Hike Rocky Mountain, Tray Mountain, Brier Creek Bald Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, GA

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Rocky Mountain, Tray Mountain, Brier Creek Bald GPX Track

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This route is a bit of a contrived one, my goal being to hike a few peaks in the area rather than doing an out-and-back of part of the Appalachian Trail. My hike summits Rocky Mountain, Tray Mountain, and Brier Creek Bald. If you're just looking to hike the peaks with minimal walking *scoff*, you can skip most of the walk on this one and drive along Tray Mountain Road. I came in from Indian Grave Road (turn off at 34.8252679,-83.7332321) and parked at Indian Grave Gap (my attached trailhead coordinates). Alternatively, you could just park off Highway 75 at 34.8014543,-83.7429224 and ascend up and over Rocky Mountain, but then you'd have to go up and over it again on the way back.

First I headed west along the Appalachian Trail up to Rocky Mountain, which would have a couple of nice views along the way if it wasn't foggy, but the summit was forested and wouldn't have views regardless of the weather.

Back at the trailhead, I continued across the road along the Appalachian Trail, crossing over Tray Mountain Road twice before starting the ascent up to Tray Mountain. I thought it was overall a pretty and lush section of the Appalachian Trail, but with nothing particularly notable except a small view. It's also kind of always a bummer for that "remoteness" feel to know there's a road a few hundred feet away, even if it's out of sight. The trail up to Tray Mountain added some exercise, and I made a minor detour past the summit to get Tray Mountain – Southeast Peak. Fog made for no views for me.

Back at the base of Tray Mountain, I followed Corbin Creek Road (which could have been driven, if that's your thing) to a fork. The left fork was a heavily degraded road, which I followed until its end. A mostly reasonable bushwhack led for less than a quarter mile to the summit of Brier Creek Bald. It was forested and probably not worth the effort, but I was feeling excited for peaks and it was close enough to justify going for it.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Rocky Mountain

4017 ft

897 rise

Tray Mountain

4430 ft

1481 rise

Tray Mountain-Southeast Peak

4400 ft

n/a rise

Brier Creek Bald

4163 ft

323 rise

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Starting from Indian Grave Gap, headed up to Rocky Mountain along the Appalachian Trail.

Some nice foggy views as I ascend to Rocky Mountain.

Turn-off for Rocky Mountain's summit.

Rocky Mountain summit.

Back at Indian Grave Gap, I crossed the road and picked up the Appalachian Trail on the other side.

One of the two road crossings ahead.

A cleared section along the Appalachian Trail.

A view point a bit before the next road crossing.

On the way back, the fog had cleared a bit, so I took another shot of the view point for reference of fog to no fog.

Close-up of the only view I had on this hike.

Continuing along the Appalachian Trail.

Crossing Indian Grave Road for the second time. Left along the road would lead to Brier Creek Bald, which I did after Tray Mountain. The trail continues just ahead, right of center.

Some exercise on the way up to Tray Mountain.

Tray Mountain summit.

I went a little farther to the Tray Mountain - Southeast Peak for no reason in particular.

Tray Mountain - Southeast Peak.

Back at the junction with Indian Grave Road, now headed to Brier Creek Bald.

Left leads up to Brier Creek Bald, right is where Indian Grave Road continues.

Looking back along the abandoned road as I ascend to Brier Creek Bald.

End of the old road, where the bushwhack begins.

The bushwhack wasn't awful to get to Brier Creek Bald.

Brier Creek Bald summit.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!