GNHA Spring Group Campout: Standing Indian

Join the GNHA Hiking Club for a fun weekend of camping and hiking near one of the most beautiful sections of the Appalachian Trail.

We've reserved two group campsites at Standing Indian Campground in Franklin, North Carolina (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234228) that can accommodate 50 members. We will plan to have 3-4 different hikes on Saturday at different paces and difficulty. We will likely have a shorter group hike on Sunday. Those camping with the group will be given priority to join the weekend hikes.

We will also plan to gather as a group around the campfire to share stories and socialize.

The group sites are located near the Kimsey Creek trailhead. Parking area is adjacent to site. It is approximately a short walk to the nearest bathrooms.

Standing Indian Campground is approximately 2.5 hours from Greenville. We will work to arrange carpools prior to the event.

Hikers are responsible for bringing their own camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, etc.), water, food and day hiking items.

Event Parking

We have Group Campsites A&B which are diagonal from each other and have their own lots. We will socialize as a group but we will need to split up where we sleep to accommodate everyone.

To make things easy for gathering and carpooling on Saturday morning, those doing the (VVS) Standing Indian hike will park and camp at Group Campsite A. For those doing (VS) Siler Bald via AT or (S) Albert Mountain, go to Group Campsite B. If you're carpooling with an individual doing a different hike, the driver will determine the campsite you're at.

A little mix and matching may occur if one of the sites reaches capacity.

Weekend Meal Planning

Friday evening: We are planning a happy hour and potluck that will begin at 5 p.m. Bring your favorite heavy "hor'dourves" (salad, pasta, charcuterie, etc.) to share and if your item is vegan or gluten free, be sure to label it for others. Please note there is no power source or grill on site, so be sure to plan your meal around that. You are also welcome to bring beverages to share.

Saturday evening: Campers will be responsible for planning their meal since there are no grills on site. Feel free to bring your own meal, or a group may decide to drive into Franklin, N.C. for dinner. The drive to Franklin is about 20 minutes each way. We will still gather around the campfire, like Friday evening, and socialize. S'mores will almost certainly make an appearance.

Weekend Hikes

Saturday Hikes
(S) Albert Mountain Fire Tower via Bear Pen Trail: https://www.meetup.com/gnha-hiking-club/events/307301021/

(VS) Siler Bald via AT: https://www.meetup.com/gnha-hiking-club/events/307232712/

(VVS) Standing Indian via Kimsey Creek: https://www.meetup.com/gnha-hiking-club/events/307232663/

Sunday Hike
(MS) Pickens Nose from Betty Creek Gap: https://www.meetup.com/gnha-hiking-club/events/307232605/