Andrews Cove to Tray Mountain - Sun, Sep 18 2011

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Andrews Cove to Tray Mountain


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Chattahoochee National Forest   Hike: Andrews Cove to Tray Mountain  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Sep 18 2011  10:50 am >> Sun, Sep 18 2011 7:02 pm  (Carpool Departure: 11:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Sep 13 2011 9:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Sep 17 2011 7:00 pm
Event Duration:Per Itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:10.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:5
Number Registered So Far: 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This has become my unofficial annual hike to celebrate the arrival of cooler weather in Sept.  The forecast for Sunday is looking great, with temps in the 60s, so lets get out there and enjoy it.  This is usually a D5 but making it a D4 on this occasion because it will be slower paced on the way up.  Faster hikers can hike ahead but I'll ask that everone regroup at every trail junction.  If you don't like to stand and wait, you can hike back to the group to keep moving and get some extra mileage in.  

Standing at 4430', Tray Mountain is the fifth highest in GA (using 300' prominence rule).  It is a very popular hiking destination on the AT, and for good reason...a challenging climb, and the effort is well rewarded with beautiful views along the trail and of course at the summit.

Andrews Cove sits at about 2000', about 900' below Unicoi Gap, where Tray Mtn hikes often begin.  This route has a longer initial climb (and ending descent) but does save you from having to do the 1000' climb up Rocky Mtn twice.  But refer to the elevation profile below for the full story.

From the trailhead, we will hike up to Indian Grave Gap and then take the Appalachian Trail to the Tray summit.   Then down just a bit on the other side to the AT shelter for some views and a long lunch break.  From there we will have about a 200' climb back to the top and a detour to the "secret" overlook.  After a break and some photos there, we will head back down.  I enjoy hiking around sunset time, so we are not starting this one so early in the morning and will try to time it to finish at around 7:45 pm.   I doubt we'll end up in the dark, but bring a headlamp just in case we cut it close.  I have a GPS, compass, maps, etc so no big deal if we do hike last little bit in the dark.  We should be back to the carpool at around 10pm.
 
Total distance is about 10.5 miles. 
Total ascent should be about 2700'. 

Again, those are usually D5 stats, but with the slower pace, it should be a tough D4.  As mentioned above, pace will be moderate.  Basically we will keep the group together on the downhills, but everyone can take the uphills at their own pace, with periodic stops along the route to allow the group to recollect.

PLEASE NOTE:
  • If rain is forecast, the hike will be rescheduled for a later date.
  • Because this a challenging D4 event, if you have not very recently completed some tough AOC hikes, I will be contacting you to determine your level of fitness and if this is the right hike for you.
  • Because there is very limited parking at the trailhead, I am making this carpool only without the usual "Meet at Event" option.  And if the parking area is full, we may actually have to start at Unicoi Gap after all...either that or Indian Grave Gap, but just be aware that the plan may change in that regard, and be flexible.


    • Required Items to Bring:
  • emergency rain gear (even if chance of rain is minimal)
  • water - at least two liters is required.
  • 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

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:No Meet at Event on this one because of very limited parking at the trailhead.
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):150Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 11:00 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $60.00 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.


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