GA Appalachian Trail: Tray Gap-Dicks Creek Gap (#9) 12.3 Miles

Interested in a challenging hike in the beautiful north Georgia mountains on the historic Appalachian Trail (celebrating 100 years)? Tray Gap to Dicks Creek Gap is the 9th of ten sections the Georgia Adventurers Group has divided up for the 75-mile Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail. This section features the climb up Tray Mountain, Georgia's with-highest peak.

This segment of the Appalachian Trail traverses rugged North Georgia terrain, starting with a climb up Tray Mountain, Georgia’s eighth-highest peak. The route weaves through dense forests, past remnants of historic logging roads, and along a gentle ridgecrest with minimal elevation change. You pass by the summits of other mountains like Young Lick, Round Top, Double Spring Knob, White oak Stomp, Powell Mountain and Snake Knob. There will be a couple of steep ascents and descents in addition to sweeping vistas.

This will be a difficult hike due to steep elevation gains, rocky terrain, and distance. We will trek northbound 12.3 mile one-way beginning at 9 am at the difficult to access Tray Gap (though we'll begin/meet at our end point Dicks Creek Gap for shuttle). While I am a moderate/slow hiker (apx. 1.5-2 mph), we'll need to chunk our distances/times in order to end in a timely manner--approximately 7 pm. We'll end at our cars at Dicks Creek Gap and near Stanimals Around the Bend Hostel where everyone is invited to stay Saturday evening.

We will use a local shuttle driver to pick us up at Dicks Creek Gap parking lot at 8 am for the 37 minute, 7.9 mile shuttle. 30 minutes of this will be on a rugged Forest Service roads. It will take up to 12 hours to complete this hike--so it will be a long day. Option to stay at Stanimals Around the Bend hostel near Dicks Creek Gap on Saturday evening. They have a variety of accommodations including a bunk room. I'm booking a semi-private room (apx. $50) which has 4 twins and an adjoining bathroom. Let them know you are with Valerie/Georgia Adventurers Group if you would like to stay in the same room. Bring dinner if staying. Around the Bend main house has a microwave, and there is a kitchen in the bunkhouse. Sunday morning breakfast is available for an extra fee or we can go to Hofer's in Helen, GA. Staying at hostels is a great way to learn more about the Appalachian Trail culture. Please notify me if we can expect you to join us!

$20 Shuttle fee payed in advanced is required. Total to shuttle four hikers is $80 divided by number who attend (will be more if there are 2 or 3). See private message (once RSVPed) below description for how to pay me via Zelle or Venmo. Only pay me if you are one of the four spots. I tried to secure a second shuttle driver but he is booked! Anyone who does not pay within 24 hours of getting on hike will be removed. This is first come, first served. Refunds provided only if a replacement is found.

Payment received:

1. Jackie $20/ 8/18
2. Tammy $20/ 8/20
3. Karen $20/ 8/21

See the Appalachian Trail website for helpful information and tips regarding this wilderness area. All participants are expected to have navigational skills. Linked here is an AllTrails app map: Tray Gap-Dicks Creek Gap. I will use the FarOut app.

Bring a lunch, snacks, PLENTY of water, plus an electrolyte drink. In addition to your map, bring a whistle, a head lamp, and rain gear.

Georgia Adventurers Group does award a Certificate of Completion for all 10 GA AT sections. Lastly, this club is donation based. Check GAG Meetup main page for how to donate.

Reference: AllTrails Tray Gap-Dicks Creek Gap for educational purposes only.
Photo credit: Atlantatrails.com for educational purposes only.