Charlies Bunion
Hike the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion for stunning Smoky Mountain vistas. A challenging 8-mile trek rewarding with panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for unobstructed views
Charlies Bunion
Best Time
Best chance for unobstructed views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion for stunning Smoky Mountain vistas. A challenging 8-mile trek rewarding with panoramic views.
"One of the best views I've ever seen, a must-do hike in the Smokies!"
Check the Weather First! :cloud:
Fog can completely hide the views. Check forecasts before you go; clear days are essential for the payoff.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
The trail is rocky, uneven, and has steps. Not suitable for strollers or unsteady feet.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Charlies Bunion Rock Outcropping
Appalachian Trail
Iconic rock formation with panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. A true reward after a challenging hike.
The Jump-Off Detour
Off Appalachian Trail
A short, worthwhile detour offering stunning, less crowded mountain vistas. A hidden gem for photographers.
Appalachian Trail Section
Appalachian Trail
Hike a segment of the legendary AT. Experience the rugged beauty and camaraderie of this famous trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Weather First! :cloud:
Fog can completely hide the views. Check forecasts before you go; clear days are essential for the payoff.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
The trail is rocky, uneven, and has steps. Not suitable for strollers or unsteady feet.
Pack Water & Snacks :water_buffalo:
It's an 8-mile hike with elevation gain. Stay hydrated and fueled for the journey.
Consider a Weekly Pass :ticket:
If you plan to park in the Smokies for multiple days, a weekly pass might be more economical.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Weather First! :cloud:
Fog can completely hide the views. Check forecasts before you go; clear days are essential for the payoff.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
The trail is rocky, uneven, and has steps. Not suitable for strollers or unsteady feet.
Pack Water & Snacks :water_buffalo:
It's an 8-mile hike with elevation gain. Stay hydrated and fueled for the journey.
Consider a Weekly Pass :ticket:
If you plan to park in the Smokies for multiple days, a weekly pass might be more economical.
Detour to The Jump-Off :camera_with_flash:
Don't miss this short side trail for equally stunning, often less crowded, panoramic views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Charlies Bunion is celebrated for its breathtaking panoramic views and its status as a segment of the iconic Appalachian Trail. Hikers appreciate the challenging yet rewarding 8-mile trek and the unique rock formations. However, the experience can be significantly impacted by fog, leading to disappointment for some visitors. The trail's rocky terrain also requires sturdy footwear.
"One of our hikes in the Smoky Mountains was Charlies Bunion. We started from Newfound Gap. Depending on how long you plan to stay, you can either pay for a one-day parking pass or opt for a weekly pass that covers all parking within the Smokies. Keep in mind, this is the only fee you'll need to pay in the park.
Getting to the trailhead is easy—the trail is wide enough and forms part of the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, you'll come to a split where the trail forks left and right (you’ll see a sign indicating 0.3 miles to The Jump-Off Trail). To continue toward Charlies Bunion, turn right. However, if you have time, taking the short detour to The Jump-Off is highly recommended. The view from the rock cliff offers a stunning panorama of the Appalachian Mountains and is well worth the visit.
The hike from Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion is about 4 miles one way (8 miles round trip). For fast hikers, it typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Charlies Bunion. For more casual or slower hikers, expect it to take around 2.5 to 3 hours. Since the trail isn’t a loop, you’ll need to return the same way you came, so be sure to pace yourself accordingly.
As you continue toward Charlies Bunion, you’ll come across the most popular viewpoint right off the main trail. But if you’re up for a little extra adventure, there’s another peak just off the trail that offers similarly stunning views and is definitely worth visiting. It’s less crowded and gives you a more peaceful experience of the surrounding mountains. I’ve attached a map to help you locate both spots."
Jan Jedlička
"Perfect spot to watch a sunset. The unique rock formations with fascinating areas to explore, climb about or just sit back to take in the view. Warning, steep rock faces could be hazardous if the proper precautions are not taken. The hike out was relatively easy to hike and navigate."
Tom James
"Excellent in-and-out hike along the famous Appalachian Trail. One of the best views I've ever seen. The hike is about 8 miles round trip from Newfound Gap, and the ascent is about 1,800 feet. But it's more gradual than some of the other ascents in the park. Highly recommended if you're looking for a half-day hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park."
Jeffrey V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead for Charlies Bunion is located at the Newfound Gap Overlook on US Hwy 441, which is a popular scenic overlook within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Parking is available here. 
Yes, Newfound Gap offers a large parking area. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early to secure a spot.
No, Charlies Bunion is only accessible by hiking the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap. The hike is approximately 8 miles roundtrip.
The trail is well-marked as part of the Appalachian Trail. You can also use hiking apps like AllTrails for offline maps and navigation assistance.
There are no official shuttle services directly to the Newfound Gap trailhead for Charlies Bunion. You will need to drive your own vehicle or arrange private transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
The hike itself is free. You will only need to pay for a parking tag if you plan to park at Newfound Gap for an extended period.
Charlies Bunion is accessible year-round during daylight hours. The park itself is open 24/7, but hiking is best enjoyed with natural light.
No advance booking is necessary for Charlies Bunion as it's a natural trail within a national park. Parking tags can be purchased online or at various locations within the park.
Yes, a parking tag is required for vehicles parked at Newfound Gap for more than 15 minutes. Daily, weekly, and annual options are available.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Charlies Bunion trail is considered moderate to strenuous. It's an 8-mile out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1,800 feet.
For fast hikers, it can take 1.5 to 2 hours one way. Casual hikers should expect 2.5 to 3 hours each way, totaling 5-6 hours for the round trip.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support due to rocky terrain. Layers are recommended as weather can change quickly in the mountains.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Charlies Bunion trail or any trails within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, except for service animals.
While some families with young children have completed parts of the hike, the 8-mile length and elevation gain can be challenging for very young children.
📸 📸 Photography
The main rock outcropping at Charlies Bunion offers incredible panoramic views. The detour to The Jump-Off also provides spectacular, often less crowded, photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be magical if conditions are clear.
Drone usage is restricted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check the official NPS website for current regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Be aware of steep drop-offs and uneven terrain. Never venture too close to the edge for a photo. Stay on marked trails and be mindful of your surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛰️ Avid Hikers & Backpackers
+1 Many hikers appreciate the gradual ascent and the opportunity to traverse a section of the AT. Consider extending your adventure by exploring nearby trails or planning an overnight backpacking trip if regulations permit. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers numerous opportunities for multi-day treks. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for variable mountain weather. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Charlies Bunion
Hikers often describe the trail as well-maintained, though footing can be tricky in places. The path winds through dense forest before opening up to more exposed sections as you approach the summit. It's crucial to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the mountains; even on a clear day, fog can roll in unexpectedly, impacting visibility.
For those seeking an even more rewarding experience, a short detour to The Jump-Off is highly recommended. This less-trafficked overlook provides equally breathtaking, if not more expansive, views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. It's a perfect spot for photography and a moment of quiet contemplation away from the main viewpoint.
The Views from Charlies Bunion
+1 Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking scenery, describing it as one of the best views in the Smokies. +1 On a clear day, the vistas stretch for miles, showcasing the vastness and beauty of the Appalachian landscape. The unique rock formations themselves are also a point of interest, providing fascinating areas to explore and sit while taking in the scenery. However, the experience of the view is highly dependent on weather conditions. Many visitors have encountered dense fog that completely obscures the landscape, leading to disappointment.
This highlights the importance of checking the weather forecast meticulously before embarking on the hike. When the skies are clear, the views are described as 'epic' and 'worth every step.' The Appalachian Trail section leading to Charlies Bunion also offers glimpses of the surrounding forest, adding to the overall natural beauty of the hike. Beyond the main viewpoint, the short detour to The Jump-Off offers an alternative perspective that many find equally, if not more, impressive. This less-visited spot provides a sense of solitude and an unobstructed panorama, making it a favorite for photographers and those seeking a more peaceful experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit