadow Rue . BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Towhee, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Pine Warbler, Junco, Blue-headed Vireo, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Veery, Ovenbird, White-breasted Nuthatch.
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