Andrews Cove to Tray Mountain

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.