Yes, that Indian Head that you see all over Instagram. I have hiked in several states and over varied terrain and I agree this hike is truly incredible but it helps to be informed when tackling this trail.
The Trail is Long
Yes, this hike is 10-11 miles, depending on what route and side trips you might take. If you go up and down the shorter way you're looking at least a little over ten miles.
You Need a Permit May - October
Yes, you need a permit because it's worth it to say again! You can get this at hikeamr.org. While you're on the site, take your time to read over their information as it will be helpful in planning your hike. This is not just a parking permit, this is an actual hiking permit. They check you at the parking gate and they will check you again at the AMR gate. It is possible to get this booked when reservations open in peak fall season. I did it. Follow the rules and do it the right way. We were pretty disgusted at the blatant disrespect we saw for those who didn't want to follow the rules.
Hike Prepared
Always bring the 10 Essentials and be prepared for all sorts of weather as you can in the high peaks region. Weather can be very different at the top of the overlook compared to when you start out.
Prepare for Crowds - Go Early!
We arrived and were on our way probably around 7:30am on a peak fall day. When we reached the top we probably only saw three other couples and it was incredible. By the time we got back to the parking lot around noon was when it was loaded with people just arriving and other arriving without permits and just having to turn around.
Be Respectful
The staff are just trying to do their job. Be respectful to them as well as the land and always always always practice the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.
Trail Guide
Much of the length of this trail is due to the long road walk that takes you to the actual trail. You cannot drive on this road, you must walk it. It is a very pretty road walk.
You will come to several trail intersections that you can take up. If you have extra time and want a really pretty trail then take the Gill Brook Trail which meanders along a stream with a bunch of cascades. We've taken this trail before when hiking high peaks and it's worth it to do at least once. Since we've done this trail we chose to do the Gill Brook Cutoff which, as it says, will cut off a little bit of time and distance.
You'll come across a few different signs as you come to trail intersections.
When you reach the top, you'll have a few different overlook options. You'll reach this little section first which is also really pretty.
Then you go down to the upper ledge of the overlook.
And then you can make your way down to the lower overlook that you see in most pictures.
Once you've done this you can continue the loop down to Lake Road and you can even add on a side trip to Rainbow Falls which I would highly recommend. We didn't on this trip because we were short on time, but here's a picture from a previous trip to Rainbow Falls.
And then it's the long road walk out! Be patient with the many others who will be at this overlook, follow the rules and most of all be respectful of the land.
Happy Hiking!
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