|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: The first 2 miles is a steady climb, you will come to the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail, take a quick 25-yard walk for a great view. Go back to the A.T. and proceed for about 1 mile to the intersection of "The Boulevard" trail, which leads to Mount Leconte. If you want include the Jumpoff in your hike take this trail for a few yards and to your right will be the "unmarked" trail that leads to the Jumpoff. The views from here are incredible but it is a steep drop-off with a trail that dead-ends so you will have to backtrack to the A.T. to continue onto Charlies Bunion. A little over a mile you will get a glimpse of Charlies Bunion which was formed by a fire,1925, killing much of the trees and plants on this peak over 5500 ft. 4 years later a flood finished off the soil and any hope of reclaiming the mountain back. Great views of Mt. LeConte and Mt. Chapman. Pack a lunch for this is a picnic table that is indescribable Trailhead: I-40 Exit 407 follow Hwy 66 South 8 miles to 441 South to Gatlinburg; 441 South to Newfound Gap. Turn left into Newfound Gap Overlook parking. Your trek will start will on the A.T. at Newfound Gap with the trailhead located left of the rest rooms. (Lat:35.64153 Lon:-83.37299) Trail Guides for Charlies Bunion & Jumpoff: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () White Blaze Fever by Bill Schutte (Virtualbookworm.com) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: GSMNP Headquarters 865-436-0120 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by SC on 8/6/2008 We hiked to the Bunion from Newfound Gap on 5/29/08. Got started about 9:00am and returned to the Gap at 1:30. We saw very few hikers on the way out, just a few through hikers going the other way. Weather was gorgeous, partly sunny with temps in the 70s. I would call this a moderate hike, not strenuous, but my wife and I are in pretty good shape. The views are awesome especially with the fairly clear skies we had that day. There was no one at the Bunion when we arrived and we enjoyed sitting there, totally alone in God's country, for over 30 minutes. We ran into a lot of people on our way back, which is why an early start makes this hike much more enjoyable. Many of the hikers we passed did not have appropriate footwear and were struggling
Reviewed by JS on 7/27/2008 The hike is great but when we asked the rangers about the peacock we were told that she doesn't belong in the park and that someone should do something about her. None of them were the ones that would do something though. They even suggested that we go bring her down. One ranger told us that she has been there for months but sais she should be fine because of all the hikers that feed her. When we saw here she wanted our water. The rangers also told us that she won't survive the winter but they said they haven't received enough complaints to do anything about her. Please contact the rangers at the visitor center or call wildlife at 865 436-1200 and tell them you are concerned. 
Reviewed by Jon on 7/6/2008 My wife and I hiked this today while down from Ohio for a wedding. We ran into a little rain, but had ponchos so we managed not to get too soaked. The views were absolutely breathtaking and ran into a lot of friendly people. We too encountered the peacock, this time a mile down the trail from the shelter, almost to the bunion. That has to be the oddest experience I've ever had hiking in the smokies, but interesting enough to earn a 5 star rating all on its own. :) Anyway, this is a great hike, and I highly recommend it to anyone willing to trudge and sweat a little for a great view of the heart of the Smoky Mountains!!
Reviewed by John on 7/4/2008 Hiked on 7/2 with my wife & our two daughters (12&15). It was awesome, a bit challenging for our daughters but they did great for their 1st real hike! Missed a bear literally by a couple of minutes. A young couple who had just passed us spotted it only 25' from the trail about a mile in. It was long gone when we got there. :*( There's a peacock hanging around the shelter now. He was quite bold and unafraid walking right up to us in and around the shelter, looking for crumbs I suppose. We made it up to Jumpoff (quite a strenuous half mile each way but well worth it for its spectacular view of Charlie's Bunion) & headed back as it was getting late. I'll definitely be back to make the extra mile to Charlie's Bunion next t
Reviewed by TW on 4/21/2008 This is my favorite trail. If you go in the December/January timeframe, plan to hike with good boots. You may have to hike on ice and it will take more time than normal. But definitely worth the hike to eat lunch at Charlie's Bunion. The ice water shelter provides a good stop for the night. Overnight camping requires registration at the Nation Park service and you should book it in advance. The shelter is about 1/2 mile from Charlie's Bunion, which would provide easy viewing early in the morning. TW.
Reviewed by Josh on 1/13/2008 I hiked to the Bunion on 1/12/2008. Loved the hike!! The view at Sweet Heifer Creek Trail was amazing!! The weather was about 40 - 45 degrees and very clear. When we got to the Bunion you could see for just miles. I would love to do it again...
Reviewed by Dubs on 12/23/2007 I hiked out to the Bunion yesterday. I got on the trail at 0730 and saw only two groups coming back from Icewater Spring. The trail was VERY icy sometimes covering the whole width. It was also very muddy. It was also very windy on the exposed ridges. Being so early in the morning, you could not see a thing, but that was okay. I saw a bunch more people on the way back out.
Reviewed by Tim on 10/21/2007 Hiked this one today , very nice , but this time of year with the fall colors and great clear weather there was a lot of people traffic on the trail . Would like to do it again with less people . Also the gnats where bad when the temperature went up . Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Sevier County Hiking, Sevier County Trails, Sevier County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||