10 Spectacular Blue Llamas on the Appalachian Trail

YoI’m not here to tell you how to do your hike. I am here to ask you only one thing; Please, PLEASE consider taking some of the small side trails to overlooks, waterfalls, fire towers, landmarks, etc. which in many cases are just steps from the Appalachian Trail. I can’t tell you how many times I had this conversation at the end of the day at a shelter while on the AT:

Walker: “Did you take the main trail to the XYZ viewpoint today?”

Me: «Yes, it was amazing. I spent an hour there sunbathing and drying my tent. The view was incredible.»

Walker: «Oh man, that sounds good. I skipped it. Can I see your photos?»

Me: «Sure. Whataaaa???«

There are many opportunities to take spur trails/ blue flames to various perspectives and points of interest in AT, most of which are noted in FarOut. It’s true that not all of them are spectacular and there will be days when low clouds will block out all the views (think a large glass of milk).

But for the most part, it’s worth taking the extra steps to see some of the most beautiful views found along the trail. These places offer a good place to take a break and relax. If you’re rushing through the day just to be the first to get to the shelter, then you’re missing the point. That’s just my opinion; HYOH, of course.

These are some of my favorite blue llamas from my hike. All mile markers are taken from the FarOut Appalachian Trail guide (northbound miles).

1) Charlie’s Bunion | Mile 212

The south end of the Charlies Bunion Loop Trail is located at mile 212. it’s just a short 0.1-mile Walk west to Bunion, which offers expansive views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I got there early in the morning, so I only had to share the place with two other people. Maybe I’m so fond of this place because it was one of the only clear days I had while traversing the Smokies.

2) Jones falls | Mile 400.9

in the mile 400.9 In Tennessee you will come to a junction that poorly marks the trail that leads to Jones Falls. Follow the blue flames 0.1 miles Go east and you will be next to a magnificent waterfall. Pay attention to the warning signs and keep your distance (many of you will be tempted to bathe here, me too, but don’t). Take off your backpack, choose a rock, sit back and relax.

My fool sitting in front of the falls to show you how big they are.

3) Grim Falls | Mile 612

They’re certainly not huge, but they’re not depressing either. The side trail to Dismal Falls (0.3 west) is located in the mile 612 in Virginia. These falls have it all; a swimming hole at the base, lots of flat ledges to put wet tents and clothes on, and also some nice little spots for tents.

I wish I had camped here, but instead I took the opportunity to have a nice long lunch while drying my tent soaked from the previous night’s deluge.

With a nice swimming hole at the base and plenty of wide, sunny ledges surrounding it, Dismal Falls is a winner.

4) Kelly Knob | Mile 674

in the mile 674 in Virginia you will come to a small simple sign on a tree that says «see.» Following the blue flames you will come to an open, grassy area with a ring of fire and some overgrown trees.

Many hikers I knew thought it was another “outdated” and overgrown viewpoint and turned around and continued on their way. Look carefully to the right and you’ll find a darkened herd path that winds through overgrown bush but emerges to a stunning view. It’s a great place to camp, but remember that there is no water there, so plan accordingly.

Sunset from Kelly Knob

5) Anthony’s nose | Mile 1411.6

It turns out that New York City isn’t the only busy place in New York State. I passed through the Harriman Park/Bear Mountain area one weekend, so needless to say, there were a ton of people everywhere.

The side trail to Anthony’s Nose, which is located at mile 1411.6it’s a long 0.6 miles One way, but it’s worth the effort to see the view of the Hudson River and the Hudson River Bridge you just crossed. There were a few people up there, but far fewer than the masses I had just passed through. It was a good place to decompress a little.

View of the Hudson and Hudson River Bridge from Anthony’s Nose

6) Upper Goose Pond Cabin | Mile 1555.7

Upper Goose Pond Cabin is located 0.5 miles west of AT in Massachusetts at mile 1555.7. It is owned by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and run by volunteer caretakers. There is no charge to stay there, but donations are encouraged and appreciated.

Even if you get there in the middle of the day and still plan to move on, you should take the detour and spend some time at the cabin. There are two docks and a sandy beach area for swimming. There are also canoes you can take to the pond. I can’t express how good it feels to give my arms a little workout by rowing.

If you decide to stay the night, there is a bunk room with mattresses and a common room with a wood-burning fireplace and a variety of board games and books to choose from. And, if you’re nice, the caretaker will make you pancakes and coffee in the morning (that’s completely up to them; You shouldn’t go there with the expectation that they will make you pancakes in the morning.). This place is truly a gem.

Paddling Upper Goose Pond on a beautiful afternoon

7) Killington Peak | Mile 1701.9

in the mile 1701.9 In Vermont, you will arrive at the famous Cooper Lodge Shelter. Behind the shelter is a trail that leads to the top of Killington. The path is only 0.2 miles One way, but it’s a steep climb, so you may want to leave your backpack at the shelter.

Be warned: If mountaintop solitude is what you’re looking for this day, this may not be the alternative trip for you. There is a tram on the other side of the mountain that takes people to enjoy the views and to the restaurant near the summit (this is a win in my book).

Still, the views are beautiful. If you go north, it will be the first 4,000-foot summit since Virginia (or the last until Virginia if you go south).

If you are staying at the Cooper Lodge Shelter, Killington Peak would certainly be a great place to watch the sunset or sunrise.

8) The Bonds | Mile 1840.4

Now, this is by no means a short trip. But on a nice day, it’s a truly spectacular hike through some of the most remote wilderness in the White Mountains. This side trip begins at the junction of the Appalachian Trail (Twinway) and Bondcliff Trail in one mile 1840.4 and travel up West Bond Mountain, Mount Bond and Bondcliff Mountain.

From the junction, you would take the Bondcliff Trail (this is also the trail that leads to the Guyot Shelter spur) 0.8 miles toward West Bond Spur. it is then 0.5 miles to the summit of West Bond. If you’re staying at Guyot Refuge, West Bond is a must-visit for sunset, sunrise or both.

Once back at the junction of West Bond Spur and Bondcliff Trail, continue another 0.5 miles to the top of Mount Bond. From here to the summit of Bondcliff there is a walk along mostly open ridges in the alpine zone (1.2 miles). You will have views of the most remote part of the Pemigewasset Wilderness and Hellgate Ravine.

Looking down at Bondcliff from the top of West Bond

The round trip from the AT is 6 miles. Oh! I know! It’s a hilly 6 miles, but if you think you’ll never return to this place in your life, it may be worth the detour. If you’re staying at Guyot Refuge, it’s definitely worth taking at least a short hike to West Bond to take in the incredible views.

Note: FarOut only marks the blue blaze of the Bondcliff Trail from the AT crossing to Guyot Shelter. If you want to hike the route described above, you will need a paper map or a secondary app with more detailed trail maps for this section.

Looking towards the summit of Bondcliff from Mount Bond

9) Zeacliff | Mile 1843.3

This one is simple. in the mile 1843.3 In New Hampshire you will come to a small wooden sign that says «see.» Follow the herd path for about 20 meters and you will find yourself in one of the most spectacular views of the White Mountains.

All the way to the left you will be able to see Mount Washington (assuming it’s not in the clouds like it is 65% of the time). Below to the left and closer is the heavily eroded Whitewall Mountain, which you will then hike beneath as you head north on the AT along the Ethan Pond Trail. In front is the Pemigewasset Wilderness with Carrigain Notch and the massive Mount Carrigain looming behind in the distance.

The view from Zeacliff, one of the best in the White Mountains.

10) Old speck | Mile 1927.6

About a mile past the Old Speck Shelter and Campground in Maine, you’ll reach the junction with the side trail that leads to the top of Old Speck (mile 1927.6). The side path, which is 0.3 miles On one side, it leads to a fire tower at the top. From the tower you can see Mahoosuc Notch, Grafton Notch and Baldpates, which you will climb shortly.

I got there early in the morning and met a section hiker who had spent the night there and woke up to an incredible sunrise. Although I was quite happy with the amazing views of the cloudy sky I had, I was a little jealous that I didn’t get to go up there to see the sunrise.

Early morning cloudy sky fills the valley below Old Speck

There you have it. These were some of my favorite blue sparkles for views, points of interest, waterfalls, etc. while I was on the AT. I have many more, and there were a handful of side trails I didn’t take, probably due to bad weather or the occasional time restriction (having to be picked up by a shuttle got to me a couple of times).

I hope you don’t think I’m giving away any secrets here, because they are all listed in FarOut and other guides. I just hope that when you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail (or any trail, for that matter), you think about this post and maybe get a friendly nudge to explore a little more.

Cover image: Graphic design by Zack Goldmann.

This post was originally published on February 11, 2015. It was last updated by our editorial staff on May 7, 2026.