5/14/2019 – Standing Indian Mt. – Appalachian Trail – NC

Today’s hike was from Deep Gap to the summit of 5,500 ft. Standing Indian Mountain.

HIKERS: Mike Bell, Ray Clark, Joe Collins, Angela Evans, Stephen Gales, Dick Metzgar, Jan Nethery, Tony Presley, Vic Robson,

TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the A.T. is spectacular for views and wildflowers. 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 but swithbacks make the climb very manageable. 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 – 5.3 miles with a large, steady elevation gain of 900+ feet. 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! Fair and cool with temperatures ranging from 44 to 65 degrees F.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Bluets, Wood Betony, Red Erect Trillium, Spiderwort, Buttercups, Painted Trillium, Foamflower, Star Chickweed, White Baneberry, Hooked Buttercup, Blue Violets, Sweet White Violets, Squawroot, Wood Anemone, Toothwort

Birds Identified : Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Oven Bird, Cardinal, Towhee, Crow.

Leaving Deep Gap on the way to the summit of Standing Indian Mt.

The trail was bordered by Bluets (Houstonia caerulea} most of the way..

Here we are entering the Wilderness Area.

Wood Betony also called Canadian Lousewort

We have crossed this little footbridge many many times over the years. Still doing the job!

As we get closer to the summit, we start to get some good views!

This is the marker for the side trail to the summit.

Red Erect Trillium

Our lunch spot today! The summit of 5,500 FT. Standing Indian Mt.

We had several Junco’s visit us at lunchtime. We offered them some crumbs and this one accepted the offer.

In this view, we can see Lake Chatuge in the distance.

Zoomed view of Lake Chatuge.