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Experience the breathtaking beauty of Charlies Bunion and the Appalachian Trail on a private guided adventure with Smoky Mountain Guides. From stunning mountain views to diverse wildlife encounters, this trip promises an unforgettable day in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Charlies Bunion and the Appalachian Trail on a private guided adventure with Smoky Mountain Guides. From stunning mountain views to diverse wildlife encounters, this trip promises an unforgettable day in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Book with Smoky Mountain Guides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Smoky Mountain Guides · Gatlinburg, Tennessee, TN
Charlies Bunion + The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) offers an exhilarating private outdoor adventure led by Smoky Mountain Guides, combining spectacular panoramic views with the rugged charm of one of America's most famous hiking corridors. This experience takes you through lush forests, rocky ridges, and diverse ecosystems in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The highlight is Charlies Bunion, a dramatic rocky outcrop that provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. Along the route, interpretive insights about the local flora, fauna, and geology enrich the journey, making it more than just a hike but a full nature immersion. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or looking for a rewarding challenge, this adventure’s private guide ensures your trip is tailored to personal pace and interests. Expect varying terrain that ranges from moderate inclines to steeper rocky sections, all balanced by tranquil moments by streams and overlooks. The spring wildflowers, summer greenery, fall foliage, and winter frost each define the landscape uniquely, providing memorable visits year-round. Smoky Mountain Guides prioritize safety, comfort, and sustainability, allowing you to explore responsibly and leave no trace. This trek is perfect for those seeking a private, expert-led experience amid some of the most iconic scenery the Smokies have to offer.
challenging.
5–7 hours.
Participants should be in good physical condition, comfortable with sustained uphill hiking and uneven terrain.
The round trip is approximately 8 miles, typically taking 5 to 7 hours depending on pace.
This hike is moderately challenging and recommended for hikers with some experience and good fitness.
Pets are not permitted on this guided adventure to protect wildlife and ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, energy-rich snacks such as nuts, energy bars, and fruit to keep your energy up.
Cell service is limited to non-existent in some sections, so don't rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but not on the trail itself, so plan accordingly.
Charlies Bunion was named after a hiker who suffered a severe bunion while pioneering this stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintains strict leave-no-trace policies to preserve this pristine natural environment for future generations.
Smoky Mountain Guides is a Gatlinburg, Tennessee outfitter offering guided adventures in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The company provides a range of experiences including auto tours, guided hikes, fly fishing, backpacking, seasonal leaf tours, night wildlife walks, and wedding shuttle service. Tours listed include Mountains and Moonshine, the "Classic" National Park Tour, The Mountaineers Way, Fly Fishing Trips, Leaf Chaser Tour, A Smoky Mountain summer night, Logging in the Smokies, Wedding Shuttle, Backpacking, and the Family Fun nature scavenger hunt. Guides lead trips in high-top executive vans and on foot, tailoring routes to appeal to photographers, families, anglers, and hikers. Fly fishing options are available as half-, full- or multi-day trips with personalized instruction. The Wedding Shuttle uses a 14-passenger van to transport wedding parties and guests. Backpacking trips are offered for one to three nights with guided support. Seasonal experiences focus on fall foliage from late September through mid-November and on nocturnal wildlife in summer evenings. Smoky Mountain Guides emphasizes local knowledge, safety, and accessible storytelling about park history, moonshine heritage, logging sites, and early settler life. Tours visit notable park sites such as Newfound Gap, the Appalachian Trail, Greenbrier, and Sugarland’s Distilling Company for tastings where included. Reservations, trip details, duration, and group size information are available through the company. All descriptions here are based on provided trip summaries and factual offerings. Full schedules, pricing, accessibility details, and cancellation policies are available from Smoky Mountain Guides through the company's booking channels, including phone and email.
Book with Smoky Mountain Guides