Two Night Backpacking Trip at Standing Indian, Pickens Nose, and Mount Albert
Details
Join me on this intermediate 24-mile backpacking loop in Nantahala National Forest!
Day 1: Meet at the trailhead at Standing Indian Campground by 5 pm so we can start our hike around 5:15 pm. We will park at the backcountry info center, and will take the route through the campground to pick up Lower Trail Ridge Way. We will plan to camp around Frog Mountain (4,900 ft) or Standing Indian (5,500 ft), so be prepared to hike 3-4 mi and climb 1,500-2,000 ft in elevation on night one.
Day 2: We will wake up, have breakfast, pack up camp, and hit the trail, traveling along the AT from Standing Indian (or Frog Mountain) south to Beech Gap. From there, we will cut northeast on Indian Ridge Trail and Big Indian Loop Trail with a detour to Big Laurel Fallls. We will then pick up Upper Nantahala Road to Mooney Falls and then connect with the AT again at Betty Creek Gap. From there, we will continue on another mile to where the AT meets Ball Creek Road, which we will follow to Pickens Nose Trail (a 2.5-mile out-and-back). We will set up camp around the AT and Ball Creek Rd junction. The goal for the day will be to hike 10-12 miles, most of which will be over a 1,500 ft moderate descent, followed by a little less than 1,700 ft ascent (including Pickens Nose).
Day 3: We will wake up, have breakfast, pack up camp, and start the remaining 7-10 mile trek back to the car, with 500 ft elevation gain followed by about 1,500 ft descent. This shouldn't take us all afternoon, but I left extra time as a buffer!
This trail will be about 24 miles total with 4,650 ft elevation gain over 2.5 days.
The distance and elevation gain on day 1 will be the most challenging, and it will be in the dark for most of the hike, so please come prepared with extra layers and a headlamp!
Below are a few housekeeping items, please reach out if you have any questions. Thank you!
1. You must come prepared with all of your own gear for overnight backpacking, including enough food for 2.5 days, enough water (or the ability to filter water), navigation and the ability to make it back to the trailhead on your own if separated, etc.
2. I am not a certified guide, nor will I be acting as the hiking guide for this trip. This is a social outing, everyone will be responsible for their own navigation, gear, essentials, etc. My goal is obviously to keep everyone safe, together, and having a good time, but I cannot guarantee anyone's safety. By RSVPing "yes" to this event, you are releasing me from any-and-all liability should you experience illness, injury, or worse during (or as a result of) this trip.
3. This trail is dog-friendly so I will be bringing my dog. You are welcome to bring your dog IF you can guarantee that they will be kept on a leash AT ALL TIMES.
4. Leave No Trace.
5. Bring a BEAR CANISTER!!!! If you need to borrow one, let me know :-)