Hike to the summit of Tray Mountain as you travel northbound along the Appalachian Trail in north Georgia. Catching views to the north and south reward you on this moderately challenging day hike. This is the middle child of Tray Mountain hikes. You can take the much shorter route from Tray Gap or the much longer and more difficult route via Unicoi Gap on the other side of Rocky Mountain.
The hike begins at Indian Grave Gap. You will have to cross a creek if you take Indian Grave Gap Road from the north but I've been told coming from Tray Mountain Road from the south is passable for sedans, although it might be a bumpy ride.
This hike travels northbound on the AT, so take the white-blazed path on the opposite side of the road from the parking pull-off. You should pass a sign with the mileage to Tray Gap. If it says Unicoi Gap, you're going the wrong way.
At .7 miles you'll cross over Tray Mountain Road, roughly paralleling it all the way to Tray Gap. The first mile isn't too bad, gaining at a moderate rate of 550 feet/mile. After this you'll hike up two ascents at around 800 feet/mile. The first before you reach Tray Gap and the second from Tray Gap to the summit.
On the way, hike past a couple campsites and a blue-blazed side trail before coming to a small overlook at mile 1.5. Just behind the trees in front of you is Tray Mountain. Shortly afterward you'll arrive at Tray Gap at 1.7 miles.
Cross the road at Tray Gap, passing a blank (at the time) info sign and soon entering Tray Mountain Wilderness. Just before the summit, another small view opens up to the north. At the top of Tray Mountain, a view opens up to the south and a few feet down the trail another to the north giving you good views on both sides of the mountain.