Uploaded December 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Charlies Bunion is 8 miles round trip with 1,640 feet of gain and sweeping Smokies views without the LeConte crowds.
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* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/charlies-bunion
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Charlies Bunion sits on the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers some of the best views in the park with far fewer crowds than Mount LeConte. The 8-mile round trip gains 1,640 feet and follows the AT through forest before breaking out onto the rocky outcrop at the bunion. I cover directions from Newfound Gap, what gear to bring for the exposed sections, and how to extend the hike to The Jump Off for an even better viewpoint. No permit needed, but parking at Newfound Gap fills early on weekends. Best hiked spring through fall when ice isn't an issue on the exposed ridge.
00:00 Why It's Great
00:32 Where to Start
01:17 Directions
03:15 Gear
06:40 Charlies Bunion
08:14 The Jump Off
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Charlies Bunion is 8 miles round trip with 1,640 feet of gain and sweeping Smokies views without the LeConte crowds.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/charlies-bunion
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Charlies Bunion sits on the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers some of the best views in the park with far fewer crowds than Mount LeConte. The 8-mile round trip gains 1,640 feet and follows the AT through forest before breaking out onto the rocky outcrop at the bunion. I cover directions from Newfound Gap, what gear to bring for the exposed sections, and how to extend the hike to The Jump Off for an even better viewpoint. No permit needed, but parking at Newfound Gap fills early on weekends. Best hiked spring through fall when ice isn't an issue on the exposed ridge.
00:00 Why It's Great
00:32 Where to Start
01:17 Directions
03:15 Gear
06:40 Charlies Bunion
08:14 The Jump Off
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
