The trail to Charlie's Bunion starts at Newfound Gap and follows the Appalachian Trail for 4 miles. This section of the Appalachian Trail was built by hand using picks and shovels in the fall of 1932.At this point in the trail, you can see ahead to the Bunion where some hikers are already enjoying the 360 degree panoramic view!
Probably the most spectacular view in the park, Charlie's Bunion features almost-sheer cliffs (that drop more than 1000 feet into the Greenbrier section) and out- standing views of Mt. LeConte to the west.
The side trail here is extremely dangerous in icy weather.
A 1929 cloudburst create this spectacular bluff by scouring the soil veneer from the exposed slopes.A party, which included local mountaineer Charlie Conner, was organized to survey the damage that exposed this new, craggy promontory in the Sawteeth Range.
Crew leader, Horace Kephart likened the knobby appearance of the cliffs to Charlie Conner's bunion.
"gorgeous vistas of ridge on ridge
of mountains burst upon the hiker or
rider unexpectedly through openings
in the trees."
TRAIL LENGTH:
4.0 miles from Newfound Gap to
Charlie's BunionHIGHLIGHTS:
Panoramic vistas, rock outcropsCAUTIONS:
Ice in winter, exposed cliffs, trail erosionTRAILHEAD:
Newfound Gap, to the left of the
overlook, at the end of the parking area, near the restrooms.