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Jun 17, 2020 — 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.
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