CHESTNUT RIDGE

LOCATION: Western North Carolina
HIKE STARTS: USFS 71 (Deep Gap)
HIKE ENDS: Standing Indian Campground
TOTAL DISTANCE: 6.6 Miles
HIKE TYPE: One Way, Shuttle Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAILS USED: Appalachian, Lower Ridge Trails
TRAIL TRAFFIC: Light to Heavy
TRIP TYPE: Day or Overnight Hike
MORE INFORMATION: Nantahala National Forest Wayah Ranger District Franklin, NC 28734 828-524-6441

HIGHLIGHTS: Standing Indian Mountain at 5,498 feet is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail south of the Great Smoky Mountains, and it sits as a focal point of Chestnut Ridge. The summit has excellent views to both the west and south, and the Standing Indian Shelter is located nearby for overnight accommodations. The Nantahala River is born on Standing Indian Mountain which was once the site of a U.S. Forest Service fire tower. The concrete blocks that were used for its foundation can still be seen on the summit.

Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians

Guidebook For This Area

Trail Map For This Area

MORE DETAILS

click to see trail photos from this hike to Standing Indian Mountain: October 25, 2008; May 8, 1999
click to view a detailed trip report for this backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail: October 28, 2008; May 8, 1999 (password required)
click to view maps for this hike in the Nantahala National Forest: Chestnut Ridge Area Map, Deep Gap to Standing Indian Detailed Map (password required), Standing Indian to Standing Indian Campground Detailed Map (password required), Deep Gap to Standing Indian Profile Map (password required), Standing Indian to Standing Indian Campground Profile Map (password required), GA/NC Border to Timber Ridge Trail Profile Map (password required), GA/NC Border to Wallace Gap Trail Map (password required)
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