Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion
A high-ridge Appalachian Trail hike to a rocky overlook above the northern Smokies.
Route overview
Follow the Appalachian Trail east to the Charlies Bunion spur and return.
The Appalachian Trail climbs from Newfound Gap past Icewater Spring Shelter and continues to the signed spur for Charlies Bunion. The route stays high, gains and loses elevation repeatedly and ends at an exposed rock outcrop with severe consequences for a fall.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
- Distance
- approximately 12.9 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 4–6 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- approximately 500 m cumulative
- Best season
- Late spring through autumn; winter with traction and road-access check
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No day-hiking permit; parking tag required
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Cliff exposure, fog, ice, thunderstorms, bears and confusing side paths
Highlights
Appalachian Trail, Icewater Spring area, high ridge, Charlies Bunion views
Why find a buddy
Partners add route confirmation and safer judgment around fog, ice and the exposed endpoint.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.