Do I need a permit for the Charlies Bunion Trail?

No special permit is required for hiking the Charlies Bunion Trail. However, a parking tag is required for parking in the Newfound Gap parking area. You can obtain this permit at the Visitor Center with a credit card.

When is the best time to hike the Charlies Bunion Trail?

The best time to hike the Charlies Bunion Trail is early in the morning, ideally at sunrise. This allows you to enjoy the morning colors, less crowded conditions, and cooler temperatures. Spring and fall are particularly good seasons as the weather is more moderate. The trail is also great for viewing the 'smoky' vapor of the trees during the early morning.

What gear should I bring for the Charlies Bunion Trail?

Wear comfortable hiking footwear, such as trail runners or hiking shoes, and bring 1-2 liters of water. The trail is rocky and can be muddy, so trekking poles may be helpful. Be prepared for variable weather; bring extra layers and a shell jacket in case of cold or rain. Since cellular reception is limited, bring a satellite communicator if possible.

How difficult is the Charlies Bunion Trail?

The Charlies Bunion Trail is considered moderate. It's a 3.4-mile round trip, with a gradual climb. The trail is not extremely steep, but there are sections of up-and-down that require a basic level of fitness. The views from Charlies Bunion at the end are well worth the effort.

Can I camp along the Charlies Bunion Trail?

Camping is not allowed along the Charlies Bunion Trail itself. However, there are campgrounds and backcountry sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you can access via other trails. For overnight stays, make sure to check the park's camping regulations and secure a permit.

What can I expect to see on the Charlies Bunion Trail?

On the Charlies Bunion Trail, you’ll experience scenic views along the Appalachian Trail, including lush forested areas, rock formations, and expansive vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail provides a ‘best of’ experience of the Appalachian Trail with relatively gentle terrain and great panoramic views from Charlies Bunion.

How long does it take to hike the Charlies Bunion Trail?

The Charlies Bunion Trail is 3.4 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,440 feet. Most hikers complete it in about 2-3 hours, depending on their pace and the time spent at the overlook.

Are there any dangerous sections on the Charlies Bunion Trail?

While the Charlies Bunion Trail is well-maintained, it is still a backcountry trail, and hikers should be cautious. There are sections with uneven footing, and some areas are exposed with steep drop-offs. Always stay on the trail and follow safety guidelines. The area around Charlies Bunion is fragile, so be respectful of the environment.

Can I visit the Charlies Bunion Trail in winter?

You can hike the Charlies Bunion Trail in winter, but be prepared for cold temperatures, potential snow, and icy conditions. Microspikes and trekking poles are recommended during the winter months, especially if there is ice or snow on the trail.

PLAY VIDEO

Charlies Bunion Trail Hike

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 12, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 8 miles
Time: 4-5 Hours
Total Climbing: 1900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Charlies Bunion Trail is an underrated hike; it's among the best day hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's challenging without being too hard and offers incredible views and a mini-Application Trail experience. The Charlies Bunion Trail is one of my favorites in the park.

Where is Charlies Bunion Trail?

Charlies Bunion Trail Parking — The hike starts at the Newfound Gap parking area, just off the main road through the park, route 441.

The trailhead is at Newfound Gap, nearly a mile above sea level on the TN and NC border. Use this trailhead address:
Newfound Gap Parking Area, Bryson City, NC 28713

You need a parking tag if you are leaving your vehicle to hike. You can get them at the Visitor Center with a credit card 24 hours a day.

Charlies Bunion Trail Parking Lot — The parking lot is large but can fill up, especially with drivers stopping for the views. If there are no spots, just hang out, and a parking spot will surely open up.

I recommend doing this hike at sunrise. You'll get great colors, your best chance at seeing the "smoky" vapor from the trees, and less crowds.

Gear Recommendations

Charlies Bunion Trail Gear — Having comfortable footwear, such as trail runners or hiking shoes, is important. Some people also find trekking poles useful.

The trail is rocky, root-filled, and can be muddy. If you're not a regular hiker, you might think that hiking boots are the best move, but most Appalachian Trail hikers use trail runners. They offer a great blend of protection and comfort.
You'll be over a mile above sea level at points along this hike. It's generally colder and more extreme than nearby Gatlinburg and Cherokee. Check the mountain forecast link at the top of this guide. If it's snowy and icy, this hike is best done at another time. Even if conditions are good, bring an extra layer and shell. Summer thunderstorms are not uncommon.
Although this isn't a big mountain climb, there's a fair bit of up and down along the way. If you like using trekking poles, this is a good place to have them.
This is a backcountry hike and you should be prepared with the essentials.
Cellular reception is generally non-existent. Bring a satellite communicator if you have one.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Reliable SOS Everywhere on Earth
Sawyer + CNOC Water Filter: Easy & Reliable Safe Water
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp: Running late? Get home safe
Altra Olympus 275: Favorite trail shoes right now, no blisters and very comfy.
AllTrails Plus: Offline maps on your phone with the Plus level
Full November 2025 Gear List →

Charlies Bunion Trail Maps

Charlies Bunion Trail Blaze — The majority of this hike is along the Appalachian Trail (aka "the AT") which is marked with these white blazes. There are also trail signs at the junctions along the way.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Elevation Profile

Charlies Bunion Trail Elevation — On your way to Charlies Bunion there's a gradual climb. Around Icewater Shelter you descend towards Charlies Bunion. On the way back, you do it in reverse.

3D Map

Charlies Bunion Trail 3d — The hike follows the spine of the mountain. On your right is North Carolina, on your left, Tennessee.

Worth Noting

Although there are no big mountain peaks on this hike, the ridge you hike on is amongst the highest elevations east of the Mississippi River, with some points above 6,000 feet, over a mile above sea level.
One of the nice things about this hike is that it gives you a "best of" taste of the Appalachian Trail. I haven't done the entire through-hike myself, but I have logged a few hundred miles, and these are some of the nicest. You get some views, one of the nicest lodges (Icewater Spring Shelter), and no real steep sections.
Right next to Charlies Bunion is Masa Knob, named after George Masa, a Japanese native who emigrated to Asheville in 1916. His photos are incredible and helped raise awareness and protection to what eventually became Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He was even mentioned in Ken Burn's National Park. documentary (worth watching).
On the way back I recommend adding on a mile to visit The Jump Off, where you get views of Charlies Bunion. The directions are in the video and on the map.

Charlies Bunion Hike Directions

Charlies Bunion Trail Directions 1 — The hike starts next to the Roosevelt Memorial.

Charlies Bunion Trail Directions 2 — You're starting on the Appalachian Trail, which we'll take almost all the way to the end at Charlies Bunion.

Charlies Bunion Trail Directions 3 — You'll hike straight for 1.7 and then reach the Sweet Heifer Creek Trail. Continue straight on the Appalachian Trail.

Charlies Bunion Trail Directions 4 — At 2.7 miles you'll reach the intersection of the Boulevard Trail. Make the hard right and start a downhill section of trail.

Charlies Bunion Trail Directions 5 — As you approach 4 miles in, look for the sign for the side trail to Charlies Bunion.

Charlies Bunion Trail Directions 6 — Charlies Bunion is a short distance down the trail. From here, just turn around and go back the way you came.

Originally published December 29, 2023

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