Nestled along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Hiawassee, GA, Tray Mountain AT Shelter offers a rustic yet unforgettable camping experience. This small but well-equipped shelter is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and breathtaking views. Whether you're pitching a tent or resting in the shelter, you'll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
The shelter provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including bear cables for food storage, a fire pit for warmth and cooking, and a privy for convenience. A water source is located approximately 0.1 miles behind the shelter, so it's advisable to fill up before nightfall. The nighttime views are particularly spectacular, with a full display of stars, distant city lights, and the serene backdrop of the valley.
While the shelter offers a unique and immersive experience, it’s important to be prepared for the elements. The wind can be strong and noisy at night, and wildlife, such as mice, may be active in the area. Despite these minor challenges, the stunning sunrise views and the sense of accomplishment from reaching this scenic spot make it all worthwhile.
Here are some highlights of Tray Mountain AT Shelter:
Customer feedback highlights the exceptional beauty and unique experience of Tray Mountain AT Shelter. Visitors have praised the breathtaking morning views, the convenience of the amenities, and the serene nighttime atmosphere. One reviewer described the sunrise as "absolutely stunning," while another appreciated the full display of stars and city lights. Despite the occasional wildlife activity and strong winds, guests agree that the shelter offers a memorable and rewarding outdoor adventure.
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Running water
Tent sites
Good for kids
This small Appalachian Trail Shelter provides some stunning views. That’s our yellow tent in the foreground and that was the view we saw in the morning - absolutely stunning but the sunup was even better; unfortunately, you can’t see it because we were stunned and didn’t take any photos. There were bear cables, a fire pit, and a privy. The water source is about .1 behind the shelter and down the mountain. The nighttime views on this thing were gorgeous - full stars, mountains in the background, and city lights on the floor of the valley. Pretty cool!
Water source is not very close, go get it before dark. Privy's is convenient, I used it to clean myself before slipping into my sleeping bag. The wind on top was strong in the night and very noisy. We heard mouse or mice walking around us and chewing something during first few hours, next morning we found one mouthpiece was chewed up and my collapsible bowl also had a open hole. There's no open area to view sunrise,but it's still amazing by watching it through the branches.
Very cold when I was there. The mice arent afraid of you. Basic AT shelter with room gor 8-10 people. No picnic table a d limited seating on the sides.
Good shelter, plenty of camping spots and bear bag hanging wires. The water source is very close, don’t have to walk far from the shelter.
I’d personally pick this 1st tent site leading up to the shelter. It has this amazing view but still close enough to the bathroom if you prefer it. Water is a downhill hike on the other side of the shelter.