Standing Indian Appalachian Trail Adventure

Standing Indian Appalachian Trail Adventure

November 11-14, 2022 (Fri.-Mon.)

4 days/3 Nights on the Appalachian Trail

Includes a 4-day, 3 night wilderness backpacking adventure and devotionals every morning and evening.

This hike is rated Moderate to Strenuous

THE BRIEFING:

This is a 4-day, 3-night wilderness backpacking loop, starting at the Standing Indian Campground in North Carolina. We’ll travel 24 miles total, 16 of them on the Appalachian Trail! We’ll camp at the historic Albert Mountain fire tower on night one, then hike along the AT through several gaps and forested areas stopping at Carter’s Gap. Day three will be an ascent to Standing Indian Mountain where we’ll camp overnight.  The temps are much cooler on top of Albert and Standing Indian Mountain, and the views will be incredible!

THE MISSION:

We’ll leave Huntsville AL at 6:00 AM on Friday, stopping for breakfast on the way, arriving at the Standing Indian Campground trailhead around 12:00 PM (ET) to begin our adventure!

Day 1 – Standing Indian Campground to Albert Mountain Fire Tower (6 Miles)
We’ll begin our hike at the hikers parking area in the Standing Indian Campground. We’ll then hike up, up and away reaching the Appalachian Trail in about 4 miles at Glassmine Gap. We’ll then hike along the AT to the top of Albert Mountain where we’ll camp overnight at 5,200 feet!

Day 2 – Albert Mountain to Carter Gap (6 Miles)
We’ll enjoy a glorious sunrise at the Firetower before we head Southeast on the AT. We’ll hike past several rocky outcroppings and natural springs, through Mooney Gap and Betty Creek, finally reaching Carter Gap (4,500 ft.), with a huge tent camping area, new shelter, and a privy!

Day 3 – Carter Gap to Standing Indian Mountain (6 Miles)
Today will be a fantastic day of ups and downs along the Appalachian Trail. We’ll go through several gaps before we begin a long ascent to the top of Standing Indian Mountain at about 5,500 feet, the high point of our adventure! It features a spectacular sunset and has a large camping area about 1/4 mile below the summit where we’ll spend the night.

Day 4 – Carter Gap to Standing Indian Mountain (6 Miles)
We’ll hike out in the morning, descending basically all day, finally returning to our vehicles in the hiker’s parking area. Then we’ll load up into our travel vehicles, get a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant, then head for home!

We should arrive back in Huntsville, AL between 7:00 and 8:00 PM on Monday.