About Charlies Bunion (via AT from Newfound Gap)
Charlies Bunion is a rock outcrop hanging over a steep, wild basin, and the walk to it follows one of the best stretches of the Appalachian Trail in the park. The National Park Service lists the hike at 8 miles round trip through spruce-fir forest on a popular section of the AT. Expect roughly 1,000 feet of total climbing on the way out, spread over rolling ridge walking.
The hike
From the Newfound Gap lot the AT heads east along the state-line ridge, in and out of dark spruce-fir forest and across a couple of exposed ledges. About four miles in a short spur leads to the Bunion, where the ground falls away on three sides. Stay well back from the edge; the drop is steep and the rock is slippery when wet. The return is the same route, so save some energy for the last uphill to the car.
When to go
Summer is the best escape from valley heat, with temperatures often 15 degrees cooler than Gatlinburg. October is gorgeous and crowded. Winter hikers need traction and a check of Newfound Gap Road status first, since ice can close the road.
Getting there
Newfound Gap is on US-441, about 15 miles from Gatlinburg. NPS says the lot fills early on weekends and suggests considering a shuttle. Entry to the park is free, but a parking tag is required if you park more than 15 minutes: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year. America the Beautiful and other federal passes do not count, and the tag has to be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
Bring water, a rain layer and a warm layer; there is no water on the trail, and weather changes fast. Pets are not allowed. Check the closures page before you go.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Andrews Bald: a 3.6-mile round trip to a grassy bald
- the Kuwohi tower walk: a steep paved mile round trip
Planning and safety
Give yourself more time than the mileage suggests. Rocks, roots, stream crossings and short climbs all slow the pace, and most people stop often. An early start gives you the quietest trail and the best chance at a parking space.
Check conditions the morning you go. The park posts trail and road closures and cautions, and storms, ice and Hurricane Helene repairs can change access with little notice. Carry water, a rain layer and a map, keep a safe distance from bears and elk, and pack out everything you bring in.
Good to know
- How long is Charlies Bunion (via AT from Newfound Gap)?
- Charlies Bunion (via AT from Newfound Gap) is 4 miles one way (8.0 miles round trip), with about 1,000 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
