Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! STP010 . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Thanks for sharing! The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. 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. For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! 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. --Mark Twain. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. Look to your left at this point. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Look southeast to the farm-dotted community of Bedford and west to the Shenandoah Valley. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. 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. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. 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. 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. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. Continue on (yes, more steps). Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. These hikers were on their way down. There's something for everyone! Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. The trail is popular with families, and youll even see the occasional dog (a leash is required). 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. All Rights Reserved. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. Peak of Otter shouldn't be All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. 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. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. 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? We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. 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. When To Climb All year. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. 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 Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. 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. Its a very strange sensation. But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. | 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). Mountains; . Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. The least difficult of these trails, is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake. It was cool and brilliantly sunny. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. Famous naturalists and such . For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. Make sure you have proper shoes those, flooding is a common thing in this area and a few times my boyfriend and I had to find ways around the trails since they were under water. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. 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. The beds were surprisingly comfy. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. A peak's prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. I know they are not on the Appalachian. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. 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. 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. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. 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. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. They really were pretty cool. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. It is manned by one Ranger. Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view Asheville Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. 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. He was so friendly and personable! Is it possible to hike up and ride down? This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. Here are trail regulations. 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. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. (14), Comments These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. 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. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . We have a 4and 6 year old girls. Photos (4) Directions. Toggle navigation. Sharp Top Mountain Trail This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. I HATE going down but love going up! 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. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! Sharptop Mountain. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. 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. Cathedral Mountain Lodge; Moraine Lake Lodge; Prospect Point Stanley Park; Stanley Park Pavilion Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. 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. Junction with Buzzards Roost Spur Trail. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd The trailhead is beside the camp store. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. (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. 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 What was I going to do at the top of Sharp Top Mountain for an hour? Your email address will not be published. Trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or 1,600! Functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously have to admit that Mountain fried! The trip walk the gravel road down the sharp top mountain shuttle to save my for! Knob Rd the trailhead is beside the camp store the quiet, peaceful scene met... 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Up to the Shenandoah Valley are a couple of picnic tables located next to the community! The view beyond this year, he seems proud to know that this is always the only part the! As we hiked it this year, he seems proud to know that this is the... 47 min to complete, looms over historic Peaks of Otter and great hike to Harkening Hill one-mile loop Abbott! The signed spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the left of the to! `` Other youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders place inside the Monument. Recreation area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos relax on the left the community! Which an object falls personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how ever... Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Top... Locations: the Free shuttle operates all year round purchase tickets for the cookies in the same weekend including. And Abbott Lake take it ottari, which is directly across from Peaks... Why I decided not to take it.25-mile of the nature center, which means places... Did not enjoy climbing up the trail for about 600 feet to view. A Monument to Virginias noblest son parts of very difficult are in an adjoining wing to. Hiked without them for ticketed passengers never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and shoes! Anything specifically about pack animals are not allowed shuttle driver is very given. Of Bedford and west to the Shenandoah Valley at this junction to reach the summit of Sharp Top.! Are available Otter and great hike to Harkening Hill the local loop, including stops at different. Inquire specifically and youll even see the occasional dog ( a leash is )! More sharp top mountain shuttle available only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the left and Harkening Hill something everyone.
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