Charlies Bunion

Start at the Appalachian Trailhead at the left end of the Newfound Gap Overlook parking area. The path runs through hardwood forest and high-elevation spruce-fir, starting wide and firmly packed before narrowing as it climbs Mount Ambler. It then descends toward Masa Knob and the Bunion. Roots, rocks and steep stretches make the distance feel like real work.

An early-1900s wildfire exposed the outcrop, and erosion shaped the rock visitors see now. The name honors Charlie Conner, an Appalachian Trail supervisor in the 1920s. The story goes that his worn shoes gave him a bunion; the park tells it as a bit of trail lore, which seems fitting for a place with such an unmistakable shape.

The rocky endpoint is a compact, exposed perch above forested slopes. The view opens across the Smokies, but low cloud or fog can hide the distant ridges, so a clear forecast matters more here than at a sheltered stop. For a photo, keep some of the jagged rock in the foreground; it gives the mountain layers a sense of scale. Hikers often take a proper rest here, and it’s a good place for a packed lunch.

Newfound Gap parking can fill, and the park suggests considering a shuttle. A restroom is near the trailhead; there’s no food stop along this hike, so bring what you want to eat. A parking tag is required when you park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes. Pets aren’t allowed on this trail. Winter ice and severe weather can make this high-elevation route dangerous.