Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion
Country:	United States
State:	Tennessee
Nearby Town:	Gatlinburg, TN
Rating:
Directions:	From Cherokee, NC drive US441 north, or from Gatlinburg, TN drive US441 south, about 20 miles to Newfound Gap, which is right on the border between the two states. There is a large parking area at the trailhead on the North Carolina side. At the trailhead, the left trail goes to the observation platform (clearly visible above the parking lot) in the gap, the right trail goes to the restrooms, and the center trail is the Appalachian Trail.
Total Hike Distance:	8.80 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Easy to Moderate
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	Newfound Gap
Trails Used:	Appalachian Trail
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	Springs
Management:	National Park Service
Contact Information:	Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Rd. Gatlinburg, TN 37738 865-436-1200 www.nps.gov/grsm
Best Season:	Spring, Summer, Fall
Users:	Hikers
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	Follow the Appalachian Trail east from Newfound Gap 4.4 miles to Charlies Bunion. The trail climbs immediately from the trailhead for 2.5 miles rising about 1100 feet to the top of Mount Ambler. On the Tennessee side of the mountain in some places the trail is adjacent to a sheer dropoff, and much of this stretch is rocky and rough. On the north side of Mount Ambler, the trail drops 100’ into a saddle, and then after crossing to the North Carolina side it descends another 100’ to the Ice Water Springs Shelter. The trail continues to descend another 600’ passing into Tennessee as it goes around Masa Knob and emerges on the sheer ledge at Charlies Bunion. The Bunion is a prominent rock outcropping with fabulous views of the Smokies. Return by the same way.