AT 2025 🥾🏕️

I discovered a secret and enchanting labyrinth of tent sites here at the top of Tray Mountain (4398ft). It’s impossible to capture how magical this spot I found. I noticed a curious little trail heading down the slope. I figured maybe people were using that for bathroom purposes - but the trail goes on and on, twisting and turning and tunneling into the trees until I arrived in a small clearing, surrounded by moss and twisted branches with a little fire pit. It’s so dreamy here. But the trail continues even further to a private lookout rock with nearly 360° visibility! … and the trail continues yet further to even more secret campsites below the rocky cliff. Really special location.

More generally for today, I got a late start somewhat intentionally due to a stubborn drizzle, and I timed my shuttle ride back to the trailhead perfectly. There was time for lunch and one last walk around Helen before meeting my driver back at the hotel. As luck would have it, I had cool/overcast —but more importantly DRY— hiking all afternoon until I ducked into the woods right before dusk to set up camp.

As the sun set I made a quick dinner and relaxed in the hammock briefly before heading to bed. It’s cold on the mountain top (and windy!) but I’m layered up and should be cozy in my tent. Looking forward to tomorrow- The sunrise here should be amazing!

[AT mile 58.1]Read more