Tray Mountain from Unicoi Gap

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Tray Mountain from Unicoi Gap

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Unicoi Gap Parking Lot

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Mar 14 2026 9:30 am >> Sat, Mar 14 2026 3:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sun, Feb 22 2026 7:30 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Mar 13 2026 5:00 pm

Event Duration:

6 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Distance:

11 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Clay Davies

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:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

Please join me to hike a challenging section on the Appalachian Trail, Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain. We will start from Unicoi Gap heading East on the NB trail up to the summit of Rocky Mountain. The initial climb is 1,125 feet for the first 1.3 miles, no better way to get your heart pumping. We then begin our descent down to Indian Grave Gap before ascending to the summit of Tray Mountain, elevation 4,430 feet. Second only to Blood Mountain, Tray Mountain has the second highest elevation on the AT in Georgia. We will break for lunch somewhere between the summit and Tray Mountain shelter before retracing our steps back to our cars at Unicoi Gap.

The total distance is only 11 miles but with an elevation gain of 3,500 feet, this is a challenging D5. If you have never done this section before, you will remember the return climb from Indian Grave Gap back up to the Rocky Mountain summit. We will hike at a moderate pace between 2.5- 3.00 mph. You must have recent D5 experience with the club to qualify for this event.

Please arrive at the carpool no later than 7:20 so we can leave promptly at 7:30. If you are meeting at the trailhead, please plan to be there no later than 9:20. There are no restrooms for this hike so plan accordingly.

Required Items to Bring:

1-2 liters or more of water/ electrolytes

lunch

Hiking boots or shoes

dress in layers

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

Trekking Poles

hat/ gloves

sunglasses

sunscreen

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Unicoi Gap Trailhead:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/viBVXkcgBpQbZVCu6

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

135Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $54.00 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:

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

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

Registration for this event opens at 2/22/2026 7:30:00 PM