Big Indian Loop #34

Highlights

•  Horse Trails marked with "Orange Blazes" 
•  Trail Crosses Nantahala River and Parallels Big Indian Creek (2 creek crossings) 
•  Wooded and steep trail for approx. 2 miles 
•  Scenic views in the Winter months 
•  4 hour ride 
•  Camping and room for trailers at nearby Hurricane Creek Primitive Campground & Horse Camp

The Local Scoop

Big Indiain Loop Horse Trail (#34) is just one of multiple trails in the Standing Indian Area. We recommend this ride for those who enjoy the solitude of being on the trail. In Winter months you will have multiple views from your ride. There will be multiple creek crossings including Big Indian Creek, Big Shoals Creek, Nichols Branch and a rather steep section of approx. 2 miles in length. Apart from the steep section this trail follows an old abandoned road bed for the majority of it's length. This ride is 4 hours in length at a moderate pace. We recommend staying at the Hurricane Creek Campground & Horse Camp. This area provides a nice open field-like area for truck/trailer parking as well as stalls for your horses. We would also like to mention that the Standing Indian Campground (located nearby) has a small supply store offfering some camping essentials as well as a pay phone in case of emergency. The store is only open during camping season.

Local Directions

From intersection of U.S. Hwy-64 W and U.S. Hwy-23/441 North in Franklin take Hwy-64 W towards Murphy, NC for 12 miles. At just before the 12th mile you should see a Brown sign for "Wallace Gap", "Appalachian Trail" & "Standing Indian Campground" with arrows pointing you towards West Old Murphy Road(SR 1448) on your left. Stay on W.Old Murphy Rd. for 2 miles. You'll pass a Nantahala National Forest Sign for the campground saying "500 Ft Ahead", and at 2 miles you'll be at FR (Forest Road) #67 to your Right (indicated by a small, skinny Brown sign at the beginning of the road). Continue 1.8 miles on FR 67 until you come to a fork in the road. To your Right will be the entrance to "Standing Indian Campground", avoid the Right and continue on FR 67 to the left. In about 0.3 miles the road will turn to gravel at the Backcountry Info Kiosk. Follow FR 67 to Hurricane Creek Campground for "Basecamp." Big Inidan Loop is approx. 0.6 miles past the campground on the RIGHT at a wilderness field clearing.