There are hundreds of photo opportunities along the 2200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. I wanted to showcase my five favorites. Since these are shots from our journey there are not any from early on in the trip … it was always raining. Rain and fog shut us down at many well known locations—Max Patch, Charlie’s Bunion, and Clingman’s Dome for example.

While McAfee Knob is kick ass and we actually had a nice clear day and have the resulting cool shot I wanted to showcase some lesser-known locations. All photos were taken with my iPhone 7 Plus. And yes, I am partial to lake views.

Here we go, in no particular order:

1) Roan Highlands, N.Carolina/Tennessee

Sustained winds of 60 mph and freezing weather in the forecast had us making a hasty retreat at Carver’s Gap. Upon return however the landscape was incredible, white and green and very photogenic. Here are two shots around Jane Bald.

On a side note, because we had to get off of the trail unexpectedly we got to meet David McGee and stay at his Doe River Hiker Rest Hostel. There is always a silver lining, even if it’s just because everything’s frozen.

Freezing Weather in the Roan Highlands

2) Lake Just Before Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts

The day we summited Greylock was a day I will never forget. We were hiking with our friends Easy Goin’, Happy Hour, and P-Tang and the day was hard and long. After summiting we all decided to have a beer at the lodge. One lead to two and three lead to scratching the remaining few miles in lieu of staying the night in the bunkhouse.

But before all that was this tranquil spot.

3) Speck Pond, Maine

Speck Pond is part of the AMC Hut system and has multiple tent platforms and a brand spanking new log shelter. They flew the logs in via helicopter and dropped them in the pond. The initial view of the pond is not that impressive, but there is a side trail (just across from the first tent platform) that leads to this spectacular geometrical view.

4) Beans Purchase, White Mountains

We were hiking one of the Wildcats with our friend Alyson when we came across this lake too wonderful not to photograph.

5) Mt. Katahdin from Abol Bridge

How can this view of Katahdin not be one of my favorites. Throughout the day we had a glimpse here and there of the final climb of our six-month journey, but the full view of the beast from Abol Bridge took my breath away.

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