Tray Mountain Explorer - Chimney Mountain and Brier Creek Bald - Sun, Jan 29 2012

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Tray Mountain Explorer - Chimney Mountain and Brier Creek Bald


The Basics:
Event Type:Explorer
Event Location: Chattahoochee National Forest   Explorer: Tray Mountain Explorer - Chimney Mountain and Brier Creek Bald  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Jan 29 2012  8:45 am >> Sat, Jan 28 2012 9:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 6:45 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Feb 15 2011 9:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Jan 27 2012 9:00 pm
Event Duration:all day
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced (Exploratory)
Distance:13 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Danny
Tony C
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Ok it's time for another bushwhacking adventure.  This should be a fun and challenging hike in an area of N GA that is very familiar, yet ripe for some further exploration.  

We will begin our journey at Indian Grave Gap, where we will jump onto the Appalachian Trail (AT) and hike to Tray Gap.  Brier Creek Bald is is 4163' with 323' of clean prominence and only about 1 mile away. We've always been curious what the view is from up there, so we will walk down the gravel road to get a little closer and then go off trail for the last 1/2 mile, about 350' up to the summit.

With this bushwhacking warmup done,  will head back to Tray Gap and then up to the top of Tray Mtn (4430').   We will enjoy the views from the summit and then head down the other side.  Before long, we will leave the AT and take a short side trail to the fabled "secret" overlook...ok maybe not so secret anymore, but still one of the best views in the state.

From there, we will begin the most challenging part of our hike. We will attempt to bushwhack about 2 1/2 miles down to Chimney Mountain. This little mtn (3356') is conspicuous near the bottom of a main ridge coming off Tray and it looks kind of rocky, so should be some unobstructed views from up there.

It will definitely take some route-finding and careful use of a topo map (+GPS) to make our way over there. The main challenge will be dense vegetation, and we could get turned back if we come up against a long wall of rhododendrons or similar that we just can't get through or around.  But will be an adventure for sure.


After exploring the summit area of Chimney Mtn, we will then have to climb all the way back up Tray on the return...another 1500'+ of elevation gain. We will head back down the AT...pretty much all downhill from here....back to Indian Grave Gap, probably very tired but also very satisfied.

Total distance: ~12.5 to 13.0+ mi (~6 mi of it is off trail)
Total elevation gain: ~4200+'

Click on elevation profile for larger version
    

PLEASE NOTE:  If you have not very recently completed some tough AOC D4 & D5 hikes, we will be contacting you to determine if this is the right hike for you.  


Required Items to Bring:
  • emergency rain gear (even if chance of rain is minimal)
  • at least 2 liters of water
  • enough food to keep your energy level up
  • hiking boots or trail shoes
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • trekking poles
  • camera
  • blaze orange hat or clothing/vest

    • How to Get There:
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):168Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 6:45 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $67.20 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

    Notes:
    * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

    Cost Includes:NA

    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
    *Note: NA