Hop on the Appalachian Trail and find beautiful vistas at Charlies Bunion in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is one of my favorite places within the park to experience autumn in the mountains.
The hike begins at Newfound Gap Parking lot and is 8.2 miles round trip, filled with panoramic views. The total elevation gain is 1,640 feet (a total of 405 feet per mile), making this an excellent hike for those who have experience but aren’t ready for those expert trails.
The first 1.5 miles are completely uphill and is the stereotypical rocky trail that the Appalachian Trail is known for in this region.
The reward of the beautiful North Carolina mountain views makes it well worth the hike. Especially in the fall, with colorful trees stretching as far as the eye can see.
While this may be considered a “more difficult” hike, don’t expect to have the trail alone. We saw well over 20 people over the course of our hike. However, no matter how popular the trail may be, remember to plan accordingly, be prepared for emergencies, and know what you are capable of accomplishing.
For more information, visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.