October 29, 2024
Standing Indian Mountain via Deep Gap
near Franklin, NC
We were a bit late for much fall color, but it was still a good hike with ideal cool and clear weather. FS71 to Deep Gap was clear and in very good condition. The AT was also open with few signs of Helene having caused many blowdowns. The AT to Standing Indian is not very steep, but well used, exposing lots of loose rock and roots which combined with fall leaf cover requiring careful footing. With just a light haze and no fog in the valleys, we had very good views from the summit.
Today's Hikers: Beth McDonald, Jenny Bell, Heather Wall & Toby, Renee Corbett, Matt Henderson & Toby, Allyson Aldrich & Mike Bell.
The route
5.6 mi · 1,175 ft climbing · 4h 8m out, 3h 14m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
24 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (24)
A view to the southwest from the peak of Standing Indian. Just a touch of color in the lower parts of the Tallulah River Valley leading to Tate City. Today's Hikers (L-R): Beth, Jenny, Heather & Toby, Renee, Matt & Toby, Allyson & Mike At the Deep Gap trailhead getting ready to hike. And up we go. A nice bridge just after the start of the hike. I was a struggle to find some color today. Beech trees provided some bright yellows when backlit by the sun. Most of the leaves were already on the ground. We made a brief stop at the Standing Indian Shelter. Standing Indian through the trees as we head up the trail. Even these frost-bitten bloomheads have some beauty left in them. Beth McDonald and I were wondering what these contorted and fallen dead trees must have looked like when alive and standing. This dead double-trunked tree was still quite majestic. Sometimes it pays to look closely. Nicely done Georgia Appalachian Trail Club! A first look a the Tallulah River Valley as we approach Standing Indian. The turnoff to the sidetrail to Standing Indian. View to the northwest from Standing Indian. 1934 USGS Benchmark on Standian Indian Mtn. Lunch on Standing Indian. A view of Standing Indian from Big Scaly Mtn south of our location. One more scenic views from Standing Indian, but from a large rock outcrop further down the trail. Quite a sight to see this Bald Eagle circling over the Tallulah River Valley as we departed Standing Indian. Evidence of the 2016 fires around Standing Indian. Perhaps the most colorful section of the trail was the leaf litter on a short section of the AT as we finished out hike.