The hike to Charlies Bunion begins from the Newfound Gap parking area. Hikers will travel eastbound along the Appalachian Trail to reach this popular rock outcropping. The steady climb over the course of the first two miles of this hike will quickly leave the crowds behind and you’ll enjoy grand views of the North Carolina Smokies towards the south. There are wide variety of wildflowers that bloom at these elevations during the spring and early summer, including varieties such as violets, spring beauty and trout lilies.
Charlies Bunion is a rock outcropping that was originally known as Fodderstack. The current name was derived when Charlie Conner went hiking one day with Horace Kephart, one of the early proponents for a national park in the Smokies. When they paused for a rest on the rocks, Conner took his boots and socks off and exposed a bunion that resembled the surrounding rocks. Looking at Conner’s feet, Kephart remarked, “Charlie, I’m going to get this place put on a government map for you.” Charlies Bunion offers spectacular views of the mountains to the north, Mt. Kephart and the Jump Off to the west, and Mount Guyot towards the east. Due to the extremely steep drop-offs you’ll definitely want to watch you’re footing in this area.