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Tray Mountain from Unicoi Gap




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: North of Helen GA   Hike: Tray Mountain from Unicoi Gap  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Thu, Dec 29 2011  8:00 am >> Thu, Dec 29 2011 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Dec 26 2011 12:59 pm
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Dec 28 2011 9:00 pm
Event Duration:10 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:11 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Doug L
Laura L
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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:3
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This hike on the Appalachian Trail will start at Unicoi Gap North of Helen.  We will go up Rocky Top Mountain gaining 1100 feet of elevation, go down 800 feet to Indian Grave Gap and then go up 1300 feet to the top of Tray Mountain.  We will then follow the trail about .25 miles to a nice overlook where we will have lunch.  We return following the same route.

There are nice views at the top of Tray, the overlook and a few spots on the trail.  The picture shown was taken a year ago from the overlook looking north.  The Tray Mountain shelter is on the hill in the foreground with Standing Indian in the background.

At nearly 11 miles and 3200 feet of elevation gain this will be a strenuous hike. The trip up to Tray has 2 uphill sections with about 2400 feet of elevation gain but most people find the 800 foot climb to the top of Rocky Top on the way back the most challenging part of the hike.

I expect this hike to take about 5 to 6 hours but it could be longer depending on the group. We will be hiking at a moderate pace (by D5 standards).  Faster hikers can go ahead but we will regroup at road crossings and the top of Tray Mountain to avoid getting too strung out.  The drive is about 1.5 hours each way not counting the usual break on the way up.

I am planning to return directly to the carpool instead of stopping to eat in Helen.  If anyone is interested we can have dinner at a restaurant near the carpool location after we get back.  The carpool is near the Mall of Georgia so we should have lots of restaurants to choose from.

NOTES:
Because this a D5 event, if you have not very recently completed some tough AOC hikes, I will be contacting you to determine your level of fitness and experience to make sure this is the right hike for you.

This hike will be cancelled if a steady all day rain is forecast or it looks like the roads will be icy.

I prefer hiking with a small group. If this event does fill up I will not increase the group size by adding people from the waiting list unless someone that is registered drops out.


Required Items to Bring:
  • Good hiking boots or shoes
  • 2+ liters of water
  • Emergency rain gear
  • Food
  • Gas money for driver
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Poles
  • Camera
  • Dry shirt
  • Bag for muddy boots

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Directions to trailhead will be given at carpool (or via email if "meeting at event").

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):125Mile(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 $50.00 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:
Because this a D5 event, if you have not very recently completed some tough AOC hikes, I will be contacting you to determine your level of fitness and experience to make sure this is the right hike for you.

This hike will be cancelled if a steady all day rain is forecast or it looks like there will be ice on the roads.

I prefer hiking with a small group. If this event does fill up I will not increase the group size by adding people from the waiting list unless someone that is registered drops out.


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

Cost Includes:NA

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