GA Appalachian Trail: Unicoi Gap-Tray Gap (section 8) 10.9 Miles Out & Back

Interested in a challenging hike in the beautiful north Georgia mountains on the historic Appalachian Trail (celebrating 100 years)? Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain is the eighth of ten sections the Georgia Adventurers Group has divided up for the 75-mile Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail. This section features lots of far off views of surrounding mountains, ridge runs, and peak to gap hiking.

This is an out-and-back 10.9 mile (total) hike beyond the summit of Tray Mountain to Tray Gap and back. This section is considered more difficult due to traverse up and back over Rocky Mountain, and will be hiked at a moderate pace, approximately 1.2-2.3 mph, depending on elevation. Expect to be on the hike about 8 hours, including a lunch stop.

All hikers are expected to RSVP responsibly, checking back periodically for messages and updates, especially as event nears. Good communication is important when hiking in a wilderness area and with a group. For anyone wanting to hike ahead of host, please have, and communicate, your plan. Also, be knowledgeable and responsible for keeping safe in backcountry areas such as on the Appalachian Trail. See the Appalachian Trail website for helpful information and tips regarding this wilderness area. All participants are encouraged and expected to have navigational skills. Linked here is an AllTrails app map: GA AT: Unicoi Gap-Tray Mountain. I will use the FarOut app.

This will be a difficult hike due to steep elevation gains (total elevation gain is a strenuous 1,481 feet), rocky terrain, and distance. If you are not capable of doing long hikes with steep elevation gain, do NOT attempt this hike. Rocky Mountain is indeed rocky, and the hike down then back up is considered VERY difficult.

We'll begin our hike from the Unicoi Gap parking area. Near the trail is one of three classic bronze plaques created by early Georgia Appalachian Trail Conservancy members and embedded in rock, in 1934. We'll head north, climb some steps and begin a 1.3 mile, 1,068-foot ascent to Rocky Mountain, where we'll have some excellent views to the south from some rocky ledges. Next, we'll descend to Indian Grave Gap, before heading up the 2.5-mile, 1,317-foot ascent to Tray Mountain. We'll pass a popular campsite that was the site of an old Cheese Factory (est. 1848). The cattle were said to feed on "the luxuriant weed of the wilderness." At mile 5.2, we'll reach the small, rocky summit of Tray Mountain (elevation 4,430 feet), with excellent views in all directions of the Georgia mountains. We'll then pass Tray Mountain Shelter before turning back at Tray Gap.

Bring a lunch, snacks, PLENTY of water, plus an electrolyte drink. Also, bring sunblock, whistle, and rain gear. Dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear. If interested, there are a number of nearby restaurants to eat at after the hike in nearby Suches, Cleveland, or Dahlonega.

Georgia Adventurers Group does award a Certificate of Completion for all 10 sections.
Contact Bill 'Papa Smurf' for more information.

This club is donation based. To help with club expenses go here:
https://www.meetup.com/georgiaadventurersgroup/events/304567485/?eventOrigin=group_calendar.

Reference: Georgia Appalachian Trail Conservancy Guidebook, for educational purposes only.
Photo credit: DH/AllTrails, for educational purposes only.