Trail Overview

This trail is very popular among 4x4 enthusiasts. It is a straightforward drive, although it gets more difficult and tricky as you get to the higher elevations. There are many locations along the trail and a little off the trail to pitch camp. Most camps are not maintained and can be used for dispersed camping. There are a dozen or so spurs off the main trail that offer more challenge to the more adventurous. Some of these spurs are more suitable for dirt bikes, ATVs, or SxSs. The trailhead is very close to the popular mountain town of Helen in Georgia. The end of the trail has a large clearing for parking and is often used by hikers on the famous nearby Appalachian Trail. There are two state parks nearby with ample outdoor opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

Photos of Tray Mountain Trail

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Difficulty

Although most parts of the trail are easy, there are a few lengths that are tricky with rocks and deep ruts. The trail runs along a steep valley which can be dangerous. It is too deep to recover vehicles or even people without professional help.

Technical Rating

Jon

Dec 07, 2025

Open

Trails open. Little muddy in some spots but overall great.

Robert B

Nov 08, 2025

Open

Great drive! A little wet from recent rain, but totally manageable. A few sections would be tough if you're not in a high clearance vehicle.

Larry wald

Oct 29, 2025

Open

I would say the trail is wet today. Very passable. Nice colors

David Zymowski

Oct 28, 2025

Open

Wide open.

Diego Jaramillo

Oct 12, 2025

Open

We drove today around the area, We didn’t find anything closed

John Christian

Sep 17, 2025

Open

The road at Tray Gap trailhead is closed at Corbin Creek rd. Going North, You can go left onto Corbin Creek Rd, but not right onto this section of Georgia Traverse.

Shannon Massey

Sep 07, 2025

Open

Mostly dirt & muddy at top. Dirt and rocky going down and rutty throughout. Gravel before the Lodge, washouts, use caution. Didn't need 4WD, but navigated with caution in turns.

Lyndon Pham

Sep 06, 2025

Open

A Prius and Crown were able to make it halfway up the trail, there are some ruts and puddles to watch for but they can be bypassed easily

Shariq Shahbazi

Jul 13, 2025

Open

My Hummer EV 3X SUT was in Off-Road mode with Increased Height enabled. It has the stock Extreme Off-Road Package, which includes 35” Wrangler MT tires. We started the trail from the north end, near the falls, and encountered the only water crossing almost right at the beginning—it was less than a foot deep. The ride was surprisingly comfortable, even for my elderly mother sitting in the back seat. We went very slow, though, because we were followed by my brother-in-law and his family in a stock 2025 4Runner. He, his wife, and their kids were noticeably uncomfortable and later sore from the ruts, bumps, and rocks. We completed the entire trail at a crawling pace, and it took us two and a half hours. Neither my brother-in-law nor I have much off-road experience—we’re both pretty new to it.

Terry Wilburn

Jul 12, 2025

Open

Caleb McCoy

Jun 18, 2025

Open

Slightly wet after recent storm but track still in good condition.

Paul Jones

Jun 15, 2025

Open

Easy road. Nice trip. Started at the base and went up thru Indian Gap. Steep climb up the mountain but fairly smooth

Brent Blankinship

Jun 15, 2025

Open

Very easy trail. Mostly gravel road and can be easily done in a 2WD SUV. Very good ride, just not as much to see.

Brian L

Jun 08, 2025

Open

A fairly easy trail. I picked it up from Indian Grave Gap trail. I’m calling it a 3/10 because of fairly deep ruts. Other than that it was mostly just some wet spots with some small mud holes. The last few miles are gravel and pretty well maintained because of homes accessed by that route.

Chett Thomason

Jun 02, 2025

Open

nice trail, good condition, followed up to Indian grave gap.