| Standing Indian Mountain | |
| Elevation Ft: | 5,499 |
| Prominence Ft: | 2,819 |
| Location: | Clay County and Macon County, North Carolina, United States |
| Range: | Appalachian Mountains |
| Map: | USA North Carolina |
| Label Position: | right |
| Coordinates: | 35.0355°N -83.538°W |
| Coordinates Ref: | [1] |
| Topo: | USGS Rainbow Springs [2] |
| Easiest Route: | Hike |
Standing Indian Mountain, elevation 5499feet, is part of the North Carolina portion of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness within the boundaries of the Nantahala National Forest. The mountain lies along the Appalachian Trail and is the highest point along the Nantahala River.
The Cherokee name for Standing Indian Mountain is Yunwitsule-nunyi, which translates to "where the man stood." According to Cherokee mythology, Standing Indian Mountain is home to the remains of a Cherokee warrior. This warrior had been sent to the mountaintop to keep a lookout for a winged monster. The monster, whose lair was located on Standing Indian Mountain, would swoop in from the skies and steal children. Upon discovering the location of the monster's lair, the Cherokee prayed to the Great Spirit for assistance. The prayers were answered when the Great Spirit destroyed the monster and its lair with thunder and lightning. The lightning frightened the warrior and the warrior tried to abandon his post. Because the warrior abandoned his post, he was turned into stone for his cowardice.[3]
Standing Indian Mountain is located inside the Southern Nantahala Wilderness.[4] [5] The mountain has an elevation of 5499feet. Albert Mountain is located about 3.5miles to the north, while the city of Dillard, Georgia is located about 10miles southeast of the mountain. The summit is also located about 3miles north of the Georgia border.
The Appalachian Trail passes over Standing Indian Mountain's summit. From the Deep Gap parking area, it is a 2.5miles hike up the Appalachian Trail to the summit. From the Standing Indian Campground, it is a 4.1miles hike up the Lower Ridge Trail and a 0.1miles hike up the Appalachian Trail for a total hike of 4.2miles.[6]