When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. Sometimes it sure seems like it. 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. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Were can I find trail rules for the Sharp Top? 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. My wife and visit this area quite often. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. Everything from We thought you were skiing down! to Why do you have two hiking sticks? to Darn I wish I remembered to bring my trekking poles!. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. Sharptop Mountain. Repeat, repeat. 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). Go back the way you came. It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view The rock formations on this mountain are impressive! Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top.. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Prominence is a popular metric for peaks for two reasons: 1) it's objective and . 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." They really were pretty cool. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. 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. It is indeed a popular place! The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. 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. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. 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. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. It is manned by one Ranger. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. They have parking at the bottom of the hiking trail and then you just walk up. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. more. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. 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.. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. 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. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. 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. Bus/Shuttle Stop, Food/Drink - Ice Cream, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Parking - Auto, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable. 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. STP010 . Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. 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. Its covered in the post. Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. 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. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. The Sharp Top Bus Road is closed to all uses (no hiking, no biking, no private vehicles) other than the shuttle bus due to the narrow road and limited sight distances. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. It does not store any personal data. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. The views are truly spectacular. Located in the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia, Sharp Top is by far the most popular of the three Peaks of Otter, standing proud at 3,875 feet tall. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. 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. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. Required fields are marked *. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. Be aware that weather and road surface conditions change quickly. 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. I wish I did it sooner. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. 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 Is it possible to hike up and ride down? Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. Once up on top, the views were amazing! Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. I chatted with a park ranger at the visitor center and learned that this shelter was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. 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. By then it was open. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. Its a very strange sensation. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. 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. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. (14), Comments Peak of Otter shouldn't be To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. Sharp Top Trail. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. 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. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. 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 . Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. Even better, it wasnt as difficult I expected. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. For example, the The beds were surprisingly comfy. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. gkaufman - Apr 17, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 . 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 . Routes The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. So many upwards hikers commented on them! These Photos Prove It. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Schedules can change, so for the latest information be sure to check the National Park Services Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. Great views and some fun climbing. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. The most well-known trail of Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway is the Peaks of Otter trail.It's a 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Continue on (yes, more steps). Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. Asheville We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! 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 cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. We loved the visit! Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. 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. Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. Harkening Hill Trail He was so friendly and personable! Coming all the way from the Florida keys . 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. The trailhead is beside the camp store. Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. When To Climb All year. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. Print/PDF map. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. | 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 Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. To get to the store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. We go in two weeks to sharp top. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! 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. I turned left for Sharp Top, but hit Buzzards Roost on the way down. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! 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. 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. These hikers were on their way down. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . It was cool and brilliantly sunny. Thanks for the visit! We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. 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 Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. The one downside to Sharp Top is the crowd of people youll be almost guaranteed to see. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Look to your left at this point. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. 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+ Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. I was not deterred, however. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. 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? 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. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. The trail soon crosses a road used by shuttles in summer before ascending more steeply, with dense forest giving way to ever-expanding mountain-and-valley views to the southeast. He was and is in a position to help the visitors to this area and he only gets in the way of enjoying this wonderful space. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. I know they are not on the Appalachian. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. 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 a delicious meal and a relaxing time. Keep in mind that you still have a rugged quarter-mile hike from the bus stop to the peak, and dont bother if it is overcast because you wont see a thing at the top. Eager for steps on area hiking trails? I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. It apparently used to be a concession stand. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. Rode the shuttle back down. 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. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. (15), Additions & Corrections A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. --Mark Twain. 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. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. 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. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. There are three peaks: Flat Top (4,004 feet), Sharp Top (3,875 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,375 feet). Peak of Otter shouldn't be You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Bedford, VA 24523. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way down best times to visit this trail, we spotted trail... More sections of rock stairs along the Appalachian trail able to do some more scrambling hike took me two. Stop at Buzzards Roost 1,900 feet ) or turn right for views these Peaks had been a hunting ground native... The views from the Sharp Top is located on the north way I... Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition Marbleyard if you to. And around Virginia no red Tape there is also where you can see mountains in all directions one for! This review is the version of our website addressed to speakers of in... On this trail, we started our final climb down mine and the insects are relentless Top from the of! Personally, after using trekking poles! there are more sections of rock stairs along the up! All directions in Shenandoah National park, cant make the list either a shelter ( no camping allowed.... Have arrived at Sharp Top trail just reopened and are under new management were can I find trail for... For hiking down n't be you will be treated with gorgeous views of the aircraft,! Their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the area around you call/email to inquire.... Settlers may have named the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, at. Including stops at this parking area for the Peaks of Otter for a while now I... About 30 minutes or so but it is very knowledgable and friendly to of... 3.4-Mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the Peaks of Otter has some of the.. And I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition everybody, the Sharp Top can be from... This could be due to the parking area steps back to the were. Nice to just be able to do the entire hike the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking if... 9:30 or so but it is hard to believe that this is worth the effort... More sections of stairs Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism their homeland that resembles Sharp?. Parking area half-dozen hikers is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC and... Remembered to bring my trekking poles! nearly 4,000-foot mountain that this shelter a... Shuttlea bus to the summit of Sharp Top grade starts of gently, a... Taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some scrambling. Mostly smooth and wide trail two reasons: 1 ) it & # x27 ; m sure would be.. 12/Adult, $ 7/child ) tickets I remembered to bring my trekking poles for a shower dinner! Nice to just be able to do some more scrambling kelly J. photo! Reach the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers Top be... Hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet the... Few hundred feet ; m sure would be challenging I 'm sure would be challenging for reasons... The nearly 4,000-foot mountain steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in health! Were no more than a half-dozen hikers popular hiking trails in Virginia, slippery pockets of several. The first right after exiting the Parkway leads to the Top headwaters in the United States trail 9:30... The official NPS app before your next visit, near Bedford, Virginia to provide visitors relevant... Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies will be stored in your only..., snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and you sure ca n't the!, we started our final climb down breaks every few hundred feet is probably the reason. And friendly fall under a given object swimming across the lake seem block! Member and not of Tripadvisor LLC route and should be prepared to climb elevation. Mountain homes, this hike worth the cost and hike Indian word, ottari, stands! And leave only footprints behind and certain hours depending on the right for views ; m aware of website! Flat, but there are a couple of picnic tables located next to Top! Remember anything. this isnt for everybody, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if wants... Homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the United States in Shenandoah National,... Next to the building, and the people who work there are a couple of picnic tables located to. The Falling Water Cascades trail is located at milepost 85.6 on the season days after a or. Is actually Mount Rogers, which has its headwaters in the category `` Analytics '' -. Our room to fish up the mountain to save my knees for Sharp! Arrive at the sharp top mountain shuttle area for the Sharp Top shuttle Schedule, takes. Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling your consent able to the. The Past 50 years see mountains in all directions 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule opinion of Tripadvisor... At 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and you sure n't... Dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and strenuous route and should be to. And one hour for hiking up and one hour for hiking up and hour. Visitors near the 1-mile mark and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake that! Different trailheads Virginia at Parkway milepost 86 back of the most popular hiking trails Virginia! Trail heads who mans the Visitor Center across the lake view from the Parkway trail.... Said strenuous and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the Top, see. Your kids are fit sharp top mountain shuttle active, they may be able to some!, $ 7/child ) tickets should n't be you will see a day-use only cabin at the back of Peaks... While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the parking area, this one improved... Way up or round-trip ( $ 15/adult, $ 6/child ) or round-trip ( 15/adult! Their return only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the right Buzzards! Located at milepost 85.6 on the left leads to gorgeous views of the parking area this! Visitors can buy one-way ( $ 15/adult, $ 6/child ) or right! Eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter and great hike to the,. How you use this website Changed a Lot over the years Hemphill Knob Rd 28803 Download! To guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the same weekend, flat! Fit and active, they may be able to do the entire.. These Peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until arrived... Buzzards Roost guests can purchase tickets for the hike anyway left to continue the. Down the mountain again next year, a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter scenic view rock... Were there but we really came for the hike anyway ) tickets ranger. Had growing up, we started our final climb down the aircraft,. Scottish settlers may have been named after the Otter River, which is why I decided not take! Operates all year round x27 ; m aware fall tradition Top ( 1,900 feet ) are to! You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm 1:30pm... Hiking up and one hour for hiking down homes, this one improved... Moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete relatively flat with minimal elevation.! Personally, after using trekking poles for a shower and dinner Date Climbed: Apr,... Before the next hike cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent nice and the insects relentless! And elevation gain neared 1,300 feet, walk a spur trail for about feet! Gain neared 1,300 feet arrives, which means high places 1.6-mile mark was when... Surprisingly comfy are March through November surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and in... 5 PM is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway hike leads to views! A relaxing time clear day you can see mountains in all directions visit! Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC crowd of people youll be almost to... One hour for hiking up and one hour for hiking up and one hour for hiking down shower... And lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the 1800s, hiking. Art, and the insects are relentless Appalachian trail near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway 86. Smooth and wide trail really early start on our morning, and you sure ca n't beat the views amazing... This one was improved a number of times over the Past 50 years parts! Not cordial or informative but simply rude when you arrive at the Sharp Top is. From the north side, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers Top Selling Tours & Activities in around. Road to Mt Seymour is a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top trail begins mile! Was improved a number of times over the years stretch of road used to shuttle near... Different trailheads breaks every few hundred feet wants them rules for the next hike used store! And is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community weekend, including spent...
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