Kimsey Creek Trail Info

[Slugg]

Anyone know a good place, or is anyone able to provide, information on the Kimsey Creek Trail? I see it noted in an AT guide but google isn’t showing much.

[Tabasco]

I hiked it from the SI campground to Deep Gap last year. Didn’t have any issues following the trail to the AT.

[Slugg]

I’m referring to the trail that interesects the AT at Deep Gap

[Slugg]

Did not see your response before I made my second post, Tabasco. Is it a loop or a straight shot from Deep Gap to SI?

[Slo-go'en]

I’m referring to the trail that interesects the AT at Deep Gap

That trail connects Deep Gap to the Standing Indian campground. It can be used to make a loop from the campground, over standing Indian and Mount Albert, then back to the campground, or be used to skip the section.

The bottom 1/2 mile of the trail can be really wet in spring conditions as creek overflows into the trail. At least it was when I did it.

[rmitchell]

I used it a few years ago to make a loop hike. Picked up the AT at Rock Gap and hiked south to Deep Gap then connected to Kimsey Creek to go to Standing Indian Campground. The only issue I recall was some difficulty in finding the Kimsey Creek trailhead. There is a parking lot at Deep Gap on the forest service road. If I remember correctly Kimsey Creek trail didn't connect to the AT but a little further west on USFS 71.

[daddytwosticks]

Following the trail where it starts can be somewhat confusing. Especially as it goes thru and winds around the campgrounds. As noted, there are portions of the trail that are very wet. Beautiful, gentle uphill to Deep Gap. Kimsey Creek has several cascades too.

[rmitchell]

I did a three day loop clockwise, so ended up at campground. Hungry and smelling hamburgers on several grills.

Interesting trail and a good contrast to firetower and ridge views at Standing Indian Mountain.

Just a little tricky finding trailheads.

[blue indian]

Ive used it several times to access the AT. Ive always come down it...

Things of note:

-its a wet trail. This is why I also come down it from the S.I loop. It parrallels Kimsey creek and seems to be flooded and muddy quite often.

-Every time Ive used this trail I end up coming out in a different place. I think the actual trail comes out of the mountains, cuts thru the camp ground and may end up at the backcountry quiosk. I can never really tell

[Rain Man]

When I hiked down it several years ago, we finished in the dark and lost the trail completely. It's not well-blazed IMHO (or was not then). In the years since, I've read similar complaints.

My advice, contact the local hiking club responsible for the KCT and ask. "Go straight to the horse's mouth," in other words.

[theoilman]

I hiked it a few years ago with no problems, thought it was pretty well marked. At deep gap, starts from the lower road. Came out into the camp ground at Standing Indian campground - I came out into the group camp area. The shape the bridges were in then makes me wonder if some of them are even still there, or have they been repaired?

[Uncle Joe]

Perhaps some confusing parts are where you come out in open areas. I know in one the trail makes a hard Left if headed towards SI Campground. But it’s not that hard to follow. I’ve done this trail twice and find it pretty easy to follow. I like this trail. Yes it’s wet in places but it’s also a pretty trail.