Tray Mountain Hike - Advanced Hike - Sat, Mar 1 2014

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.



Tray Mountain Hike - Advanced Hike


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Appalachain Trail - Near Helen   Hike: Tray Mountain Hike - Advanced Hike  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 1 2014  8:00 am >> Sat, Mar 1 2014 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Feb 10 2014 9:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Feb 28 2014 6:00 pm
Event Duration:9 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:10.2 Miles
Pace:Fast
Trip Leader(s):
Jon Miner
Paula Schubert
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

*** This trip is intended for those in excellent shape. Be honest with yourself whether you have the physical ability and desire to do this event. Previous experience hiking in mountain conditions is highly recommended. For those that have hiked a trail similar to Blood Mountain with one summit over 1000 feet, this one has three. So you should have been able to complete a less strenuous trip fairly comfortably. We will be keeping a good moderate pace as we hike thoughout the day. ***

We'll begin our hike at Unicoi Gap, which is just north of Helen, GA. We will go 5.1 miles on the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Tray Mountain, which has an elevation of 4,430 ft  and is the seventh-highest peak in Georgia. Along with Blood Mountain, it is the most panoramic view on the Georgia AT. Here you will have 360-degree view of the surrounding area. This is an excellent training hike for those preparing for long and extensive hiking, backpacking, or climbing trips.

Trail Itinerary:
Approximate Altitude Changes
Ascend 1,125 feet to the top of Rocky Mountain at 1.3 miles
Descend 975 feet to Indian Grave Gap at 2.6 miles
Ascend 1,400 feet to the top of Tray Mountain at 5.1 miles
Total Ascent (round trip): 3,500 feet
Miles 0.0 parking area, trail begins at far end
0.3 right switchback left switchback
0.6 step across small stream
1.0 trail levels off somewhat
1.3 top of Rocky Mountain
1.4 break in foliage offers good view on right (the half dome, south, is Yonah Mt.)
1.5 beginning of frequent views right, begin descent down right side of ridge
1.7 right, then left, switchback
2.6 Indian Grave Gap
3.3 cross dirt road
3.4 trail levels off somewhat
3.6 cross gap
4.1 rock outcropping on right provides good winter view grassy road on left
4.3 Tray Gap, bear right across roads
4.4 first of several switchbacks
4.9 rocky outcropping on left with good view, right switchback
5.1 top of Tray Mountain

This is an in and out hike. Total distance is 10.2 miles to and from the top of Tray Mountain.

Please Note:

  • THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER HIKE.
  • The Trip Leader reserves the right to remove anyone from the list that he/she feels cannot handle this trip.

 


Required Items to Bring:

2 liters or more of water
Snacks
Lunch
Hiking boots or shoes

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

Camera
Hiking Poles
Change of clothes/shoes for ride back to carpool.
Rain jacket/gear (even if it is clear day with a 20 percent chance of rain)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Trailhead coordinates:
34.80135, -83.74309


View Larger Map

 

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):150Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $60.00 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:

This hike is for advanced hikers who have recent D5 exerience hiking at least 10 miles with elevation changes.


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


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

This hike will not be canceled unless severe weather is in the forecast.