5/12/2015 Appalachian Trail – Tray Mountain from Indian Grave Gap GA

HIKERS – Geri Barrios, Wayne Barrios, Mike Bell, Joe Collins, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Bill Hunt, Ann Magee, Bob Magee and Vic Robson.

TRAIL INFORMATION – This portion of the A.T. is very beautiful but somewhat strenuous due to a large elevation gain. Very nice views from the second highest elevation on the GA portion of the Appalachian Trail.

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

Directions: Drive North from Helen, GA on Hwy 75 up the mountain past Unicoi Gap (A.T. crossing) 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, mild with temperatures rangiing from 68-78 with a nice breeze. Hiking distance – 5.5 miles.
We met one very experienced thru-hiker having done the Pacific Crest Trail (2,663 mi), the Continental Divide Trail (3,100 mi) and now the most famous Appalachian Trail (2,160 mi)

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Cow Wheat, Golden Alexander, Dwarf Crested Iris, Wood Betony, Squaw Root, Mountain Laurel, Toad Shade Trillium, Vasey’s Trillium, Catesby’s Trillium, Cinquefoil, Flame Azalea, Robin’s Plantain, Buttercup, Solomon’s Seal, False Solomon’s Seal, Star Chickweed, Wild Strawberry, Blackberry and Dewberry.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Birds: Red Eyed Vireo, Junco, Oven Bird, Hooded Warbler, Pine Warbler, Veery, Rosebreasted Grosbeak, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Crow, Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Blue Bird, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Starting at Indian Grave Gap

The most famous hiking trail in the U.S.

Another great day for a hike on the A.T.!

Native Flame Azaleas

We met this very experienced thru-hiker. His trail name Texas Pooh, from Austin TX. He said he’s on his second day out and plans to reach Maine by Aug 18 by doing 25 miles a day. this is his 3rd long hike in the past 2 years. He’s already done the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail for a total of 5800 miles, so this one will get him to 8000 in two years. That is very Impressive!

This looks like an Indian Trail Marker tree.

We enter the Tray Mountain Wilderness Area.

Interesting old tree!

We can now see our destination…Tray Mountain! Elevation 4,430 ft

Trail marker at the base of Tray Mt.

OFHC hikers at the summit of Tray.

Hazy but nice view from Tray Mountain!

Wood Betony (Pedicularis canadensis)

The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Bill Hunt, Joe Collins, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Mike Bell, Vic Robson, Wayne Barrios, Geri Barrios, Ann Magee and Bob Magee. .