Day Hike to Charlies Bunion

On Wednesday May 7, 2008, I took some time during the day to make a great hike up to Charlies Bunion. I started at Newfound Gap which can be accessed off of State Road 441 through Cherokee. There was quite a crowd at Newfound Gap but as I have always heard and witnessed, most of the millions that go through the Smokies never get out of their car and really explore. I hiked up the AT to Icewater Shelter. Then on up the trail to Charlies Bunion. The Bunion has some really great views. It is at about 5800 feet and looks down into the valley below which settles in at under 4000 feet. The sign at the Bunion says to make sure you have control of children. I think this is excellent advice. I spent about 45 minutes talking to a few folks (there was agroup of students from Indiana university up there exploring plants in the Smokies). I hiked back down pretty quickly so I can get to TN by dinner. The entire trip was about 8 miles an took me a little less than 3 hours. Its a great hike for a day hike and can be made into an overnighter but the camping up there is limited.