Indian Grave Gap to Tray Mountain + High Shoals waterfalls

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Indian Grave Gap to Tray Mountain + High Shoals waterfalls

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Chattahooche National Forest

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Dec 24 2011 8:00 am >> Sat, Dec 24 2011 6:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Wed, Dec 14 2011 9:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Dec 23 2011 9:00 pm

Event Duration:

10 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Scott Kozlowski
Kristi

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Looking for some Christmas Eve outdoor activity?

If you've always wanted to hike Tray Mountain but don't feel up for a grueling D5, then this is the event for you.   We will be cutting off the first (and last) big climb by beginning at Indian Grave Gap rather than Unicoi Gap. This still leaves a mid level D4 hike, but with 2000' less elevation gain than the more common route.

Tray Mountain is one of the nicest hiking destinations in GA...at 4430', it is the 5th highest peak in GA (with a prominence cutoff of 500').   The view from the top is pretty good, but there is a view from a short side trail that is one of the sweetest in the state.

We will also be checking out High Shoals and Blue Hole Falls which are on the route up there. I'm not sure how well they will flowing but worth a look.  Together, these hikes add up to a fairly solid D4. But with a break in between them, they won't seem quite as strenuous.

As far as pace goes, it will mostly be moderate although everyone can go at their own pace up the long climbs.. But you will need to stop at some predetermined points to let the rest of the group catch up, for safety reasons.

The last 3.7 mi of the drive is on a gravel road, so we need an SUV or high clearance vehicle or two for the carpool.   We will stop and do the High Shoals waterfalls first.   That is just a 2.6 mile round trip hike with breaks at the two waterfalls.   So should be a great warmup for Tray.

Mileage and elevation gain breakdown:

High Shoals Waterfalls - 2.6 mi 500' ascent
Indian Grave Gap to Tray Mtn overlook out and back - 5.7 mi 1520' ascent

Totals ~8.3 mi ~2020 ascent

Elevation profile High Shoals waterfalls:

Click for larger version:

Indian Grave Gap to Tray Mtn overlook out and back:

Click for larger version:

Required Items to Bring:
2 liters or more of water
Trail food/lunch
Hiking boots or shoes
Appropriate clothing for temperatures
Emergency rain gear

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Camera
Treking Poles
Change of shoes and shirt for drive back

How to Get There:

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

165Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $66.00 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.