March 25, 2014
Appalachian Trail - Tray Mountain from Indian Grave Gap - GA
Today's hike was on the Appalachian Trail hiking from Indian Grave Gap to the summit of Tray Mountain GA
Directions
Drive North from Helen, GA on Hwy 75 past Unicoi Gap and continue down the other side of the mountain and turn right onto Indian Grave Gap Rd. (F.S. Rd 283) and drive about 3.5 miles to the Indian Grave Gap parking lot. Another great day for a hike! Hiking distance - 5.5 miles. Hiking in March, we always see lots of thru-hikers on their way to Maine. Today, we saw 20+ thru-hikers! WILD
Conditions
Partly cloudy, very cold due to temperatures falling below freezing with strong winds and snow on the ground.
Hikers (13)
- Wayne Barrios
- John Bellamy
- June Bellamy
- Phil Brownrigg
- Pam Euliss
- Stephen Gales
- Tim Hale
- Bill Hunt
- David Hinson
- Bob Magee
- Jeanne O'Connor
- Tony Presley
- Geri Whitaker
Flowers in bloom
None. They are late this year due to colder weather
Birds identified
American Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee, Raven, Dark-eyed Junco and Carolina Wren
Photos (15)
Our trail access today. Leaving Indian Grave Gap headed for Tray Mountain (2nd highest peak on the GA Appalachian Trail - 4,430 ft. As we gained elevation, we were surprised to see snow on the ground! We also noticed that it was getting much colder! We took a break at this nice sunny spot where we could see Tray Mountain across the way! Just beyond Tray Gap, we enter the Tray Mountain Wilderness Area. As we climb Tray, we are in a winter wonderland! Beautiful views from the summit of Tray Mountain! We met lots of thru-hikers 56 miles into their 2000+ mile journey! Still happy even in the cold wind and snow! More north-bounders. Determination! Think it was cold? Check out the icicle! Another great day for a hike! The OFHC gang for today's hike. John Bellamy, Stephen Gales, June Bellamy, Jeanne O'Connor, Wayne Barrios, Geri Whitaker, Tim Hale, Pam Euliss, Bob Magee, Phil Brownrigg, Dave Hinson, Tony Presley and Bill Hunt.