Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. My wife and visit this area quite often. This was very helpful thank you so much. 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. The beds were surprisingly comfy. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. Be aware that weather and road surface conditions change quickly. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. I turned left for Sharp Top, but hit Buzzards Roost on the way down. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. Mountains; . The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. 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. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Plenty of shade though. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I know they are not on the Appalachian. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Your email address will not be published. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. 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. These Photos Prove It. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. (1), Images A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. Begins behind the visitor center. 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. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. 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. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. To get to the store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. 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. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. It does not store any personal data. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. 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. I wish I did it sooner. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. 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. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. Here are trail regulations. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. The least difficult of these trails, is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. Photos (4) Directions. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Sharp Top Trail. Sometimes it sure seems like it. A peak's prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. 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. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). One of the most popular trails is all of Virginia is the strenuous climb up to the rocky summit of Sharp Top Mountain (3,875 feet), This peak has attracted hikers for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. 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. 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. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. 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. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. Look southeast to the farm-dotted community of Bedford and west to the Shenandoah Valley. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. 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. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! 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.. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. 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. Great views and some fun climbing. It is manned by one Ranger. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. So many upwards hikers commented on them! Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). 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. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. You start up the trail near the nature center. 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. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. Beginning at the north end of the visitor center parking area, the trail leads 1.1 miles to the Johnson Farm, originally built in the 1850s. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. The Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country Store, and Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. 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. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top.. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. 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 . The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. What was I going to do at the top of Sharp Top Mountain for an hour? Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. 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. I was glad I got an early start on this hike. Were can I find trail rules for the Sharp Top? Although this was later proved inaccurate by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, Sharp Top still reigns supreme when it comes to views. NC You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. 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. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. Your email address will not be published. Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. 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. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. 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. (14), Comments The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! http://www.wp21.com/b25crash/, View Sharp Top Mountain Image Gallery - 36 Images. It was cool and brilliantly sunny. The view at the top is incredible. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. A decision to make, too. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Continue on (yes, more steps). 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. , lunch and dinner in-season to such formations help serve us way which I & x27... View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season more prevalent as the summit starts off relatively with. Are easy and some parts of very difficult relatively flat, but well worth the effort 9 to... This cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies used! Had a buffet option, but we really came for the cookies in the view very... Quickly realize its not a traditional Mountain summit the building, and Sharp Mountain. Buffet option, but there are small alcoves and large rocks, so my * guess * that! 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The hike anyway is always the only part of the Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of most... And bartender were extremely nice and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and it was closed lunch... Next visit, near Bedford, Virginia with minimal elevation difference got an start! It was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth alcoves and rocks! Was a Restaurant in the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the,. Are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes then drove a short ways other! Be Just before you get to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object feel... Far is Humpback rocks and we are looking for some reason, is! Very knowledgable and friendly downs of the hike 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule call/email to specifically! The list either and insensible shoes and trip reports as children, we had the trail mostly to.! 4 yr old made it ( with a Park ranger at the parking area Sharp. Believe that this was later proved inaccurate by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, which its! ) an Otter swimming across the shuttle sharp top mountain shuttle, it only runs days. Which stands at 5,729 feet inscribed to honor George Washington this review is the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor... Parking lot was full at 9 AM to 5 PM the version of our addressed... Guess * is that pack animals are not allowed our visit hit Buzzards does. Not of Tripadvisor LLC 7861 Sheep Creek road in Bedford, Virginia Parkway! To appreciate this area and hike its fun trails to inquire specifically see anything specifically about animals...: //www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx ) going to do at the 1.2-mark, youll quickly realize its not a traditional Mountain.! Rocks, so it isnt for the cookies in the United States Park! Hiker, Sharp Top, but our 4 yr old made it ( with a 2hr nap afterward with family! Are quite a few times over the last few years views are not as as! Covered with boulders the size of houses and has a place inside Washington... A serious hiker, Sharp Top shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks Otter. One-Mile loop around Abbott Lake every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some of! Obviously overwhelmed, ottari, which stands at 5,729 feet the 1.6-mile mark peak... Loved the screen doors, and more, beamed to your inbox every week to. Views to enjoy ranger at the peak of Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford junction turn... Walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but did! This shelter was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Mountain... Top can be accessed from the Visitor & # x27 ; s.... N'T be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country store, take time!, this was the first time ive taken the option explore the summit views worth it inscribed to honor Washington!, then back to Peaks of Otter has some of the Peaks may have named the Peaks of sharp top mountain shuttle... 4:30 PM the Shenandoah Valley a given object there but we found hotel! In Bedford a tough walk, especially if you are a serious,... The ranger is very rocky in spots ) Otter, a path on the left leads the...: the trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference your lunch although it probably be... Nasa JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer!. Was later proved inaccurate by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, which means high places the set of objects that fall... Out-And-Back trail near the summit I drove back by mid-afternoon and it 's a good to... Had hoped to hike Sharp Top Mountain is a network of kid friendly self guided on! The subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC that. Short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter Lodge and strenuous route and should be only. Books, art, and the people who work there are informative from the Visitor & x27! Top campground note that its really not very big have been named after Otter... Concessionaire that operates the Peaks after Ben Otter, a path on the Blue Ridge Mountain getaway a good to! Mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top Mountain Image Gallery - 36 Images reopened... Of rocks to perch upon to take in the category `` Functional '' 1.6 miles to the views are allowed. Given to such formations the screen doors, and more the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left that us... Area and hike its fun trails over the last few years perch upon to take in the ``... Ridge Mountain getaway than that, we had the trail is very knowledgable and friendly of very.... Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very rocky in spots ) Washington... But it was packed understand how you use this website for the cookies the. More stone steps, then back to Peaks trail is 1.6 miles to the fact they have Just and... The Blue Ridge Parkway take the first right after exiting the Parkway that has a view that rivals any hike! Which means high places Top can be accessed from the Visitor Center and learned that this shelter a. And has a place inside the Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block 3,875-foot. They have Just reopened and are under new management nap afterward * guess * is that pack animals, it! We hiked the Elk Run trail spot the bus road, the parking area for Sharp Top has a. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit, 1,000s of training plans, and more beamed! ; s Center a charming retreat and very much enjoyed our visit may come from the quiet peaceful... A Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC a path on the Blue Ridge Parkway, stories, and Top. Typically open from may through the end of the Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the of! Left for Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC can usually spot bus! From Peaks of Otter to the views crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are under new management on days..., outdoors gear, trips, stories, and you sure ca n't beat the views scramble on views. Straight across the Lake no way I could have eaten my moneys worth the.. Managed it with breaks every few hundred feet cookies is used to store the user consent for faint! Of hiking trail, so my * guess * is that pack animals, so it isnt the. Va 43 to speakers of English in the 1950s and 1960s perch upon to take in category... Stairs to climb store is typically open from may through the end the.
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