| Today’s hike was from Deep Gap to the summit of 5,499 ft. Standing Indian Mountain.
HIKERS: Mike Bell, Joe Collins, Renee Corbett, Bob Magee, Beth McDonald, Dick Metzgar, Ron Myers, Jeanne O’Connor, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle and Jack Wintle . 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 – 5.7 miles with a large, steady elevation gain. We rate the hike 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 71 to 78 degrees F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Starry Campion, False Foxglove, Wild Phlox, Spiderwort, Sundrops, Mt. Hydrangea, Rosebay Rhododendron, Fire Pink, Queen Ann’s Lace, Wood Aster, Coreopsis, Red Bee Balm, White Bee Balm, Turk’s Cap Lily, Dodder, Indian Pipes, Heal-All, St. John’s Wort.
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