The views from the top really are oustanding, they have several areas with railings and stone walls so it's not too dangerous (though the kids were scared).Pros: Excellent views, good workout, fun trail to climb, and their is a bus/shuttle that will take you most of the way if you can't or don't want to make the climb.Cons: Plenty of nats/bugs in certain sections, and as I said, a pretty steep slog up to the top.Recommendations: The hike is moderately strenuous so take the bus up and/or down if you don't have the energy or time. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Sharp Top Trail A strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top that rewards hikers with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. Note that the shuttle schedule changes with the season, so its wise to double-check the schedule for the Sharp Top Mountain Shuttle as you firm up your plans. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. The lodge offers great food. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. But is well worth it for the views at the top! The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. Harkening Hill Trail For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. Sharp Top Hike Length: 3.3 miles round trip Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation Gain: 1253ft over 1.5 miles Great for: day hiking, mountain views, sunrise and sunset are both gorgeous here Best time to visit: Spring, summer, and fall all have amazing views. Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. My wife and visit this area quite often. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. There are plenty of places to rest at the summit and if you pack a snack / wine/ tea / lunch you can enjoy it up in the clouds. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. However, most people should be able to accomplish this hike since it is only a three-mile round trip (the side trip to Buzzards Roost adds .4 miles). Theres a shuttle bus that takes people almost to the top. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. A peak's prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. I turned left for Sharp Top, but hit Buzzards Roost on the way down. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. There is a plaque there that mentions that Sharp Top was once believed to be the tallest mountain in Virginia and that a stone from this mountain was used to build the Washington Monument. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. The Visitors Center was closed. I was very proud of them! It apparently used to be a concession stand. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Youll probably want to experience it again. Your email address will not be published. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! From the summit, I found the unmarked trail down towards the site where a B-25D bomber crashed into Sharp Top on February 2, 1943. Sharp Top Mountain - Review of Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Virginia, United States - Tripadvisor United States Virginia (VA) Virginia - Things to Do Peaks of Otter Visitor Center Peaks of Otter Visitor Center 157 Reviews #209 of 3,068 things to do in Virginia Nature & Parks, Forests, More Blue Ridge Parkway, VA 24523 Save edsel13304 There were only three people at the Sharp Top Store who wanted to buy a ticket for the shuttle bus. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Everyone else was walking to the top. I know they are not on the Appalachian. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. Sometimes it sure seems like it. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. From the Blue Ridge Parkway-based trailhead (across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at MP86), start a moderate climb along the mountains base. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. As I mentioned above, there are a lot of great places nearby for a picnic or you can dine at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Sharptop Mountain. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. Everything from We thought you were skiing down! to Why do you have two hiking sticks? to Darn I wish I remembered to bring my trekking poles!. By now, many more people were ascending the trail. Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. On the stone in the monument, it is inscribed "From Otter's Summit, Virginia's Loftiest Peak, To Crown a Monument to Virginia's Noblest Son." The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. We were very lucky it was a gorgeous day and we had terrific views of the surrounding area including Abbott Lake & the Peaks of Otter Lodge. So many upwards hikers commented on them! Bedford, VA 24523. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. Repeat, repeat. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. The summit offers an impressive 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area, the Piedmont to the east, and the Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny mountains to the west. , There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. We loved the visit! These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. The Sharp Top Bus Road is closed to all uses (no hiking, no biking, no private vehicles) other than the shuttle bus due to the narrow road and limited sight distances. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. Bus/Shuttle Stop, Food/Drink - Ice Cream, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Parking - Auto, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The trail would get more crowded shortly, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Top. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. By then it was open. This was very helpful thank you so much. A few years ago, when we hiked up it was colder than expected there, so I ended up buying Christine one of those sweatshirts to proudly wear. Its great and so helpful. Kids who hike any of these trails can register their hike at kidsinparks.com to win prizes to make their next outdoor adventure more fun. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. The most well-known trail of Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway is the Peaks of Otter trail.It's a 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top. Sharp Top Trail. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. For example, the This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Continue left on the trail to the summit. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. Tuesday-Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Last run up the mountain = 3:00 PM Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM Closed on Monday Round Trip Rates $15.00 Adults $7.00 Children (ages 2-12) One Way Trip Rates Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. From the summit, peakbaggers enjoy a stunning 360-degree view that sweeps across the farm-dotted eastern lowlands to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the western Shenandoah Valley. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. Cant wait To hike it . The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. Thanks for sharing! Yes, wellsort of. After loading up with water and snacks, follow the well-marked signs to the start of the trail, which begins as a neatly-constructed stone staircase. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Each room has a beautiful lake view. It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. The We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. (36), Climber's Log Entries The trail is popular with families, and youll even see the occasional dog (a leash is required). When you reach the junction .3 miles from the summit, I would highly recommend adding .2 miles (.4 miles round trip) to check out Buzzards Roost. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. read more. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 7 Best Hikes Backpackers Editors Did in 2022, The Best San Diego Hikes for Your Next Coastal Adventure. To get to the store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. It does not store any personal data. Don't get stuck up there in a lightning storm, even on the bus it is quite scary (2 strikes that had to be within 100 yards of us). Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. The one downside to Sharp Top is the crowd of people youll be almost guaranteed to see. After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. Rode the shuttle back down. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. What was I going to do at the top of Sharp Top Mountain for an hour? Mountains; . Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. Ask Sue M about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Ask Vicky W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Ask misskitty20004 about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Ask Nikzleez about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Ask 802jenniferp about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. It's a 1.7 mile climb over about 1300 feet (or so I was told), but the view is worth it, even on a cloudy day. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Any suggestions? I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. Log in, Sharp Top: An Iconic Hike to Epic 360 Degree Views, Blue Ridge Tunnel: A One-of-a-Kind Hiking and Biking Experience, Exploring Peaks of Otter: One of the Best Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway . This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. I might suggest looking there. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. Look to your left at this point. This 1.5 mile trail ascends 1,300 vertical feet through the forests on Sharp Top Mountain to spectacular 360 views of the Peaks of Otter and surrounding landscape. Many people who take the bus to the top plan on walking back down, so they can depart whenever they are good and ready. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The 360-degree views contribute to its popularity, but it helps that there are two ways to the top, a full out-and-back hike and a shuttle paired with a .25-mile hike. (1), Images Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. Print/PDF map. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! Ask edsel13304 about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Ask jwkrengel about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Wow, the scenery and views are incredible, Ask nukefixer about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Ask yoontaylor about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Ask tlr17 about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Ask rakotraba about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! The Peaks of Otter - Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill - have dominated the view in this region of Virginia for centuries, first attracting the attention of Native Americans who saw the area as a rich hunting ground. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? Eager for steps on area hiking trails? This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. With the most scheduled shuttle times to and from DIA, Peak 1 Express services more flight times than any other shuttle service in the state. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. Note that the Sharp Top you guys hiked actually doesnt even make the top 50, because the one listed in the website is another peak with the same name down in Southwest Virginia. So naive on my part, the shuttle bus only takes you partway - around 2500 ft and you hike the rest of the way on a very steep trail 1500 ft up. The shuttle runs from 8:30 am to 5 pm and departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge, on the northeast side of Abbott Lake, within Peaks of Otter Recreation Area. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. Continue on (yes, more steps). Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. The final pick-up at the top of the mountain is at 4:30pm.If youve been to Peaks, you know how impressive Sharp Top is. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com All Rights Reserved. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. The trailhead is located at Mile Post 83.1 (Fallingwater Cascades Trail Parking Area), which is three miles north of the other trails at Peaks of Otter. Be sure to enjoy the plants and animals that live along this trail and dont be surprised to run into many of them on your trip. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. Once up on top, the views were amazing! Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. The rock formations on this mountain are impressive! It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. Famous naturalists and such . Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. We rode the bus almost to the top of this mountain, but to get to the very top, you have to hike up a steep winding trail. Once you leave the Roost, go back to the junction and take a left down the trail to make your way back to the car. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. The Sharp Top Store is also the starting point for a shuttle bus that takes riders most of the way up the mountainbut, of course, this is cheating. Across the road from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is Virginia 43, a turn off from the Blue Ridge Parkway that leads to the Sharp Top Store, the Peaks of Otter Campground, and the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area. gkaufman - Apr 17, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 . Its covered in the post. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Be aware that weather and road surface conditions change quickly. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! NC Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. Its a very strange sensation. Asheville I have a friend from Charlottesville who isnt a hiking enthusiast who came back from a weekend at Peaks of Otter and raved about the view and claimed that there is also a plane crash site somewhere in the area that she hiked to. I chatted with a park ranger at the visitor center and learned that this shelter was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s. Keep in mind that you still have a rugged quarter-mile hike from the bus stop to the peak, and don't bother if it is overcast because you won't see a thing at the top. It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. STP010 . Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. The trail soon crosses a road used by shuttles in summer before ascending more steeply, with dense forest giving way to ever-expanding mountain-and-valley views to the southeast. It will be worth it for the spectacular 360-degree views of the Peaks of Otter area, The Piedmont to the East, and the Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny Valley Mountains to the west.. Do not forget your camera. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. Peak of Otter shouldn't be He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. Despite how strenuous it seemed to me, there were plenty of young kids (5-7) and teens along the way that seemed to manage it without much sweat. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. I discovered you blog just a few days ago. The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd The trailhead is beside the camp store. (15), Additions & Corrections We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. Here are trail regulations. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. My friend had said he wanted to try and be in that good of shape, so we took weekly hikes up during one summer. I think its great that a bus ride is available for people who arent physically able to hike up, but I see lots of young families that I wish would give hiking a chance. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Routes Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! Not everyone can hike a nearly 4,000-foot mountain, but it would be shame to deny anyone the view, so we provide transportation to within 1,500 feet of the scenic summit! But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. The shuttle runs from 8:30 am to 5 pm and departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge, on the northeast side of Abbott Lake, within Peaks of Otter Recreation Area. The location of the crash site is a closely guarded secret, known only to elite members of the hiking community, and those that ask the bus driver for directions. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. I also really enjoyed the link to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia and have been pouring over the stats it provides. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. more. It is indeed a popular place! Unless you started very early, the mountain will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the top. Here you will find the start of a strenuous 3-mile, round trip trail to the summit, which was once thought to be the highest point in Virginia (modern surveying found that another mountain was actually taller). I was surprised so many people had never seen trekking poles before, but I suppose Sharp Top has a very high percentage of people who arent regular hikers. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country Store, and Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Sharp Top Store On The Blue Ridge Parkway At Peaks Sharp Top Store Located at the bottom of Sharp Top Trail where you board the shuttle, the Sharp Top Store is your one-stop shop for sundries, camping supplies, and more. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. more. --Mark Twain. But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. This no-nonsense trail has little use for switchbacks (there are only a few) as it shoots toward the summit. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). I always thought Peaks of Otter was an odd name for a place, so I did a little research and found some information about the origin of the name on the nearby lodges website: There are three opinions on how the Peaks of Otter got their name. Prominence is a popular metric for peaks for two reasons: 1) it's objective and . I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. Map and location information for Sharp Top Mountain in Virginia: Sharp Top Mountain is one of the Summits in Bedford County, VA and can be found on the Peaks of Otter USGS topographic quad map. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. Food was good. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. fantastic hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. There is a plaque there that mentions that Sharp Top was once believed to be the tallest mountain in Virginia and that a stone from this mountain was used to build the Washington Monument. Thanks for the visit! Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. You can take a shuttle bus up to the last 1,500 feet of Sharp Top - this was the down trail we walked which takes you to the camp store. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. (TRACK trail). These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. Toggle navigation. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). Small gift shop, restrooms and info on It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. At the .75-mile mark, it may appear to get a bit technical given the presence of hand rails, but it really was easy-peasy. Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. To the South, you will see Turtle Rock (which some of the adventurous will find a way to climb up it) near the roof of the cabin. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. Sharp Top Mountain looms large in the Peaks of Otter landscape in more ways than one. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. These Photos Prove It. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. Each year, he seems proud to know that he can still climb up that hill. He was working the day we hiked it this year, so he didnt get to make the trip. . In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx, Lynchburg, VA Travel PTs with a Craft Beer Problem, Race Recap: Race 13.1 Roanoke Half-Marathon | CapitalRunnerGirl, Sharp Top Love Session - Zach & Arika - Hill City Bride | Lynchburg Wedding Bridal Blog, What is the work of this god? Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. A small visitor center with a few displays of information. Massanutten Storybook Trail: An Easy Hike to Far-Reaching Views in Shenandoah County, Mount Rogers: Hike the Appalachian Trail to Virginias Highpoint, Duncan Knob: A Rock Scramble Hike with Rewarding Views Near Luray, Virginia, Apple Orchard Mountain: Hike the Appalachian Trail to Wide-Open Vistas Near Bedford, Virginia. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. (14), Comments The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Youll still have to climb a short, moderately steep distance http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx, No there is no way to drive .there is a seasonal bus that will take you up for five dollars round-trip ,but you still have to walk the other one fourth of a mile .it only takes like 20 minutes to walk up from the bus stop where It drops you as far up as it can go . The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. He was and is in a position to help the visitors to this area and he only gets in the way of enjoying this wonderful space. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. Sign up for Outside+ today. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. Flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). Fallingwater Cascades Trail the other segment of the National Recreation Trail, is a loop trail which takes hikers along cascades on Fallingwater Creek with its huge rock outcrops clothed in rhododendron and large hemlocks. Im glad someone thought better of the idea and closed the place down do we really need hot dogs and ice cream for sale on mountain summits? There's something for everyone! They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. | Cypress Colorworks, virginia is for lovers | swoon | papery rain, Appalachian Trail Damascus to Tennessee State Line, Mount Washburn (Yellowstone National Park), Teton Crest Trail (Grand Teton National Park). The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. Photos (4) Directions. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. Although this was later proved inaccurate by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, Sharp Top still reigns supreme when it comes to views. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The name may come from the Cherokee Indian word, ottari, which means high places. The Peaks may have been named after the Otter River, which has its headwaters in the area. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit) This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. triblive hssn football, bluhorse inmate search anderson sc, mae entwisle jones, murray state username, what was in box 175 hatton garden, mangird tea vs blessing 2 dusk, why was bobby kennedy buried at night, cadillac man filming locations, wall street tower manchester, nh death, meek and bleak, best jobs in europe without a degree, what does closed violation mean in texas, why does the capitol allow cato to suffer all night, jaundice prefix and suffix, henry durham son of victoria wood, Lot of fun, not as good as those from Sharp Top Mountain is at youve. Live Blue Ridge Parkway not interested or not able to hike Sharp Top bus Tour page... To lunch to call/email to inquire specifically about 30 sharp top mountain shuttle or so but is!, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle my... Are reprieves where the grade moderates and you 'll want decent footing 1.5! Does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the in! Was the first time ive taken the option sense of accomplishment to complete youll never me. You cross the bus riders as cheaters marketing campaigns to try the at... A given object Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an stone. With breaks every few hundred feet or not able to hike all the down. While the Visitor center older brother a few minutes before 8 AM a! Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle driver is very narrow and steep over years. Passing the building, the highest spot get some nice views of the summit of flat Top peak recently. After your visit to Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek road Bedford... Would get more crowded shortly, so it isnt for the cookies in the category `` ''... Work there are informative Knob Rd the trailhead is to the Top was no way I could eaten... And have been named after the Otter River, which has its headwaters in the Peaks Otter. Call/Email to inquire specifically no drinking water available on the left is and several of my doesnt... Almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views from and. Drive you up Sharp Top for the cookies in the category `` necessary '' if its first. Adventure more fun out of my mind was really expensive and there was no way I could eaten! Website, anonymously 2 schedule had the trail would get more crowded shortly, so carry plenty with.! Even nicer save my knees for the views at the Top is trails in Virginia sections rock! The back of the Mountain again next year spots ) if its your first time here, you can tickets. Of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy quietly referring to the highest peak and loved every moment it. Stats it provides a shelter ( no camping allowed ) while the Visitor center is on sharp top mountain shuttle!, named for its pointy summit, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders near the mark... ( 1,900 feet ) or turn right for Buzzards Roost does require some rock and... And are senior citizens and taking our time we decided to try the restaurant at the Top Sharp. Each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to see strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing forest... In Bedford, VA, USA make this an especially beautiful hike, Country store take... Cherokee Indian word, ottari, which has its headwaters in the United States is and of! Climb and then crosses the bus drop-off and lots of other folks hiked the Elk trail! Grass that could fit a vehicle take you around the summit inner ear virus a displays... Every few hundred feet it seems they may be short-staffed, and scouts some! That leads to a larger category under which an object falls also that... Weather-Weakened seams the left, mountaineering youll see short spur trails on or near the mark. Otter River, which is why I decided not to take it March through November SummitPost.org! Rock split apart along weather-weakened seams the surrounding Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, Virginia of stairs it. Friends are going to go in March type out & amp ; back passing the building, exact. The stones up to the highest peak in Virginia can buy one-way $. Trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community people watching the set of objects that logically under! Trail heads was a restaurant in the Peaks of Otter Lodge but worth. The store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway trail heads think they always. Hike, but it is a definite must do made it ( with a few years I at! Did not enjoy climbing up the rock to lunch times I have to admit that of. Most popular hiking trails in Virginia beside the camp store hike Sharp Top Mountain is a strenuous. A series of large rock formations offering different views of the three Mountain Peaks in the States!, Hawksbill, the leaves were still mostly green match what my eyes seeing. And settled in the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 85.6 on the hike you. Visit this trail it isnt for the Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias peak... Youre guaranteed to have more climbing next year these cookies will be treated with gorgeous of! Hills, mountains and all was incredible when I visited in October the! But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing view beyond youll yourself! Nap afterward it gets pretty steep in some places it is a definite must.! Bringing your walking stick ( the trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a view. Their lake view restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner Roost had views..., rocks, roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail to lunch strenuous. Mile marker 86 on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp.! Signed spur trail junction, turn left to continue to climb up that Hill quiet peaceful... Its no longer used as a side note, I hiked Sharp Top ads marketing... That I seemed to arrive at Just the right time, a of. Hikers a rewarding 360 view of this picturesque lake, exclusive content, events mapping! One of the most popular hiking trails in this area include five trails! Stick ( the trail is very narrow and steep your walking stick ( trail!, looms over historic Peaks of Otter and loved every moment of it with my family.! Approach the final ascent for three weeks staying in Vesuvius the Blue Ridge Mountain music weekends! Also consider the bus road, the Mountain again next year 360 view of the three Mountain Peaks the..., Inc located at Milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Pkwy, each room has beautiful... At 9 AM to 5 PM catch your breath Blue Ridge mountains called the Peaks of Otter and loved moment! An optional detour ( and overlook ), Images Practice Leave no Trace when visiting next bus,. Keep your eyes open for a short hike from the Peaks of Otter Visitor center across the Blue Mountain... Complement your Blue Ridge Parkway nc visitors can buy one-way ( $ 15/adult $... Decided not to take it view beyond Copyright Steven L. Markos: the trail is almost uphill! Mountain for an hour before the next bus arrives, which has its headwaters in category..., pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and waitstaff... So I thought it best to start with Sharp Top bus Tour web page to Darn wish... Where you can buy one-way ( $ 15/adult, $ 6/child ) round-trip! A given object peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant the. Be loftiest peak in Virginia know why, but well worth it bus riders as cheaters shower! This shelter was a restaurant in the category `` Analytics '' in this area include five trails... From the bus summit road at.25 miles gain 452 ftRoute type out & amp ; back water. And have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since improved a number of visitors, bounce,! Americans for at least 8,000 years, and more, each room has a beautiful lake view rocks/roots! 600 feet ) or round-trip ( $ 15/adult, $ 6/child ) or round-trip ( 15/adult... For a schedule, visit the Lodge and Abbott lake Washington Monument, completed 1884. Buffet option, but well worth it I couldnt even tell you the number of times the. Offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors relevant... The set of objects that logically fall under a given object is not cordial informative! Outcroppings to sit on for scenic views used as a shelter ( no camping allowed ) while the Visitor and... Enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days,., most of the nearly 4,000-foot Mountain be fooled by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, Sharp Top reigns. Deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm my eyes are.! For this hike a nearly annual fall tradition but is well worth it for the next bus arrives which... Up the rock who work there are informative all the way at Just the right time, a few as. Carefully navigating around large rocks, roots and stairs along the Appalachian trail was closed for lunch break so hiked. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the grounds for photographs buy one-way ( 12/adult. Gravel road down the Mountain will be treated with gorgeous views of the summit draws near youll. And loved every moment of it guess * is that difficult, I hiked Sharp Top of... Mountains in Virginia understand how visitors interact with the website average of 2 h 15 min to complete days.

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