Highlights

•  Biking Opportunities along Forest Road 
•  Primitive Camping (No Water or Electric Hook-ups) 
•  Open, meadow-like setting w/ Fire pits 
•  Pit Bathrooms 
•  Horse Camp (Primitive) with Trailer Parking and basic horse stables (see photo gallery)
•  Multiple Horse Trails (Big Indian Loop #34, Blackwell Gap Loop #336, Thomas Branch Loop #335 & Hurricane Creek Loop #36)
•  Fishing and Hiking Opportunities very close-by
•  Secluded Environment 
•  Suitable for all ages
•  Area is patrolled closely by wildlife management

The Local Scoop

Camp at Hurricane Creek Campground if you're looking to get away from crowded areas and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You'll need to plan on packing anything and everything from firewood and drinking water to hiking boots, fishing poles (NC license is required) and your bikes. Biking is only permitted on roadways, but the roads aren't busy with traffic and make for some nice rides. Hurricane Creek Camp is popular with horseback riders due to some of the best trail riding in the area and multiple trails in which to choose. Campers here will also find that they're in ultra- close proximity to some of the area's best waterfalls, hiking trails and wild trout fishing the Nantahala National Forest has to offer, with the privacy that would be hard-pressed to duplicate. But you must keep in mind, being prepared for anything and everything is paramount when camping in a primitive area like this.  The drive to Franklin isn't bad, but it's still a good 30 minutes away via curvy roadways.  Hurricane Creek Campground is sometimes an alternative when the more developed and popular "Standing Indian Campground" is to capacity, just a couple of miles away.
We recommend this location to any horseback riders with their families and friends.  This is perfect area for a group to get away or large family to spend the week during the summer or autumn months.  We strongly suggest that you take advantage of the great hiking trails here.  A few of our favorites are Pickens Nose Trail, Albert Mountain Trail and Laurel Falls Trail.  

The 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 Backcounrty Info Kiosk. Continue for another 2.2 miles along the Nantahala River Headwaters until you cross "Hurricance Creek" (passage is easy even for a low car). Once across, you're at the campground.

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Coordinates

35.055679, -83.509972

City

Franklin

County

Macon County

Nearest City

Franklin

Access

Moderate via Forest Road #67

Hike Distance

Multiple Nearby

Distance From

Laurel Falls Trail:  2.9 miles
Standing Indian Campground:  2.7 miles
Franklin 18.3 miles