Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail(edit)

4 reviews | |

EASY

#8 hike out of 555 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park |

EASY

4.3 mi

Distance

2 hrs 5 min

Time

1,056 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate in-and-out trail to Charlies Bunion in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike is actually a section of the Appalachian Trail (AT).

Most of the hike on the AT is tree covered, and the scenery is very pretty. Around Charlies Bunion, there are clear views, offering some of the best long-distance sights in the Park!

This trail starts at Newfound Gap Overlook, and it passes, Icewater Spring Shelter, as well as junctions with several other trails..

Getting Started

There is excellent parking and clean restrooms at Newfound Gap. It is an extremely popular spot, however, and on sunny weekend days, you should arrive early to make sure you get a spot to park.

Taking Children

Most of the trail is ok, and children can do it with assistance. Be extremely careful with young children in the area around Charlie's Bunion. There are very steep drop-offs that could be very dangerous.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

crtant3 2 months ago

Beautiful views from the bunion, be sure to sidetrack to the jump off, well worth it. This is not an easy trail, it is moderate to difficult. You gain 1,000 feet of elevation, lose 1,000 feet of elevation, and have to do it all over again coming back. It is also 4.3 miles out / 8.6 round trip. Don't know who tracked this thing but they didn't make it to the Bunion.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★