July 2, 2024
AT-Indian Grave Gap to Tray Mountain
near Sautee Nacoochee, GA
We had great weather with unseasonably low, 63 °F to 70 °F, temperatures and a cooling breeze making the climb up to Tray Mtn. not too bad. Even the trail was not as steep as expected, but still this is a moderately difficult hike. Thanks to the Georgia AT Club for the nicely maintained trail. We saw just a few, but interesting, wildflowers today. The hike out-and-back to Tray Mtn. is actually only 5.5 miles, but a few of our hikers continued "just a bit further" to get a view from the last of four very nice overlooks making the full hike 6.4 miles.
Today's Hikers: Jim Driggers, Gerald Richardson, Matt Henderson & Toby, Charles Hawkins, Beth Hawkins, Edwin Pruitt, Jenny, Bell, Jack Treadman, Rich Brown, Angela Evans, Allyson Aldrich, Jane Brown & Squirt, Heather Wall & Toby, and Mike Bell.
The route
6.4 mi · 1,647 ft climbing · 4h 31m out, 3h 39m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
19 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (19)
A hazy view from the summit of Tray Mountain. Todays Hikers (L-R): Jim, Gerald, Matt with Toby, Charles, Beth, Edwin, Jenny, Jack, Rich, Angela, Allyson, Jane, Heather with Toby, Mike & Squirt in front. Indian Grave Gap. A good place to start our hike Up we go. Wild Hydrangea and Japanese Spirea. Location of the historic "Cheese Factory." Nothing there now...Hey, did you see these guys? Just a little further up the trail, our first of four overlooks. I believe Jim Driggers spotted this interesting "Moss Bloom" Where the sun penetrates the overhead cover we saw a fair amount of Downy Phlox. A solitary example of Wood Anemone. Getting there. A striking fungus at the base of a tree along the trail. Our second overlook. Another solitary wildflower along our hike, Fire Pink. Yep, we made it. This example of Resurrection Fern is one of my favorite plants. The fourth overlook at the Tray Mountain Shelter, is not quite, "just down the trail," but worth the extra 0.4-mile hike. Nice large outcrop, too. It's the "just down the trail" gang or let's play "hide and seek." This Wild Columbine has such a unique and beautiful bloom. Another loner today.