Tray Mountain

Tray Mountain, rising to an elevation of approximately 4,430 feet, is one of the highest peaks in Georgia and ranks among the prominent summits of the North Georgia mountains. Located a short distance from Helen, the mountain straddles the boundary between White and Towns counties and lies within the Tray Mountain Wilderness, part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The surrounding wilderness protects a rugged landscape of forested ridges, steep slopes, mountain streams, and remote backcountry terrain. Tray Mountain is best known among hikers for its location along the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the mountain as it winds through northern Georgia on its journey toward Maine. Although the summit is not marked by an expansive panoramic overlook, a narrow clearing near the top provides limited views to the north and south through openings in the surrounding vegetation. The mountain’s appeal lies as much in its quiet, remote setting and its connection to the Appalachian Trail as in the views themselves. For hikers exploring this section of the trail, Tray Mountain offers an opportunity to experience the rugged character of the southern Appalachians and enjoy a short excursion to one of Georgia’s higher elevations.

We began our hike to Tray Mountain from Tray Gap, at an elevation of approximately 3,847 feet, where U.S. Forest Road 79 crosses the Appalachian Trail. From this access point, the route follows the white-blazed A.T. uphill toward the summit, gaining roughly 600 feet over a relatively short distance. Although the hike is brief, the climb is fairly steep in places and can be strenuous for its length, particularly for those who are not accustomed to mountain trails. The path passes through a forested landscape before reaching the summit clearing, where hikers can pause to rest and look through the openings in the trees for views of the surrounding mountains. After enjoying the summit, you can return to Tray Gap by retracing your steps or extend the outing by continuing along the Appalachian Trail. Backpackers will find additional facilities nearby, including a shelter, a water source, and relatively level areas suitable for camping. The shelter is reached by following a blue-blazed side trail that branches off the A.T. and extends approximately 0.2 mile to the shelter area. These facilities make the area a useful overnight stop for Appalachian Trail hikers, although water should be treated before drinking and availability may vary with conditions. Whether visiting for a short summit hike or incorporating Tray Mountain into a longer backpacking trip, this section of the Appalachian Trail offers a rewarding taste of Georgia’s high-country wilderness.