Standing Indian Mountain Peak, Nantahala National Forest

Quick synopsis: well worth the hike. Details: Solo hiker (+ my dog) on a one-night overnight camp at the summit. Parked at the Deep Gap Trailhead (easy/safe parking- though to get there, you will follow a one-track gravel road for about 15-20 minutes- highly recommend AWD vehicle but a sedan could work…though if it was raining, definitely go AWD- just follow road until it opens up to parking). - started hike at noon..took about 2.5 hours to get up (I have a minor heart condition so I purposely paced myself/took many breaks.. I’m not a professional hiker but could’ve probably done it under 2 hours). Make sure to follow the AT North sign. - well blazed/marked trail..very rocky/rooty so mind your steps. - I would say overall it’s a gradual elevation gain with periods of moderate grade…it’s a

When you pass by this area, you can keep walking on the same trail you were already on, but definitely, DEFINITELY make sure you stop here first! The absolute peak of Standing Indian Mountain is a twofer, as it is the highest point of Clay County and Macon County! The views from this place are absolutely incredible, and the path up here is not that strenuous! There are a bunch of tree roots you have to step over on the way up for a little bit, but it's totally worth it! There's even a campsite adjacent to the peak, and it looks like the peak itself has a fire ring!

8/8/20 Beautiful views from the top. We began at the Standing Indian Campground and headed up the Kimsey Creek Trail to Deep Gap,, and then up to Standing Indian. Spent about 30 minutes on top enjoying the views and eating lunch, and then we descended on the Lower Ridge Trail. Our round trip took about 5.25 hours including lunch. We were fortunate, as the weather was fairly cool (mostly 70s) and the humidity was mild for August which made for a very pleasant hike.

Sunday, October 27 1996 reached the summit at 1410 hours during the first hiking day of a multi-day backpacking trip in the Nantahala section of the Appalachian Trail. Standing Indian is the highest mountain south of Smoky Mountains National Park at approximately 5,400 feet.

My father and I stayed on top of the mountain November of 2019. It is very windy at night and can get very cold so be prepared. The star gazing though was unmatched. Sunset and sunrise were spectacular.