The Jumpoff, Charlies Bunion and Clingman’s Dome

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The Jumpoff, Charlies Bunion and Clingman’s Dome

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Newfound Gap Parking Lot

Hike: The Jumpoff, Charlies Bunion and Clingman’s Dome

Date(s) & Time:

Mon, Apr 22 2024 8:30 am >> Mon, Apr 22 2024 3:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Mon, Apr 1 2024 6:45 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sun, Apr 21 2024 10:00 pm

Event Duration:

6 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Distance:

10.5 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Trish

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You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

<<< Charlies Bunion & The Jumpoff >>>

All three 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 and stop for another snack on our way back to our parking lot.

<<< Clingman's Dome>>>

When we get back to our cars we'll drive to Clingman's Dome and climb to the top for an excellent panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains.

<<< 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 D4 experience. We have a 2600 ft elevation gain with all three peaks.

If your experience is not from the club, please include it in a note, or email TL; otherwise you’ll be moved to waiting list for the safety of everyone.

I will stay in Gatlinburg the night before. Some hikers like to stay in Cherokee. Since we'll meet at Newfound Gap, it is your choice.

There is a $5 parking fee to park at Newfound Gap which can be purchased online and printed or you can pay at the parking lot by credit card. The National Park Pass can not be used here.

Required Items to Bring:

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.