Weekday D5 Series: Andrews Cove to Tray Mountain

Starting this little series and hope to occasionally post some weekday D5s for those with unconventional schedules...and also anyone who wants to play hooky from work and run up into the mtns...

There is still some nice fall color on this side of Unicoi Gap so lets get out there and enjoy the last of it before it is gone.  

I've led this one as a D4 before, but this one won't be quite as slow paced, so will be a D5 this time...pace won't be "fast" but just in the moderate range.  However I still plan to start out slow on the first big climb from Andrews Cove to Indian Grave Gap.  Faster hikers can go ahead though if you want an even better workout.

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 and then back down.
 
Total distance is about 10.5 miles. 
Total ascent should be about 2700'. 

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.