Andrews Cove to Tray Mountain

This is a challenging hike and begins with a steady uphill climb. We will be moving at a slower pace on the uphill, stopping and regrouping as necessary. Stretches where the trail is relatively flat and non-technical we will be moving at a faster pace. Overall average is expected to be around 2.5 mph. You will need a recent D5 or multiple recent D4s in order to join.

We will begin at Andrews Cove Campground and follow the Andrews Cove Trail approximately 2 miles uphill to Indian Grave Gap, where we will join the Appalachian Trail.

The Andrews Cove Trail gains roughly 1,100 feet on the way to Indian Grave Gap. The climb becomes steeper as we approach the gap, so we will settle into a strong, sustainable pace and regroup as needed.

At Indian Grave Gap, elevation approximately 3,117 feet, we will turn northbound on the Appalachian Trail toward Tray Mountain. From here the trail continues climbing, with some rolling sections and brief descents along the ridge before reaching Tray Gap.

From Tray Gap, we have the final steep climb toward the summit of Tray Mountain, gaining roughly 550 feet in approximately 0.8 mile. At approximately 4,400 feet, Tray Mountain is one of the highest points on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.

Our destination will be just beyond the summit. We will continue a short distance north on the AT and then take an unmarked side trail to what is locally known as the “secret overlook.” The overlook provides expansive mountain views and will be our lunch/snack stop before we retrace our route back to Andrews Cove.

The return follows the same route. Although predominantly downhill, there will still be some climbing between Tray Mountain and Indian Grave Gap. Once we leave Indian Grave Gap, we will have a sustained approximately 2-mile descent on the Andrews Cove Trail back to the campground.

What to Expect

This is a strenuous North Georgia mountain hike with approximately 2,800–2,900 feet of total elevation gain. Much of the outbound hike is uphill, including sustained climbing on the Andrews Cove Trail and additional significant climbing on the Appalachian Trail to Tray Mountain.

Participants should be comfortable maintaining a steady moderate pace over sustained climbs. We will regroup as needed at major trail junctions and road crossings.

Parking and Trailhead Parking is in the roadside pull-off across GA-75 from Andrews Cove Campground, just before reaching the campground when coming from Helen. Click here for Google Maps directions to the Andrews Cove parking area.