3/25/2014 Appalachian Trail – Tray Mountain from Indian Grave Gap – GA

HIKERS – 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 and Geri Whitaker .

TRAIL INFORMATION – We were surprised by snow on the ground as we gained elevation during the hike today. This portion of the A.T. is very beautiful but somewhat strenuous due to a large elevation gain. The weather started out with a nice 38 degrees F but dropped to 28 as we climbed to the summit of Tray Mountain. The wind was gusting up to 30 mph giving wind chills into the teens! It was another day for meeting lots of thru-hikers on their way to Maine.

We rate the hike mostly strenuous due to lots of elevation changes.

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! Partly cloudy, very cold due to temperatures falling below freezing with strong winds and snow on the ground. 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!

WILDFLOWERS 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.