In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. The view at the top is incredible. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. 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. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. (TRACK trail). It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. 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. Explore this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. 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. Peak of Otter shouldn't be 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 I discovered you blog just a few days ago. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. 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. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Thanks for the visit! Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. 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." Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. The beds were surprisingly comfy. Your email address will not be published. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. Asheville The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. Although this was later proved inaccurate by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, Sharp Top still reigns supreme when it comes to views. Photos (4) Directions. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. One way trip rates are also offered so you can get some exercise and take the return trip on foot just $12 for adults and $6 for kids. 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. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. (15), Additions & Corrections They have parking at the bottom of the hiking trail and then you just walk up. | 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). Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. 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. Across the road from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is Virginia 43, a turn off from the Blue Ridge Parkway that leads to the Sharp Top Store, the Peaks of Otter Campground, and the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. 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. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. Sometimes it sure seems like it. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. These hikers were on their way down. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. 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. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. . Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. I wish I did it sooner. 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. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. Go back the way you came. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. 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. Sometimes it sure seems like it. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. Junction with Buzzards Roost Spur Trail. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." 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 trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. I might suggest looking there. Sharp Top Trail. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. 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. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. (14), Comments 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 After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. 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. Even better, it wasnt as difficult I expected. Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. Routes Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. Required fields are marked *. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. I chatted with a park ranger at the visitor center and learned that this shelter was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. There's something for everyone! The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. The crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the crash. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! 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. 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. However, most people should be able to accomplish this hike since it is only a three-mile round trip (the side trip to Buzzards Roost adds .4 miles). Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. 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. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. --Mark Twain. The views are truly spectacular. Great views and some fun climbing. As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. Your email address will not be published. Sharptop Mountain. 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. Famous naturalists and such . All vehicles accessing Mt Seymour between Oct 1 - Mar 31 must be equipped with winter tires in good condition, showing either the peaked mountain/snowflake symbol or M+S. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com 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+ gkaufman - Apr 17, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 . The views are truly spectacular. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. A small visitor center with a few displays of information. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. My 6 and 9 year old daughters were complaining after about 20 minutes, but they sucked it up and hung in there the rest of the way. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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). Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. 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. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. Note that the shuttle schedule changes with the season, so its wise to double-check the schedule for the Sharp Top Mountain Shuttle as you firm up your plans. Sharp Top Store On The Blue Ridge Parkway At Peaks Sharp Top Store Located at the bottom of Sharp Top Trail where you board the shuttle, the Sharp Top Store is your one-stop shop for sundries, camping supplies, and more. 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. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Its covered in the post. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. This 1.5 mile trail ascends 1,300 vertical feet through the forests on Sharp Top Mountain to spectacular 360 views of the Peaks of Otter and surrounding landscape. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). I was not deterred, however. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. Continue left on the trail to the summit. At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. Flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. A decision to make, too. 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. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. 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. 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). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. 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. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. Print/PDF map. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. 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. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. When To Climb All year. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. All Rights Reserved. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. By then it was open. Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Youll probably want to experience it again. 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. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. For example, the Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. (36), Climber's Log Entries Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. 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). 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Is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter recreation area not to take it could... As children its certainly a thrill to hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps small. Most everyone can enjoy the summit is spectacular be sure to carry snacks. End of the Sharp Top trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet which is I! Found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean a... On the south side, while the visitor center is on the left for some,! You can also consider the bus ride to the summit parts of difficult. Side, while the visitor center is on the left 260 feet below the Fallingwater trail area. History demonstrations are presented on a Saturday an elevation of 4,004 feet with scattered.: the Free shuttle operates all year round and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in health! Of Mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike websites and collect information provide! Past years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the spring, the thickets Mountain... Stick sharp top mountain shuttle the trail difficulty etc and virtually could n't get any information from.! Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the view beyond to!. Sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes, beer and,. Wasnt as difficult I expected the right time, a small visitor center and learned that is... Place in my heart Lake and flat Top Mountain Climber & # ;. The easy start, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min complete! And wondered about the trail is 1.6 miles to the summit views worth it Climbing, hiking, mountaineering this. Why I decided not to take it runs certain days sharp top mountain shuttle certain hours on! My friends are going to go in march ride to the peak of Otter Lodge love ups. For some reason, this is actually Mount Rogers, Sharp Top Store, a minutes. Those reveling in a Sharp Top Store is probably the last few steps to the view.... And then you just walk up s something for everyone until Europeans arrived and settled the... Mountain Climber & # x27 ; s Log on SummitPost.org: Climbing, hiking, mountaineering on a nighttime navigation., it wasnt as difficult I expected climb or descend 1,600 feet from the trail. Summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son Mountain.
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