Changed to: Charlies Bunion, The Jumpoff - Wed, Jun 4 2025

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Changed to: Charlies Bunion, The Jumpoff


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Newfound Gap Parking Lot
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Jun 4 2025  8:30 am >> Wed, Jun 4 2025 3:00 pm
Registration Opens: Mon, Jan 27 2025 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Jun 2 2025 7:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:9 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Ann
Ralph Howard
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:6
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

<<< Charlies Bunion & The Jumpoff >>>

Both of these destinations offer spectacular views. Although it is close to vertical, the Jumpoff is surrounded with vegetation, but not so at Charlies Bunion. It is as steep as the Jumpoff, but it is mostly bare rock. The two places are only a little over a mile apart, and each can be seen from the other. Please notice the spur trail to Jumpoff is steep, rocky, and eroded.

We will meet and start from the Newfound Gap parking lot. We will hike to the jumpoff first and take a break for snack, water, and beautiful views. Then we will hike to Charlies Bunion for our lunch break before going back to our parking lot.

 

 

<<< Important Notes >>>

Please only register if you are comfortable going long distance at a pace averaging 2.5 mph in the remote mountains environment, and have solid D5 experience.  

You must have D5 experience in the last 3 months to participate in this event.  The trip leader reserves the right to determine the fitness level for participation.

Thanks Bill Wey for use of your original writeup.


Required Items to Bring:

 

Extra pair of Clean shoes, bag for changed shoes, towel to sit on (if you're in other member’s car). Respect your carpool driver, only enter with clean shoes. Remove all trash and your belongings.

Cash for carpool driver.

Layers of clothing suitable for the season.

Good hiking boots/shoes.

Water, lunch/snacks.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

 

Hiking poles

Camera

Rain gear just in case


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

1) Take I-85 North about 18 miles to Exit #113, I-985 North. (The Indian Trail Park/Ride Lot at Exit #101). 
2) Bear Left at I-85 Exit #113 onto I-985/ GA-365 North and follow it beyond Gainesville where it merges with US-441 North. (Merge point is about 45 miles north of the I-85 exit, near Cornelia, GA). 
3) Carefully follow the US-441 signs northward through Clayton GA, Franklin NC, Dillsboro NC, and Cherokee NC to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on your right at the southern entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (There are several turns along the way. Total distance along US-441 from its GA-365 junction near Cornelia is about 80 miles.) 

NOTE: In lieu of using the above simplified directions from NE Atlanta you can enter "Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719" as your destination and use Google.com/Maps for detailed directions from any point of origin. 
4) Newfound Gap parking lot is about 16 miles beyond the Oconaluftee visitor center of GSMNP.


Notes:
1. This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not satisfactory for an enjoyable outing.
 
2. Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the trip leader.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.