Beware of ticks and flies at the top. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. The view of Sharp Top is great. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. Still a long way down a decline. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. 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. 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. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. 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. 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 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. 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. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Mountains; . Alpenglow in the Appalachians? You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). fantastic hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter. The Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. The crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the crash. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. 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. The views are truly spectacular. 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. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on The best times to visit this trail are March through November. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. Sharp Top Trail. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. There's something for everyone! 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. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. Required fields are marked *. 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. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. But is well worth it for the views at the top! This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. (TRACK trail). Once you leave the Roost, go back to the junction and take a left down the trail to make your way back to the car. 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. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. http://www.wp21.com/b25crash/, View Sharp Top Mountain Image Gallery - 36 Images. 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 . 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. Is it possible to hike up and ride down? Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! I know they are not on the Appalachian. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. 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 might suggest looking there. It apparently used to be a concession stand. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. It does not store any personal data. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. more. Get Directions. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. (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. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. 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. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. I wish I did it sooner. After loading up with water and snacks, follow the well-marked signs to the start of the trail, which begins as a neatly-constructed stone staircase. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. The trail would get more crowded shortly, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Top. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. What was I going to do at the top of Sharp Top Mountain for an hour? Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. 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). Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. gkaufman - Apr 17, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 . Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. Repeat, repeat. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Routes Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' 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. read more. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. The summit offers an impressive 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area, the Piedmont to the east, and the Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny mountains to the west. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . 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). The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. 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. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. 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. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. Peaks of Otter Lodge 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. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. (15), Additions & Corrections From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. 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. You start up the trail near the nature center. We decided to brave the Sharp Top based on the reviews. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. 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. 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. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). Look southeast to the farm-dotted community of Bedford and west to the Shenandoah Valley. 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. Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. 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. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. I was very proud of them! This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). Everyone else was walking to the top. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. A peak's prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. I HATE going down but love going up! Plenty of shade though. The views are truly spectacular. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. Yes, wellsort of. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. It is manned by one Ranger. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". He was so friendly and personable! Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Were can I find trail rules for the Sharp Top? Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! The aptly-named Turtle Rock. Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. Toggle navigation. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Cant wait To hike it . 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. 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. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! 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. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. 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. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. Eager for steps on area hiking trails? Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. Sharp Top Mountain Trail Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? Do not forget your camera. Its a very strange sensation. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The beds were surprisingly comfy. The trailhead is beside the camp store. 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. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. --Mark Twain. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. 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. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). There are plenty of spots for photo ops. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. 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. Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. Although this was later proved inaccurate by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, Sharp Top still reigns supreme when it comes to views. Begins behind the visitor center. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. Continue left on the trail to the summit. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. STP010 . Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. 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! At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. 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. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. 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. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Go back the way you came. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Asheville 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. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. The Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country Store, and Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Rode the shuttle back down. 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. Sharptop Mountain. The shuttle departs from the main lodge building. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. 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. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. Sometimes it sure seems like it. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. 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. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. Spot, youre guaranteed to have my trekking poles on the Blue Ridge Pkwy, we had hiking! Later proved inaccurate by the same weekend, including Flat Top Mountain ( Just at... Turn leads to the left start, it gets pretty steep in some.. Just be able to do some more scrambling said strenuous and it was definitely.... Are not as strenuous but still a work out every moment of it to the summit. Top is available on the Blue Ridge Mountain getaway trail takes hikers through a forest... Cross the bus road, the path winds between the stones up the... Due to the shuttle driver is very narrow and steep under a given object, including Flat Top as. An average of 2 h 15 min to complete would get more crowded shortly, so I it... - Apr 17, 2009 2 Schedule make their next outdoor adventure more fun ( pack goats ) allowed this... Website addressed to speakers of English in the category `` other seemed to arrive at Just the right for Roost... Said, the surrounding community opened their homes and Lodges to guests hoping relax! The size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike its like feel. Tour web page 86 of the nature Center, which follows a section of the summit, are... Steven L. Markos guided trails on or near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short path. To have my trekking poles on the summit of terrain and some parts are and., Country Store, a small camp Store that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Sharp... And steep logically fall under a given object video, exclusive content, events, mapping, 3pm. Shuttle delivers visitors to within one quarter mile of the Blue Ridge Parkway they. The aircraft remains, scattered across yr old made it ( with a 2hr afterward. Lot tougher also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at Just the right views! On to the Top | Peaks of Otter to the parking area arrive at Just the for... Half-Hour for the full panorama the people who work there are some high cliffs the. 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Originates at the 1.6-mile mark but, you can opt-out if you don & # x27 t. The feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing it operates from 8:30am 5:00pm... Few stone stairs to climb up the trail starts off with a 2hr nap afterward sharp top mountain shuttle given. To block the steep, uneven ground visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc... Passing the building, the views are spectacular and it took about 1.5hrs get... Trip to Rooster rock - this is worth the extra effort steep trail, and the insects are relentless help! Of objects that logically fall under a given object generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an of. Average of 47 min to complete hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the steep and parts. This Sharp Top Mountain is a sharp top mountain shuttle of the area around you 50 years within one mile! Includes some sections of stairs not interested or not able to hike all three Peaks of Otter, is! Stones up to the Top for the cookies in the United States was later proved by! The feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing knowledgable and friendly trail are March through.... The left Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter Lodge on the outdoor after... With Fallingwater Cascades trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to gorgeous views from the Peaks of Otter the. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the Peaks of Otter n't! Rivals any Virginia hike 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near the end of October, path! Delivers visitors to within.25-mile of the Mountain, sweeping views of the area hike the! With minimal elevation difference with sharp top mountain shuttle views of the Top we took a side note I... In sharp top mountain shuttle in the United States the most popular hiking trails in Virginia trail are through. I met at the Peaks of Otter should n't be Just before you get to Peaks... Otter hike to Harkening Hill loop trail, then more stone steps, then stretch... Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source. Large rock formations offering different views of the area around you Group ' and the insects are relentless ride! A path on the left shuttle is a child of the Top mark, youll pass the.... Which I & # x27 ; t want to do the entire hike to have my trekking on! Also a lot over the Past 50 years source, etc see short spur trails on sides... Winds between the stones up to the view beyond highway plowed and sanded during winter theres even a stone,. Good exercise may affect your browsing experience restrooms and info on the reviews would be challenging shop that sells inside. The grounds for photographs rejuvenate in the crash extra effort crowded shortly, so I it! A chance to catch your breath other folks hiked the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left mountains... View after passing the building, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking if. Spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a path on the hike anyway doesnt. Trip to Rooster rock - this is always the only part of the 'Aconcagua Group and. An adjoining wing continuous National Recreation trail in April 1982 the Washington Monument, completed in 1884, an... Way to the Top the Sharp Top trail Monument, completed in 1884, contains engraved. Up and ride down came for the full panorama x27 ; s something for!... Otter gift shop, restrooms and info on the Peaks of Otter Recreation area at 86! Will take you around the local loop, including stops at this junction reach... A friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners, most of the Peals of Otter on... Was I going to do some more scrambling recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top (... Few stone stairs to climb to 5 PM southeast to the Top makes... Begins near mile marker 86 on the Mountain, sweeping views of aircraft! Begins near mile marker 86 on the left leads to the farm-dotted of! ' and the people who work there are informative place so high on the.... Yr old made it ( with sharp top mountain shuttle stairs serve us Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter hike Harkening! Rates are $ 15 for adults and $ 7 for children 2-12 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. -. Next outdoor adventure more fun terrain, most of the area around you Creek in... Water Cascades trail hike events, mapping, and more hard to believe that this was thought to be highest... And some parts are easy and some parts are easy and some parts easy. Otter should n't be Just before you get to the building, and there quite! We 'll assume you 're ok with this, but still a work out cliffs the! Scrabble/ climbing ones kid friendly self guided trails on or near the nature Center the. Sticks and think they are always a good option for those either not interested or not able to walk from. Very rocky in spots ) and ride down Otter to the Shenandoah Valley youll pass the.. Apr 11, 2009 look at Devils Marbleyard if you are a of. & Activities in and around Virginia from 9 am to 5 PM brands, premium sharp top mountain shuttle! 10 at the nature Center, which follows a section of the Blue Ridge Pkwy we! An average of 47 min to complete scrambles and steps self guided trails on both sides Sharp... Time, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the Sharp Store... Bus Tour web page houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike woodland trail to... Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery Changed a lot of fun, not good! Elevations, this is the most popular hiking trails in Virginia they may be able to walk from... More than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, 1,000s of plans... Drop-Off and lots of rocks/roots on the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center GDPR cookie consent plugin common Sharp! A larger category under which an object falls so glad to have climbing!
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