About This Route
Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap offers exposed ridge mountaineering in Great Smoky Mountains, a 8-mile round-trip with 1,600 feet gain to 5,565 feet. Narrow knife-edge traverses and sheer 100-foot drops demand balance and focus. Rock slabs slick after rain; winter adds rime ice. NPS emphasizes staying on trails to avoid fatal plunges, as seen in rescue stats.
Safety Considerations
Lightning risk peaks afternoons; summit early. Erosion exposes roots; poles prevent twists. Fog obscures drops; use co-leading. Bears roam ridges; hang food 12 feet high. Check NPS alerts for closures post-storms.
Essential Gear
- Approach shoes with Vibram soles (Scarpa Instinct)
- Light helmet (Black Diamond Vector)
- Windproof shell (Patagonia Triolet)
- PLB (Ocean Signal rescueME)
- Headlamp with extra batteries (Black Diamond Spot)
- First aid with blister kits (Adventure Medical Kits)
Emergency Tips
Exposure fall: yell location, use PLB. Anchor to rocks. Lightning: crouch low off ridge. Poor service; hike to Gap.
Build skills on less airy trails. Hydrate proactively; elevation deceives.