Two Mountains, One Epic Day — Unicoi to Tray - Halloween Special - Sat, Oct 31 2026

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Two Mountains, One Epic Day — Unicoi to Tray - Halloween Special


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Unicoi Gap Parking lot   Hike: Two Mountains, One Epic Day — Unicoi to Tray - Halloween Special  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Oct 31 2026  9:30 am >> Sat, Oct 31 2026 4:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Oct 19 2026 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 30 2026 6:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:11.1 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Christa
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Join me for an unforgettable North Georgia mountain adventure as we explore a beautiful and challenging section of the Appalachian Trail from Unicoi Gap toward Tray Gap!

We'll begin our day at Unicoi Gap and make our way to the top of Rocky mountain, with a significant climb early in the hike that will definitely get our legs—and hearts—working! From there, we'll continue the route to descend to Indian Grave Gap and then climb Tray Mountain. We'll stop for lunch at the not-so-secret overlook little after Tray Mountain top. After lunch, we will proceed further on AT until we reach Tray Mountain Shelter. We will enjoy additional overlooks here and turn around to return back to our cars. On our return, we still have the difficult climb of Rocky from Indian Grave Gap.

This hike offers a little bit of everything we love about the North Georgia mountains: long climbs, peaceful forests, rugged terrain, Appalachian Trail history, and the satisfaction of spending a full day on the trail.

We'll hike at a steady, moderate pace and take breaks along the way to regroup, refuel, and enjoy the journey. 

The distance and elevation gain of more than 3500 feet make this a challenging hike. Recent D5/High D4 experience is required. 

11 miles. Two mountains. One Beautiful Fall day on the AT.


Required Items to Bring:

Hikes Shoes/Boots

2 to 3 liters of Water/Hydration Drinks

Lunch/Snacks

Carpool Money

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles

Sunscreen/Hat

Bug Spray

Rain/Cold Gear 

Your Smile

Change of clothes/shoes for the ride back


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

 Directions from Windward Park & Ride to Unicoi Gap

  • Start at Windward Park & Ride in Alpharetta.
  • Take GA-400 North / US-19 North toward Dawsonville.
  • Continue north to the end of GA-400.
  • Continue onto GA-60 / GA-115 toward Dahlonega and Cleveland.
  • Stay on GA-115 as you continue toward Cleveland.
  • Turn left onto Tesnatee Gap Valley Road.
  • Continue straight onto McAfee Road.
  • Turn left onto US-129 North.
  • Turn right onto GA-75 Alternate toward Helen.
  • Continue to GA-75 and turn left/north toward Helen and Hiawassee.
  • Continue through Helen and follow GA-75/GA-17 North toward Hiawassee.
  • Continue approximately 9 miles north of Helen to Unicoi Gap.
  • Look for the large Appalachian Trail parking area at Unicoi Gap.

 

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):70Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $28.00 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:
Trailhead Details
  • Location: On GA State Highway 75 / GA-17, about 5 miles north of Helen, Georgia.
  • Parking: Large gravel parking area with space for 20 to 50 vehicles.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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