Appalachian Trail - Unicoi Gap to Tray Mtn and back

This hike starts at Unicoi Gap just north of Helen, GA. We will go 5.1 miles on the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Tray Mountain. This features one of the best views on the GA AT.  Here you will have 360-degree view of the surrounding area.  We will plan to have an enjoyable lunch and/or snack at the top of Tray.  We may also visit another spot a few yards down from the summit where we have a good view of Lake Burton and the other GA Power lakes.

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.

Previous experience hiking in mountain conditions is 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 hike fairly comfortably.

This hike is intended to those in excellent shape.  For beginner hikers, unless you have run something like the Peachtree Road Race, a half marathon or something similar, this is not the hike for you.

If people are interested in going to dinner in Helen after the hike, that is a possiblity.

North on GA 400 from the park and ride. When GA 400 ends at Chevron station. continue on GA 115. Go 4.8 miles where GA 115 meets GA 52. Turn right. Continue on GA 115 for 12.5 miles and turn left on Wilford Ash Parkway.  After 0.4 miles, Wilford Ash Parkway becomes GA-75.  Stay on GA-75 thru Helen.  From Helen it is about six miles to Unicoi Gap, where you will see hiker crossing signs.  This means the AT is coming up. You will see the parking lot on the right.  If you start going much downhill, you have gone too far.

On the way back, you do not want to go thru Helen due to the congestion.  Before Helen take a right on Alt-75 and follow that to US 129.  Take a left there and follow that back to Wilford Ash Parkway and take a right.  This takes you to GA-115 where you take another right.  From there, you can follow the way you came back to Alpharetta.

Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event make it difficult for those on the wait list to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible.