Charlies Bunion via the Appalachian Trail Hiking Guide
Charlies Bunion is one of the most popular Appalachian Trail day hikes in the Smokies, and the views explain why. From Newfound Gap you follow the crest of the range through spruce and fir to a knob of bare rock that juts out over a sheer drop, with the ridges of Tennessee and North Carolina spread out on either side. It is a long day at high elevation, so treat the weather seriously.
Permit: Newfound Gap Overlook is in the park, so cars parked more than 15 minutes need a Great Smoky Mountains parking tag ($5/day, $15/week, $40/year); a tag machine is at the overlook. No entrance fee, and no permit for a day hike on the AT.
On the State Line
Newfound Gap sits right on the Tennessee and North Carolina border, and the Appalachian Trail follows that line east. Charlies Bunion itself straddles the line between Sevier County, Tennessee and Swain County, North Carolina. The usual approach is from the Tennessee side: Newfound Gap Road climbs to the gap from Gatlinburg and Sugarlands, which is why it is grouped here with the other Tennessee hikes.
The Route
NPS lists the hike at 8 miles round trip; AllTrails measures 8.1 miles with about 1,837 feet of gain and estimates four and a half to five hours. Start on the Appalachian Trail at the left end of the Newfound Gap parking area. The trail is wide and firmly packed at first, then narrows as it climbs toward Mount Ambler. At 2.7 miles the Boulevard Trail branches off toward Mount LeConte; stay on the AT, which descends past Masa Knob to the Bunion. Expect steep sections with roots and rocks.
The Cliffs
The Bunion rises to 5,528 feet, and its north face falls away steeply, dropping 2,000 feet in just over a mile. The park says to always use caution near the exposed cliffs, which matters most with kids, in fog and on wet rock. Stay back from the edge when you take photos.
High-Country Weather
Newfound Gap is at about 5,048 feet, and the park says its higher elevations can be 20 degrees colder than the valleys in autumn, with snow possible by November. In winter the trail ices over and the park recommends microspikes; Newfound Gap Road is open year-round, but only weather permitting. In summer, start early; the park says afternoon showers and thunderstorms are common from June through August.
Parking at Newfound Gap
The overlook has 141 spaces and fills on busy days; NPS suggests a shuttle, several of which stop at Newfound Gap. A tag machine is on site, but buying ahead saves a queue. Restrooms are at the overlook. Dogs are not allowed on the Appalachian Trail inside the park.
Hiking tips for Charlies Bunion via the Appalachian Trail
- Stay on the AT at the Boulevard Trail junction 2.7 miles in unless you are going to LeConte.
- Keep kids close and stay back from the cliff edge at the Bunion.
- Bring a warm layer even in summer; the crest runs much colder than Gatlinburg.
- Carry microspikes in winter, when the trail is often icy.
- Turn back if thunderstorms build; the exposed outcrop is the worst place to be.
Nearby trails to explore
- Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
- Chimney Tops Trail
- Mount LeConte via the Boulevard Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Charlies Bunion is eight miles of Appalachian Trail crest with a view at the end. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to Charlies Bunion in the Smokies. Download the TrailMates app to connect.