July 11, 2017
| Today’s hike was from Deep Gap to a point about a half mile beyond the summit of Standing Indian.
HIKERS: Joe Collins, Renee Corbett, Stephen Gales, Jenna Hensley, Bill Hunt, Gary King, Dick Metzgar, Terre Pratt, Tony Presley, Vic Robson and Linda Schultz. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the A.T. is nice for a summertime hike. 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 – 6.25 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 73 degrees F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Starry Campion, False Foxglove, Wild Phlox, Spiderwort, Indian Cucumber Root, Galax, Sundrops, Whorled Loosestrife, Mt. Hydrangea, Rosebay Rhododendron, Purple Flowering Raspberry, Fire Pink, Queen Ann’s Lace, Wood Aster, Woodland Sunflower, Red Bee Balm, White Bee Balm, Tall Bluets. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Towhee, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Pine Warbler, Junco, Blue-headed Vireo, Black-throated Blue Warbler, White-breasted Nuthatch.
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