Slow and Steady - Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain and Back - Sat, Sep 19 2015

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Slow and Steady - Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain and Back


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Unicoi Gap   Hike: Slow and Steady - Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain and Back  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Sep 19 2015  8:30 am >> Sat, Sep 19 2015 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Sep 8 2015 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Sep 18 2015 6:00 pm
Event Duration:8 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:11 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Joyce T.
Carol
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

     It’s time for a tough trek to Tray Mountain!  Starting at mile 52.9 of the Appalachian Trail, the Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain Shelter is one of the more difficult sections of the AT in Georgia.  Joyce and I will be moving along at a 2.25 – 2.6 mile per hour pace and on this hike we'll ask that folks do not run ahead.  We’ll begin the hike from Unicoi Gap (EL 2,949’) and immediately start climbing to the top of Rocky Mountain (EL 4,017). The views from Rocky Mountain are spread out over a ¼ mile of trail.  From there we head down to Indian Grave Gap (EL 3,114’), we’ll then begin our upward journey to the top of Tray Mountain (EL 4,430’).  Along the way we’ll cross Tray Mountain Road (remember to look both ways), and after a slight descent go by the Cheese Factory Site (the site of a 19th century dairy farm, although there are no signs of it any more).  This area is often used for a Tent Site.  As we return to our climb, we’ll be rewarded with a view of Tray Mt. from an opening in the trees.  Just past the view we’ll come to Tray Gap (EL 3,849) and cross a Forest Service Road.  We now only have another 1.1 miles to go to reach the Tray Mountain shelter!  Once we reach the summit there are great views from the mountain through several openings (we just have to pick our way through the laurel bushes).  We then only have a short distance of a third of a mile to reach the shelter which will be our lunch spot.  After a nice, refreshing break, we simply turn around and head back to our cars!

     This hike has over 3,200’ of Elevation gain.  If you do not have recent D5 experience we will be contacting you.  As Tom Jarosz wrote in his excellent itinerary; “This hike is intended for those in excellent shape and is ideal for those preparing for long extensive hiking, backpacking trips, or strenuous adventures.  For beginners, unless you ran the Peachtree Road Race, half marathon, etc., or something similar, this is not the hike for you.”

     On the return trip, we'll stop by The Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria - 7275 South Main Street, Helen, GA 30545 for a well deserved meal!  Please keep this in mind as you make your plans.


Required Items to Bring:

Plenty of water (at least 3 liters) - we will check as dehydration is nothing to play with!

Good, broken-in hiking shoes

Trekking poles are highly recommended

A change of clothes for after the hike and a towel/bag for wet clothes

A great attitude

Snacks and a light lunch

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

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

If you are not meeting at the carpool location, please be at Unicoi Gap no later than 8:30 AM.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):152Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $60.80 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:

Please remember we are planning on stopping for dinner near Helen after the hike.  If you have evening plans, they may need to be adjusted.


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


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