Have you ever heard of Appalachian Trail thru hikers? These special people hike the entire length of the AT, all the way from Georgia to Maine. A good portion of this trail passes through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering many day hiking options for those that want to experience some of the views without the commitment.
Charlies Bunion is one of the most popular hikes for doing just that, and for good reason. Starting out from the busy Newfound Gap parking lot, the crowds will soon fade away and you will be on your 4-mile journey out to the Bunion. A 1,600’ elevation change doesn’t seem so bad as you traverse the ridge that brings you to the infamous rock formation.