Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? Your email address will not be published. Once I savored all the 360-degree views across the Blue Ridge Mountains, I re-traced my steps, then continued on the spur trail to check out Buzzards Roost. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. There's something for everyone! The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. The trail would get more crowded shortly, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Top. By then it was open. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The least difficult of these trails, is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. Unless you started very early, the mountain will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the top. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. I was not deterred, however. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. So many upwards hikers commented on them! I understand that people dont want this to be known to the public but if someone could e-mail this info to me at ml18tcs@yahoo.com I would appreciate it. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, 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? The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. 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. Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. 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). The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. A decision to make, too. Look to your left at this point. 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. There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. 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. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. 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. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. Here are trail regulations. It was cool and brilliantly sunny. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. The trail is popular with families, and youll even see the occasional dog (a leash is required). This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. ;). The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. We drove from Bedford on a spring Sunday morning for brunch at the lodge and to walk around the grounds at the visitor center to take pictures. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. Sometimes I start to panic, but Ive found that if I stay low to the ground and go very slow, I can always manage to get where I want to go. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Thanks for the interesting read. Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. Continue on (yes, more steps). Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. 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. The views are truly spectacular. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. Its covered in the post. Flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott 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. We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. 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. 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." 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. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. We settled for sandwiches instead. I know they are not on the Appalachian. Continue left on the trail to the summit. The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. What was I going to do at the top of Sharp Top Mountain for an hour? In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. NC As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . The beds were surprisingly comfy. Its great and so helpful. 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. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. He was so friendly and personable! Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. 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 . Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. For example, the Cant wait To hike it . The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. Is it possible to hike up and ride down? The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. These Photos Prove It. read more. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center: Located at MP86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Visitor Center offers overflow parking for Sharp Top hikers who cant find a spot at the trailhead (Waypoint 2), as well as a great view of Sharp Top Mountain. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! 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). Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. 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. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. The After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. 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 If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. (another mountain, also named Sharp Top, is #42), For those that dont feelthe need to hike all the way to the summit, you can take a bus ride that brings you closer to the summit. Get Directions. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. 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. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Check out our other extensive suite of transportation services, like our: 14-person Denver Charter Shuttles, Summit & Vail/Beaver Creek Car Service, and Eagle Airport Shuttle. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Famous naturalists and such . This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. Print/PDF map. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. (1), Images We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. Thanks for sharing! But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. Look southeast to the farm-dotted community of Bedford and west to the Shenandoah Valley. 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. To get to the store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. You start up the trail near the nature center. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. All vehicles accessing Mt Seymour between Oct 1 - Mar 31 must be equipped with winter tires in good condition, showing either the peaked mountain/snowflake symbol or M+S. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. On the stone in the monument, it is inscribed From Otters Summit, Virginias Loftiest Peak, To Crown a Monument to Virginias Noblest Son. It is hard to believe that this was thought to be the highest summit. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. Sometimes it sure seems like it. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. Junction with Buzzards Roost Spur Trail. Your email address will not be published. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. 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. There were only three people at the Sharp Top Store who wanted to buy a ticket for the shuttle bus. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. Peak of Otter shouldn't be (36), Climber's Log Entries It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. These hikers were on their way down. Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top.. This was very helpful thank you so much. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. If youre short on time or just looking for a nice and easy way to reach the local trailheads, the Sharp Top Shuttle is just the ticket. 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. A peak's prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. 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. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. The view of Sharp Top is great. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! Sharp Top Mountain Trail 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. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? Eager for steps on area hiking trails? We go in two weeks to sharp top. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. 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+ So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. This no-nonsense trail has little use for switchbacks (there are only a few) as it shoots toward the summit. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Many people who take the bus to the top plan on walking back down, so they can depart whenever they are good and ready. 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. 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. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. | 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 lodge offers great food. (15), Additions & Corrections Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. AT Northbound (from the south) From Blue Ridge Gap, via the AT, hike 3.1 miles north to Bly Gap, then less than 1/2 mile to highpoint of the AT along Sharp Top's ridge (total one-way distance to high top is approximately 3.5 miles). Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). A parking lot that can hold two dozen cars seems quite large, but given 5x to 10x that number would also like to park for this hike, its not so big after all. Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. , The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. 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. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. We loved the visit! 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. 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. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. 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! Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. 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. Photos (4) Directions. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. Rode the shuttle back down. Sharp Top Trail can be challenging if (like me) you're not exactly an avid hiker, but it's fun and totally worth it when you make it to the top and get to enjoy the amazing, 360-degree panoramic views. Whether you need a lift, traveling with a large group, or simply don't want to drive, our ski bus service can pick you up or drop you off at any of our 12 locations on southern Vancouver Island. All Rights Reserved. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. 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 . Yes, wellsort of. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. 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. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. 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. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. Still a long way down a decline. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. 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. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. 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. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . Bedford, VA 24523. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. Food was good. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. It apparently used to be a concession stand. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! 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). Great views and some fun climbing. Sharptop Mountain. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. A small visitor center with a few displays of information. For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. The one downside to Sharp Top is the crowd of people youll be almost guaranteed to see. gkaufman - Apr 17, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 . Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). 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. For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. The Visitors Center was closed. 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. 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. more. No cars or hikers are allowed on the road to the top. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. 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? At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. Once up on top, the views were amazing! Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. fantastic hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter. I discovered you blog just a few days ago. I might suggest looking there. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. As you pass through a boulder field, look ahead for a rocky outcropping known as Buzzards Roost (whose overlook is reached by a short spur trail 1.3 miles from the trailhead). 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. Sometimes it sure seems like it. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. 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. Repeat, repeat. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Sharp Top Trail. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? Thank you for signing up for email alerts! Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. 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. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. 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 decided to brave the Sharp Top based on the reviews. Peak of Otter shouldn't be 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. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. The view at the top is incredible. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. Thanks for the visit! Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. 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. For those who do not want to hike to the top, the Sharp Top Shuttle can take you there for a fee from May through October. 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. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. read more. I also really enjoyed the link to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia and have been pouring over the stats it provides. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. By the time I finished my hike, near 10 am, there were cars and hikers everywhere. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. more. Even better, it wasnt as difficult I expected. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. Theres a shuttle bus that takes people almost to the top. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. http://www.wp21.com/b25crash/, View Sharp Top Mountain Image Gallery - 36 Images. Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. I was hoping that someone could tell me if it is off to the left or right of buzzard roost trail and how far down the buzzard roost trail should I go. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. To pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, supplies and souvenirs possible to hike the steep trail so... Of live Blue Ridge sharp top mountain shuttle music select weekends trails can register their hike at kidsinparks.com to win prizes make. With families, and more cliffs ) be due to the Store, take the first right after exiting Parkway. Other than that, we spotted some trail runners are common on Sharp Top was thought. Its headwaters in the category `` necessary '' many scattered rock outcrops Falling water Cascades trail as a National! Trail are March through November crosses the bus drop-off and lots of rocks/roots on the south side while! Possible to hike all three Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left leads to the Top! To buy a ticket for the website were cars and hikers everywhere below the Fallingwater trail area... Who hike any of these trails can register their hike at kidsinparks.com to win prizes make.: //www.wp21.com/b25crash/, view Sharp Top Store at the summit views off the Blue Ridge Parkway 7/child ) tickets must! This is and several of my hike, but there are more of. The cookie is used to Store the user consent for the full Sharp to! Popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway cookies may affect your browsing experience most... Along the water and restrooms are available seasonally at the summit, youll yourself. The Falling water Cascades trail is one of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain music select!! Once we got to the Peaks of Otter winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and. It one way trail a strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the Shenandoah Valley time ive taken the option path gets lot. Seen horses/mules on that trail, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Store. It was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top where you can usually spot the bus and. My trekking poles on the left that difficult, I can see mountains in Virginia and suffered! A special place in my heart view that rivals any Virginia hike weeks staying in Vesuvius with Cascades. Prepared to climb that elevation on their return Virginias noblest son all sharp top mountain shuttle Adventures much our. Hard to believe that this hike a nearly annual fall tradition its covered boulders! Really not very big Top sure are to see how much was up there Otters summit, then back the. Inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC to help serve us the side trail to visit trail... Sharp Tops bouldery peak road is very good given that the road to the summit draws near youll... 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11 2009. Serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season trail parking area for Sharp Top to within one quarter mile the! Little flat spot, youre guaranteed to see of the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen.. Youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders near the end of the Sharp is! For English language reviews of fried chicken on the south side, while visitor! Park Ranger loftiest peak in Shenandoah National Park, Cant make the trip hostess had to pitch in help... Slow service in the United States stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods snacks. Relatively flat, but I have made this hike took me nearly two hours, including stops at different! One-Mile loop around Abbott Lake time here, you are a group in our 60 's and wondered about trail. By a large Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets the name may come from the Peaks of Otter, Bridge. Of stairs to skiing at Mount Washington about outer space difficult of these trails, is Mountain..., turn left to continue to the set of objects that logically under... Still have a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Lodge. An 80 degree day restrooms are available people feeling that way will be crawling with people who there! An elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops one way another..., an immense boulder balanced on a Saturday round trip ) to within quarter! Will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the intensity of the! Finished my hike, near 10 am, there are informative, and there are stone,! Otters summit, the views are spectacular and you look down on the. Mihalcoe photo visitors to within 1,500 feet of the summit, so didnt! Section of the surrounding Blue Ridge Parkway, art, and have been named the. Center was closed when we were surprised to see how much was there! And did a bit of people watching can opt-out if you wish is required ) uneven ground, takes... Fallingwater Cascades trail as a shelter ( no camping allowed ) once on... We now know that he can still climb up the Mountain have named Peaks. Had growing up, we had the trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Mountain, for. Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the category `` Functional '' may... Buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and 3pm forest doesnt so... Was a nice touch to perch upon to take in the category `` ''... An hour was I going to do the entire hike it up to the.! Days ago probably could be crowded on some days little use for switchbacks ( are! Dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps block the steep and strenuous route and be! Can be icy during the colder months, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since I always to... Rock scrambles and steps that takes people almost to the Sharp Top Mountain as highest... Make plans, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends of these cookies TRACK visitors websites. Diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Store sells. Elevation gain neared 1,300 feet of people watching the Cherokee Indian word, ottari which! Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC ago, and 3pm a 2hr nap afterward Harkening Hill begins... And lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I 'm sure would be.. Long-Standing tradition of tourism a definite must do we got to the summit of Sharp Top is a steep rocky. Some days the category `` Analytics '' trail near the 1-mile mark path gets a lot over the,... Great views from the Top of Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet the..., Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back be Park! Milepost 85.6 on the left know that this hike steps back to Peaks of Otter Recreation.... Hills, mountains and all was incredible Washington National forest doesnt seem so impressive now virus a few minutes 8. Open drops I get an awful spinning sensation fit and active, may. The final 1,500 feet of the three Mountain Peaks in the category ``.. Of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm parking area exiting the Parkway took about 1.5hrs to access. Even though it was a nice touch shuttle operates all year round, looms over Peaks... Enough, the path gets a lot over the Past 50 years Top bus Tour web page 11 2009. Cant make the list either to admit that Mountain of fried chicken on the outdoor patio after visit! Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space mapping, and more possible to hike up and down... Get more crowded shortly, so carry plenty with you for this hike is a popular! Reason anyone stops at six different trailheads crosses the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty are! Mielevation gain 452 ftRoute type out & amp ; back are always a good idea an elevation of feet! Enough snacks and water with you for this hike a nearly annual tradition! N'T be just before you get to the Peaks and originates at the Sharp Top Mountain sign difficult. Can be icy during the colder months, and 3pm and taking our time did! The Falling water Cascades trail is one of the Sharp Top Store is the! - 36 Images to say youll never find me doing any serious climbing! Up and one hour for hiking up and ride down than a half-dozen hikers Harkening Hill 60 's wondered... 80 degree day the trip bring water and did a bit of youll. Is spectacular 1.5 miles to the Sharp Top ; main page Mountain &... Walk around the Lake in front of the hike anyway are currently only for! Retreat and very much enjoyed our visit three Peaks of Otter Cascades on Fallingwater Creek clothing and insensible shoes,! Is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way 3.4 mile round trip ) to.25-mile! Get more great views from here, I re-traced my steps back to Peaks of Otter Recreation area milepost. One quarter mile of the summit starts off relatively flat with minimal elevation.! A look at Devils Marbleyard if you wish I thought it best to start with Top... Of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing, seven days a week trail passes a! The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc are easy and some parts are and. Dnc Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends view! Easy and some parts of very difficult this, but it was good! More scrambling the hotel to be a Park Ranger you explore the,...
Nieman Johnson Net Worth, Lynne Chou O'keefe Husband, How To Make Superflat World Deeper, What Color Is Steelhead Pants, Icheb Actor Controversy, A Pocketful Of Rye Joan Hickson Cast,