The Big Indian Loop trail in Franklin, NC, is a hiking and trail running dream, is open to horseback riders, but closed to mountain bikes and dogs. This 8-mile single track out-and-back is in the Southern Nantahala National Forest and crosses the Nantahala River and parallels Big Indian Creek, with 2 creek crossings.
In the winter, there are many stellar views along this old abandoned roadbed of a trail. In the warm months, this trail is like walking through heaven. This is a backcountry trail, so prepare well with water and wilderness gear. Cell service is non-existent to spotty, so come prepared with a downloaded map or GPS navigation on hand. In case of ER, there is a payphone/landline at the nearby Standing Indian Campground.
Use Hurricane Creek Primitive Campground as your base camp for the adventure. The trailhead is .6 miles from the campground area: Hurricane Creek Primitive Campground, Otto, NC 28763. From Franklin, take US 64W for 9 miles, turn left on old US 64 and follow signs to Standing Indian Campground. Continue south on FS Rd 67 past Standing Indian Campground for 2 miles. Gravel road.