Thursday, May 8, 2025

Apr 29 Charlies Bunion

 

It's almost impossible to take a photo of the Bunion without hikers 

Beginning at Newfound Gap parking area, Charlies Bunion is 4 miles on the AT northbound. The first 2 miles are 1000 feet in elevation gain (top of Mt Ambler). Mt Ambler at 6120' is not on the SB6000 challenge. My guess is that the elevation between it and Mt LeConte doesn't drop enough to qualify.


High elevation flowers are in full bloom today. The Fringed phacelia looked like a light dusting of snow as the hike began. That shifted to a light dusting of Spring beauties.  







Witch Hobble Viburnum 


Side trail to the Bunion

Anakeesta rock

Porter Creek watershed



Mt LeConte


It was 8 miles out and back and just loaded with views and wildflowers. Lots of hikers were making the trek out and back. And many AT thru hikers were passing through. A huge trail angel presence was set up in the parking lot. Not only were they loading hikers down with food, but also offering shuttles to Gatlinburg. 



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