Southeastern Outdoors Backpacking in the Brooks Range
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Day Hike from
Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion

Distance: 8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate

Charlies Bunion is an unusual rock formation known that is interesting to look at and also provides a panoramic view of the mountains surrounding the area.

One of the most scenic hikes in the Smoky Mountain. this trip takes you over four miles of the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail. This hike can be done as a day hike or as an easy over-nighter, camping at the Icewater Springs Shelter.

 

This section of trail has numerous icy sections during the winter time. Also be aware of ice under snow and steep drops along the trail.

Getting There - the trailhead is accessed from the Newfound Gap Parking Area just off of hwy 441 between Cherokee, North Carolina and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 
Trailhead: Newfound Gap parking area near the restrooms. Lots of parking but frequently crowded parking area.

For the entire hike to Charlies Bunion stay on the Appalachian Trail (AT). The first couple of miles are a slow steady climb uphill.

Sweat Heifer Creek Trail 1.7 - Stay on the AT. Trail intersects on the right, this is Sweat Heifer Creek Trail. Shortly after this intersection you start a short but steep section of trail.
Boulevard Trail 2.7 - Stay on the AT. Boulevard Trail comes in from the left. This is a popular trail that leads to Mt LeConte. 
Icewater Springs Shelter 3.0 -
Latitude: 35° 37.78'N
Longitude: 83° 23.183'W
Elevation: 5,920'
 
Charlies Bunion - 4.0
Longitude: 35° 38.357'N
Latitude: 83° 22.307'W

Be careful on Charlies Bunion there have been a lot of accidents because of people climbing around on the rocks.

Great Smoky Mountain Maps:

 

Related Links & Resources:
Abrams Falls Geology

 

 
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