Looking for a GA/SC/NC Hike!

**Str1der** · 05-26-2015, 13:09

Hey everyone,

I've got a few friends who are interested in backpacking. I got them to join me on a relatively short (18ish miles) trip last weekend, and now they are looking for more! Does anyone have any recommendations for a good hike in the northern GA or western NC/SC area? We are looking for something in the 25-30ish mile range. A loop would be preferable, but not required. They definitely prefer moderate to easy grades since their packs are still quite heavy. Don't worry - I'm working on that!

Thanks in advance for the suggestions,

Str1der

**wolf8895** · 05-26-2015, 13:25

I'd recommend the Standing Indian loop of the AT near Franklin, NC. Good views from the tower on Albert Mt and Standing Indian. Long Branch tr --> AT --> Kimsey Creek tr is about 24 - 25 miles.

**STinGa** · 05-26-2015, 14:15

Hey Str1der ...

I had a similar question last week. Here is the link. There are several suggestions that may interest you and your buddies.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...rgia+base+camp

STinGa

**SwinginIt** · 05-26-2015, 17:47

Originally Posted by STinGa

Hey Str1der ...

I had a similar question last week. Here is the link. There are several suggestions that may interest you and your buddies.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...rgia+base+camp

STinGa

My suggestion in that post would be perfect for what you're looking for as well.

**dakotaross** · 05-27-2015, 15:22

I will second the Standing Indian Loop trek. None of it is hard hiking, save the short scramble up Albert. Definitely doable as two full days. Due to a hookup snafu with my hiking partner, we ended up meeting at Deep Gap in the early evening and doing zero miles for that day. We unexpectedly did 18 miles the next day from there to the Long Branch trail as the hiking was easy, and as it was much colder at higher elevation near Albert, we kept hiking on down to Glassmine Gap and camped at a primo spot just down the Long Branch trail.

Note that this is a great summer hike due to the elevation. Sounds exactly like what you're looking for, with alongside stream hiking on the Kimsey Creek trail, some of the easiest switchbacks you'll ever do going up to Standing Indian with a nice view there, relatively flat hiking from there to Mt. Albert where you get an incredible view looking out and down on Hwy 441, and a mild downhill from there all the way back to the car. Hardest part would be the initial climb on the Kimsey Creek trail (and finding that trail, LOL). Oh, and the area around the Carter Gap shelter is good for hanging and its right at midway if you're doing that loop in 2 days.

**Str1der** · 05-28-2015, 13:32

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely put this on my list. I know of three shelter areas on this loop plus established campsites at Betty Creek Gap, Beech Gap, and Standing Indian summit. Can any of those sites accommodate five hammocks? I expect trees will be in short supply on most of the summits.

**wolf8895** · 05-28-2015, 20:46

Betty Creek could handle them, not sure of Beech, the actual summit of Standing Indian is a small grassy patch but there would be some great sites just off the summit. An added advantage of this loop for first timers is there are several trails to bailout on if you want to leave early.

**dakotaross** · 05-29-2015, 15:10

My recollection from 3 years ago is that I recall Betty Creek Gap site being small and not a lot of area to hang. I do know of a 2 hikers that hung there on their way around the loop, but I'm not sure about 5. I could be wrong about that. I recall Beech Gap being large and a decent place to camp, pretty sure 5 would not be a problem there. The area of the trail to the summit of Standing Indian has short stubby trees, but they seem substantial enough that I've often thought of hanging there, and seems like there would be plenty of room to do that for 5. That might be a good primary destination to get to early, and then hike downhill to Beech if it looks like it won't work out hanging near the summit.

Having taken a few trips now where I didn't know where we would camp, and having had to make a campsite on the side of a ridge, or across the trail, etc., I'd say don't worry about where you'll end up too much. You all can make it work with hammocks.

I would caution you that the whole section from Deep Gap, where the Kimsey Creek trail comes in, to Glassmine Gap, where the Long Branch trail intersects, is significantly above 4000'. Its a great "beat the heat" summer trip, no doubt. Temps aren't terrible, but wind can make it very chilly.

**Str1der** · 06-03-2015, 12:58

Do you recommend hiking clockwise or counterclockwise? Different reports claim both ways are better. We plan to use Long Branch and Kimsey Creek Trails to complete the 24.3 mile loop, and we're looking to spend three days and two nights on the trail.

I'm thinking clockwise starting on LB Trail to Glassmine Gap and then south on the AT to Deep Gap and the KC Trail, but I'm not sure if the reverse would be better?