Charlies Bunion Private Hike

Charlies Bunion Private Hike

Day Hike Tours

1 Day 9MI / 14KM

Trip Highlights

This exciting Smoky Mountains day hike offers stunning hiking on the Appalachian Trail, amazing views from an exposed ridge, and a unique rock outcropping. You’ll meet your Wildland Trekking hiking guide at the Newfound Gap parking lot and embark on your hike from there. Our route climbs for the first couple miles while we’re rewarded with a dense beautiful spruce-fir forest and then incredible views of distant Blue Ridge mountains. Much of our hike follows a narrow ridge traversing the spine of the Appalachian Mountains, with breathtaking 360-degree views at Charlies Bunion. We’ll soak up the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, which include Mount Kephart and Mount Guyot. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, and eventually make our way back to our starting point to complete our Appalachian Trail hike. 

(Important: We run hikes in almost all weather conditions and very rarely cancel. See our terms and conditions for information on cancellations and refunds.)

  • Check Mark Spectacular Views
  • Check Mark Unique Geology
  • Check Mark Hike on the Appalachian Trail
  • Check Mark Top-shelf Backpack & Trekking Poles
  • Check Mark Opportunities to See Wildlife
  • Check Mark Tasty Trail Snacks & Picnic Lunch

Book This Trip

View Dates

Trip Details

  • Trip Type

    Trip Type

    Day Hike Tours
  • Trip Length

    Trip Length

    1 Day
  • Hiking Distance

    Daily Hiking Distance

    9 mi
  • Group Size

    Group Size

    1-7 Guests
  • Trip Begins

    Newfound Gap parking lot
  • Trip Ends

    Newfound Gap parking lot
  • Permit Info

    No permit required

Is This Trip Right For me?

There are some steep, rocky parts but it is a well maintained, and well-traveled trail.

Difficulty Level
3 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Solitude Level
2 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Hiking Distances
4 of 5

9 mi

Backpack Weight
1 of 5

10-15 pounds

Terrain
3 of 5

Moderately Rugged

Max Daily Elevation
3 of 5

1890 ft

Height & Exposure
3 of 5

Moderate

Trip Dates

What's Included

  • Trip Included
    Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
  • Trip Included
    Transportation for the duration of the tour (pickup and drop off in Asheville, NC)
  • Trip Included
    A commitment to make the tour as exciting, challenging, informative, and full as you'd like, and as is possible in a day
  • Trip Included
    Trail snacks and a picnic lunch
  • Trip Included
    Use of a top of the line, technical day pack
  • Trip Included
    Use of trekking poles
  • Trip Included
    Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Great Smoky Mountains NP

What's Not Included

  • Trip Not Included
    Clothing and personal items
  • Trip Not Included
    Water (2 liters capacity)
  • Trip Not Included
    Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
  • Trip Not Included

Trip Logistics & FAQs

Where Do We Meet?

If you are staying in Asheville, NC will pick you up at your hotel in Asheville. If you are staying elsewhere and/or would prefer to meet at the trailhead, that is also an option.  Your guide will be in contact approximately 7 days prior to your hike to coordinate the exact time and location of your rendezvous. This is a full day tour if we start from Asheville – the pickup time will be around 6:30 AM, and ending times can vary but are often after 6:00 PM.

Safety Precautions

Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.

If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.

Age Restrictions

Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:

  • 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval on a case by case basis

Weather in the Great Smoky Mountains

The weather in the Great Smoky Mountains varies greatly by time of year. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). Read below for average high and low temperatures in for low elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
Month
Low Elev
High Elev
hi
low
hi
low
January
51°
28°
35°
19°
February
54°
29°
35°
18°
March
61°
34°
39°
24°
April
71°
42°
49°
34°
May
79°
50°
57°
43°
June
86°
58°
63°
49°
July
88°
59°
65°
53°
August
87°
60°
64°
52°
September
83°
55°
60°
47°
October
73°
43°
53°
38°
November
61°
33°
42°
28°
December
52°
28°
37°
21°

Reviews

5.0 (6 reviews)
add a review
Lichym W
5.0
3 years ago

Wonderful

Wonderful to hike with Kyle , he is so knowledgeable. Would like to hike with him again

Franklin B
5.0
3 years ago

Outstanding

Kyle was an outstanding tour guide. We really learned alot while hiking in the Smokey Mountains.

Gerry P
5.0
4 years ago

Great Hikes

Just completed 2 great day hikes in the Smokies: Ramsey Cascade and Charles Bunion. Both great hikes made even better with our guide Tommy Smith. We have been on several guided hikes and Tommy ranks among the top tier.

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