charlie's bunion

Charles Bunion is about 4.5 miles north on the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap. During this day hike, there was significant ice on the trail near Newfound Gap, and I wish I had spikes or crampons for better traction. The trail gains 1000 feet of elevation in the first 2.4 miles, and the snow got knee deep in a few places close to the Bunion. It was a clear day, and I could see forever from the clearings. I did not attempt to climb on the Bunion; there was ice there too. A great hike, my first in snow.

This turned out to be a quite challenging hike once we ran into snow but it also became an even greater adventure. We met one other person who was heading down unable to complete the hike due to the snow. the views were spectacular!! We made it to the top and enjoyed a quick lunch with a beautiful view we were forced to head back knowing we would need to make it down before dark or be in big trouble. We found hike ing down on snow covered trails even more difficult . Would love to do this hike again in the fall but will never forget the feeling of conquering this hike in the snow.

The only bad thing was that after we hiked this trail and it was completely worth it, I was too tired to go over to Clingman's Dome which is very close by. And on that day it was clear. When we got to the overlook the next day (and it's such an incredible climb that I know I couldn't have done it after those 8 miles) it was too cloudy. Bummer! But I would still recommend both even if you can't see anything!

The hike to "Charlie's Bunion" is a great hike along the AT with incredible views. I would recommend sturdy hiking boots plus at least 1 hiking pole for stability as there are many rocks and big steps on this trail. The trail starts at the "Newfound Gap" parking lot along Hwy 441. You may feel crowed and overdressed at the start as there are usually many tourist at this parking lot. The trail starts at the north end of the parking lot near the bathrooms. You will soon leave the crowds behind as few of them actually venture far up the AT. The trail climbs steadily for about 1.7 miles until you reach the intersection with "Sweat Heifer Trail". From here continue on the AT for about 1 more mile until you reach the intersection with the "Boulevard Trail". From this point continue right along the AT for about 1.3 miles to reach Charlie's Bunion. The view from the rock outcropping is incredible, but children should be closely watches due to the steep drop offs. To hike an interesting alternative side trail from the intersection of the AT and Boulevard Trail continue on the "Boulevard trail" 0.1 mile and turn right onto the "Jump-Off" trail. The "Jump-Off" trail is a 0.5 mile rugged trail that leads to the top of a sheer cliff. The views are great, but be careful at there are big steps and the trail passes very close - as in right beside - a sheer drop off toward the end of the trail. I would not recommend the "Jump-Off" trail for children or people with mobility problems because of the danger and difficult terrain. The round trip hike to the "Bunion" and back will take about 6.5 to 8 hours depending on your speed.

We hiked Charlie's Bunion via the Appalachian Trail. The trailhead is at the Newfound Gap parking area. After hiking Chimney Tops, the elevation was negligent to us! At 1.7 miles the Sweat Heifer Trail branches off to the right. You'll be hiking at an elevation of ~6000 feet, and believe me it is humid and you will sweat. At around 2.7 miles the Boulevard Trail forks off left to Mt Leconte, but continue going straight to reach the Bunion. 0.25 miles further is the Ice Spring Shelter. They have flowing water from a pipe, but it needs to be treated. They also have a bathroom further down if necessary. I recommend going to the Bunion first, and then hopping on to the Jumpoff on the way back. You will have great views of the Bunion to your left, and it is only 0.75 miles out and back. You will see signs for the Jumpoff along the hike, right before you get to the Bunion. There was no one on the Bunion when we got there and we got to enjoy it to ourselves, but there were 4 people at the Jumpoff who hung out for about 30 minutes before we go to move in to the good spot. It took us 6 hours for this hike, and hardly anyone was on it.

We are an Irish couple in our 60ties. We spent a glorious walking week in Gatlinburg at the end of June. Walking the Applacahian Trail has been on our bucket list for some time now. Charlie's Bunion walk was the highlight of our holiday. The scenery was stunning. We had some very interesting & informative chats with other hikers too. Absolutely fascinating experience!

We hiked this trail on 8/16 and it was well worth it. My husband is 59 and I'm 54. We do some hiking but usually not an 8-mile hike, more like 4-5 miles. This hike was a little tougher than most hikes we do but we brought snacks and water and just took our time. Off and on during the hike, we chatted with members of a Chattanooga Hiking Club and enjoyed talking with them. There were a lot of people hiking that day and my husband has the gift of gab, so he enjoyed talking with everybody. The views were fantastic! I took pictures but I doubt they will do it justice. We will definitely do this hike again although we will probably take the advice of one of the members of the hiking club. She advised us to get some hiking poles - and I think that would be a good idea. I'm a little disappointed we didn't also check out the Jump Off, but we'll do that next time.

Experience the Great Smoky Mountain National Park like no other. The hike to Charlies Bunion starts at the Newfound Gap parking lot on US441 between Cherokee, North Carolina and Gatlinburg, Tennessee and is about 5 miles one way along the Appalachian Mountain Trail. The trail to the Bunion is rugged, steep in places and is not for all people with medical conditions. It is a moderate to strenuous trail; but for those who do make it say that this is probably one of the top locations in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There is NO handicap facilities, the only bathroom is behind a tree OFF the trail. Pets (dogs) are not allowed on the trail.

I have hiked this trail several times, but I hadn't done it in several years, and my wife had never hiked it, so we went today. She loved it and so did I. Even though I had done it before, the views still blow me away.

This is a hike, not a stroll. You should have good hiking shoes/boots, water, and snacks with you. I say this because we saw plenty of people coming from Newfound Gap that were not ready for this trail.If you are up for a true hike, this is one of my favorites. Along the way, you will get to see Icewater Spring shelter for Appalachian Trail hikers and others. Charlies Bunion is one of the most scenic places I've been in the Smoky Mountains. Just sit on that big rock outcropping and take it in!I also recommend going to the Jump Off if you have the time and energy. It will add about a mile to your hike. You will see the spur for the Jump Off on your way to Charlies Bunion. If you have binoculars, you can see people on the Bunion from the Jump Off.There is a bathroom at Newfound Gap next to the trail. Not the fanciest, but it will do!

Nice hike through some densely wooded forest. If you're looking for great views the whole hike, you might be disappointed because the payoff is really just at the end. That's the only reason I wouldn't say its excellent. You're hiking up hill almost the entire way so be prepared for that. There's a nice little shelter about half way with outhouse facility. The rocks at the end are a great place to eat your lunch. We enjoyed our hike immensely.

The name Charlie's Bunion may not evoke the astounding views you will experience when you hike to the top. I guarantee you will not be dissatisfied when you reach this destination. It's one of those places that allows you to marvel at God's unique creation. Take time to absorb the beauty from the bunion. It is inspiring to say the least.

So it's an 8 mile hike to an outcropping of rocks. Now, this is neat if you've never seen rocks before and you get to sit on a rock and take a cool picture. However, the view from the parking lot where the hike starts is actually a better picture. I did this one because I wanted to hike on the Appalachian Trail, which I accomplished but it turned out this meant a sacrifice of other things. It is just thick forest all around you for 4 miles when you get to about the 3 mile mark and there's a cool shelter stop with a bathroom. So the lack of views, lack of waterfalls and anti-climactic finale with a rock face make this hike, when compared to all other hikes in the park, less enjoyable.

Thru hikers were walking with us as we walked the 4 miles to the rock formation. The 8 mile there and back was relaxing. I kept wondering if Bill Bryson had walked this same trail. I can't remember where he stopped and started again. It didn't really matter and walking with the thru hikers and on the big trail gave fantastic perspective to the book. We had an easy time with the walk. The elevation was subtle and folks of all ages were on the trail. The trail was busy, the scenery amazing and I felt like I was walking through national park history. Walking sticks helped with the rocks. Bring food and water. Prepare for a real hike. The temperature changed while we were walking and there were windy times. Highly recommended.

Charlie's Bunion is absolutely beautiful, and it's my favorite hike in the United States. I do recommend hiking in early in the morning, because by 10am, the trail is PACKED. The views are spectacular and the trail itself is so serene.