Slow and Steady - Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain and Back

     It’s time for a tough trek to Tray Mountain!  Starting at mile 52.9 of the Appalachian Trail, the Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain Shelter is one of the more difficult sections of the AT in Georgia.  Joyce and I will be moving along at a 2.25 – 2.6 mile per hour pace and on this hike we'll ask that folks do not run ahead.  We’ll begin the hike from Unicoi Gap (EL 2,949’) and immediately start climbing to the top of Rocky Mountain (EL 4,017). The views from Rocky Mountain are spread out over a ¼ mile of trail.  From there we head down to Indian Grave Gap (EL 3,114’), we’ll then begin our upward journey to the top of Tray Mountain (EL 4,430’).  Along the way we’ll cross Tray Mountain Road (remember to look both ways), and after a slight descent go by the Cheese Factory Site (the site of a 19^th century dairy farm, although there are no signs of it any more).  This area is often used for a Tent Site.  As we return to our climb, we’ll be rewarded with a view of Tray Mt. from an opening in the trees.  Just past the view we’ll come to Tray Gap (EL 3,849) and cross a Forest Service Road.  We now only have another 1.1 miles to go to reach the Tray Mountain shelter!  Once we reach the summit there are great views from the mountain through several openings (we just have to pick our way through the laurel bushes).  We then only have a short distance of a third of a mile to reach the shelter which will be our lunch spot.  After a nice, refreshing break, we simply turn around and head back to our cars!

     This hike has over 3,200’ of Elevation gain.  If you do not have recent D5 experience we will be contacting you.  As Tom Jarosz wrote in his excellent itinerary; “This hike is intended for those in excellent shape and is ideal for those preparing for long extensive hiking, backpacking trips, or strenuous adventures.  For beginners, unless you ran the Peachtree Road Race, half marathon, etc., or something similar, this is not the hike for you.”

     On the return trip, we'll stop by The Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria - 7275 South Main Street, Helen, GA 30545 for a well deserved meal!  Please keep this in mind as you make your plans.

If you are not meeting at the carpool location, please be at Unicoi Gap no later than 8:30 AM.

Please remember we are planning on stopping for dinner near Helen after the hike.  If you have evening plans, they may need to be adjusted.