Full Day Hike to Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail

Six hours on the Appalachian Trail: rugged cliffs, Mount LeConte views, and the story of how Charlies Bunion got its name

A full-day guided hike to Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes you to one of the park's most dramatic viewpoints. The guide shares the history of early settlers, the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians, and leads you to less-traveled sections of the trail where day hikers rarely venture. Bottled water and snacks are provided. Children age 6 and up are welcome, though high cardiovascular fitness is required. A GSMNP parking pass is needed to access the trailhead.

The experience

The hike covers a section of the Appalachian Trail known for rugged cliffs and ravines, but your guide steers the group away from the trampled main path to quieter stretches. Along the way you'll see Mount LeConte, the Ocunaluftee watershed, and the Sawteeth Ridge: views that open up from some of the most exposed sections in the park. The trail passes through Spruce-Fir forest endemic to the Southern Appalachian high country, and the cool mountain air is part of what makes this one of the park's most striking walks.

The guide weaves in stories about the early North Carolina settlers who crawled over this same ridge into Porters' flats to build their homesteads, and explains how both natural forces and human activity shaped the raw landscape you're walking through. You'll learn how Charlies Bunion itself got its name. A detail that makes sense once you're standing on the exposed rock looking out across the ridgeline. Bottled water and snacks keep you fueled through the six hours. If you want a full meal, you can order a wrap from the guide company for $10 or bring your own lunch to eat outdoors.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks throughout the hike.
• a live English-speaking guide who shares Appalachian history and natural history.
• access to less-traveled sections of the Appalachian Trail away from day-hiker crowds.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Youth (6 to 11 years): free · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Smoky Mountain Guides

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide who knows the trail's history and ecology rather than navigating solo, and need pickup from your Gatlinburg accommodation.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 11 years): free. Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Charlies Bunion and why is it worth a full day of hiking?

Charlies Bunion is a dramatic outcrop on the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known for its rugged cliffs, ravines and sweeping views of Mount LeConte, the Ocunaluftee watershed and the Sawteeth Ridge. It sits on one of the most exposed sections of the park and offers some of the best vistas in the entire range.

How difficult is this hike and who should do it?

The hike requires a high level of physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. It covers six hours of trail over rugged terrain, so you need to be comfortable with sustained climbing and walking on exposed sections.

What do I need to bring or arrange before I go?

You'll need a Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking pass to access the trailhead. Passes start at $5 and are available through GSMNP. Bottled water and snacks are provided by the guide, though you can bring your own lunch or order a wrap for $10.

Will the guide teach me about the history and wildlife along the way?

Yes. The guide shares stories about the early settlers from North Carolina who crossed this ridge, explains the Spruce-Fir trees endemic to the Southern Appalachian high country, and tells the history of how Charlies Bunion received its name and how the landscape was shaped by natural and human forces.