Blue Blazing in the Appalachian trails is often discussed in hiking fraternities. But what does blue blazing mean, and what does it entail?

The Appalachian Trail is a hiking trail in the eastern part of the United States. It lies within Georgia and Maine. This trail covers 14 states and is 2200 miles long. However, its exact length is still uncertain. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking trail on the planet. Approximately two million people take part in hiking expeditions on the Appalachian Trail every year.

A Blue Blaze is an offshoot of the Appalachian Trail that leads to campgrounds, vistas, and water sources. As such, blue blazing is the act of using these trails as shortcuts. However, while there’s nothing wrong with using them, many people think of blue blazing as cheating.

Blue blazings are often used as markers to identify any trail other than the Appalachian. While it is possible for hikers to take a white blaze, they prefer not to go down that path. The reason is, before a white blaze can take them to a worthwhile destination, they will have to travel a couple of thousand miles, which will take a few months. Therefore, they prefer blue trails as they lead them to some amazing destinations, without taking too much time or effort.

As experienced hikers who have spent much time on the Appalachian Trail, we know all about the different kinds of trails available to hikers. And yes, we have used Blue Blazes as well. As such, we’re in a great position to tell you about blue blazing and some of the best blue blazing trails on the Appalachian Trail.

Siler Bald

Whilst on the Appalachian Trail, Siler Bald is the first summit northbound hikers will come across. It takes a 4.5-mile trip from the Winding Stair Gap to reach Siler Bald. However, to get a perfect view of the summit, hikers have to get off the AT and embark onto the spur trail. From there, it is a 0.2-mile climb before making it to the summit. Once you have made it to the top, you get a 360-degree view of the North Carolina Mountains. You can even see the Wayah Bald, which is only a few miles north.

Spy Rock

Three miles before the northbound hikers start up the trail, the Appalachian opens up to a flat field near the 823.1-mile marker. This place offers a great campground and a resting place before the hikers embark on a 6000-foot journey. The primary attraction for people who come here is the rocky outcropping, Spy Rock. Here, you can also find some of the most comfortable vistas that Virginia has to offer. From this point, hikers get a 360-degree view of the Virginia Mountains, as well as the Priest Looming, on the northern side.

Mount Cammerer Trail

Mount Cammerer is located on the northern side of the famous Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Before leaving the park, this is the last mountain northbound hikers have to climb down from. At the 233.4 mile marker, the Appalachian Trail intersects with the Mount Cammerer Trail. Hikers that come down from the 0.6-mile spur trails get to spend some time in the most comfortable vistas. They also get to visit the unique lookout tower near the trail. The tower was built in the early 1900s. It was built out of hand-cut stone. The lookout tower was completely restored in 1995.

Mau-Har Trails

The next blue blaze, not too far from the Spy Rock, is the Mau-Har Trail. At the 833.5-mile marker, the Mau-Har Trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail. Unlike the previous blue blazes on this list, the Mau-Har Trail is not an out and back trail. The Mau-Har trail provides the hikers with an alternate path that’s around the three ridges, thus reconnecting with the AT at a place called the Maupin Field Shelter. This happens at the 840.8-mile marker. If you take this route, you will forego 7 miles of white blazes, right over the three ridges.

Don’t make the mistake of considering it just a bypass trail. Despite the limited mileage, the Mau-Har trail is not the shortcut you would perhaps prefer. Sure, it might be three miles long, but these three miles will prove to be incredibly tough. Here, you will encounter at least 2000 feet of elevation change, as well as rugged terrain that is hard to navigate through. Moreover, this blue blaze doesn’t receive as much maintenance as the other blue blazes on the AT. Therefore, it is in your best interest to stay prepared if you have decided to take this leap of faith. Hiking on the Mau-Har is exhausting and time-consuming at the same time. On the bright side, the Mau-Har presents you with some amazing amenities like vistas, swimming holes, waterfalls, and cascades.

Maryland Heights Trail

Before you get too excited, it is important to know that Maryland Heights Trail is not connected directly to the Appalachian Trail. When you leave the Harper’s Ferry, through the Byron Memorial Footbridge, the Appalachian Trail takes you to the C&O Towpath at the 1023.7-mile marker. Usually, the northbound hikers turn right, heading down in the eastern direction towards the towpath to continue their journey along the Appalachian Trail.

However, if you turn left and take a western route, you will end up at the trailhead of the Maryland Heights Trail. If you are into the history of the Civil War, then the  Maryland Heights trail is the place for you. Not only will you see some fascinating relics along the way, but you will also see a fort that was built in the 1860s during the civil war. The relics include battle machinery and batteries from the same period.

However, the primary attraction for the hikers in this area is the cliffs that overlook the town of Harper’s Ferry. If you are willing to take a shorter route upwards to the cliffs, you should expect a 4.1-mile roundtrip. However, if you want to hike through the entire loop, you are looking at nothing less than a 6-mile hike (round trip). Even if you aren’t a lover of history or historic artifacts, this blue blaze is worth checking out.

High Point Monument

The high point monument can be easily seen until you get closer to the steps. As the name implies, it wouldn’t be a gross understatement to call this monument the zenith of New Jersey. This monument sits at 1803 feet, and therefore, it is the highest point in NJ. The monument was built in the year 1930 to honor the war veterans. At the 1337.3 mile marker, this 0.3-mile trail intersects with the AT. Interestingly, the visitors are allowed to climb the 220 feet tall monument.

From there, they can either relish the view or take pictures to take back home. From the monument, you get a crystal clear view of the Wallkill River Valley, as well as the Pocono and the Catskill Mountains. Moreover, only a few miles towards the south sits another spur trail, which takes you all the way to Lake Marcia. Here, hikers get to enjoy a day on the beach, one packed with all the amenities.

Embarking on a hiking expedition on any of the blue blazes on the AT is a great sport. However, as we have discussed, some blue blazes are unmaintained, and therefore, they can be potentially dangerous to explore. Make sure to pursue such a hobby with a group of experienced hikers, and don’t forget to do your research.