Full Day Hike to Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

On this hike a knowledgeable guide will take you down the famous Appalachian Trail to one of the best views in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way guests will learn about the history of the early settlors in the mountains, the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians, and the founding of the most visited national park in the country.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

GSMNP Parking Pass Required

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Snacks

Parking Pass- available through GSMNP starting at $5

Bring your own lunch to enjoy outdoors in the mountains, or order a wrap through SMG for $10.

What To Expect

Located on a section of the Appalachian Trail, the Charlies Bunion trail is home to some of the most rugged cliffs and ravines in the park. Although this trail is trampled by day hikers, Smoky Mountain Guides allow participants to escape to areas where the path is less traveled. Some of the first settlers from North Carolina crawled over this region and into the Porters’ flats to start their homesteads. Views of Mount LeConte, the Ocunaluftee watershed, and the Sawteeth Ridge of the Appalachian Trail are some highlights along the way. Learn about the Spruce-Fir tree endemic to the Southern Appalachian High Country and enjoy the cool mountain air on one of the most exposed sections throughout the park. Hear the stories of how the bunion received its name, as well as how natural and human interference created this raw beauty referred to as the Charlies Bunion hike.

Options

Full Day Hike to Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Beautiful Day on the AT with SMG
Paradise23790926250,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The organisation of the trip was very clear The team were super helpful in making my trip happen as I was without a US number and we had to communicate through email only. Plus I didn't have a car to get me to the trailhead. Thank you so much to Marci and her team for all the communication and especially to Wes who was a top guide and great company. Walking pace was good and we had time to stop and just take in the awesome surroundings. Early start ensured we had a clear trail on the way up and Charlie's Bunion to ourselves. This was a 6 year dream come true to hike some of the AT. Thank you again for the SMG team for helping to make it happen. Will definitely be back for more. 😀🤩
Awesome hike to Charlie’s Bunion
mzvtraveler,
Jun 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great hike! I had the absolute pleasure of having Wes as my guide for the day. The views were spectacular and I had a blast! Wes was fantastic and very knowledgeable about the trails, the Smokies, and so many other things. The trail and Wes were so much fun, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a day in Great Smoky Mountain National Park!
Wes, a true southern gentleman
Anna P,
Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thank y’all for an amazing and fantastic hike in the Smokys, one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide Wes made a great hike even more memorable, a real southern gentleman with a great sense of humor. He patiently took care of us in the best possible way, bless our hearts. We will be back!
Fantastic Hike to Charlie's Bunion
Kimberly L,
Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing experience. Our guide, Shannon, went above and beyond. A truly life changing experience for us all. I can't recommend enough.
It’s a must!
C1337VLchrisc,
Nov 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely would recommend a tour with Smokey mountain guides and if you have any luck, you’ll have Wes! His knowledge of the Great Smokey Mountains is exceptional and his great sense of humor was aWESome. He’s like Mary Poppins of the mountains with his backpack and umbrella. The hike was educational, fun and we would do it all again tomorrow. Do not hesitate to book with them!
Wes was a great tour...
Sarah P,
May 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wes was a great tour guide. My husband and I hiked to Charlie’s Bunion and the views were spectacular. Wes gave us a lot of history facts as we hiked along the Appalachian Trail. Would recommend this tour to anyone
Sweaty heifers
438adriennep,
Nov 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Clayton and Wes are fantastic guides! They are very knowledgeable about the area, and they also have a great sense of humor. They provided everything that we needed for the hike. I highly recommend scheduling a tour with them!