Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike. Sometimes it sure seems like it. 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.. At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. Yes, wellsort of. 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. 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. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. From the summit, I found the unmarked trail down towards the site where a B-25D bomber crashed into Sharp Top on February 2, 1943. 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. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. 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. 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). Sharp Top Trail. . Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. 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. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Asheville 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. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. But is well worth it for the views at the top! Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. Continue on (yes, more steps). Peaks of Otter Lodge A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. Print/PDF map. This was very helpful thank you so much. It is indeed a popular place! Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Get Directions. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. 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. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. 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). Viewing: 1-12 of 12. We settled for sandwiches instead. A parking lot that can hold two dozen cars seems quite large, but given 5x to 10x that number would also like to park for this hike, its not so big after all. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. The It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Go back the way you came. Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. 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. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. 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 Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. 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 least difficult of these trails, is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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 visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Sometimes I start to panic, but Ive found that if I stay low to the ground and go very slow, I can always manage to get where I want to go. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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. 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. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. Still a long way down a decline. The one downside to Sharp Top is the crowd of people youll be almost guaranteed to see. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. These hikers were on their way down. 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. Photos (4) Directions. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. Once up on top, the views were amazing! The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. The Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country Store, and Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. 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. 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. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. So many upwards hikers commented on them! 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. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. 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. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. Plenty of shade though. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. Thanks for the interesting read. 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. Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. The view at the top is incredible. There are three peaks: Flat Top (4,004 feet), Sharp Top (3,875 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,375 feet). 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+ I turned left for Sharp Top, but hit Buzzards Roost on the way down. The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. read more. The Visitors Center was closed. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Continue left on the trail to the summit. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. Thanks for sharing! The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. I chatted with a park ranger at the visitor center and learned that this shelter was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. He was so friendly and personable! To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. | 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). I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. The views are truly spectacular. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. 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 We go in two weeks to sharp top. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. (14), Comments I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. Bedford, VA 24523. 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. Toggle navigation. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! 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. 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. Sharp Top Mountain Trail It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. Youll probably want to experience it again. Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. (TRACK trail). The aptly-named Turtle Rock. 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. Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. Peak of Otter shouldn't be 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. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. When To Climb All year. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. 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. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. Great views and some fun climbing. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. 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. For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. Here are trail regulations. The view of Sharp Top is great. My friend had said he wanted to try and be in that good of shape, so we took weekly hikes up during one summer. A decision to make, too. more. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. Your email address will not be published. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. Your email address will not be published. Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. ;). As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? We loved the visit! Famous naturalists and such . Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. 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 concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. Sharptop Mountain. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Even better, it wasnt as difficult I expected. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. 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. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. Is it possible to hike up and ride down? We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. STP010 . Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? Everyone else was walking to the top. The views are truly spectacular. By then it was open. They have parking at the bottom of the hiking trail and then you just walk up. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. Look southeast to the farm-dotted community of Bedford and west to the Shenandoah Valley. Its great and so helpful. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. (1), Images At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. (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. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. The trail would get more crowded shortly, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Top. Beginning at the north end of the visitor center parking area, the trail leads 1.1 miles to the Johnson Farm, originally built in the 1850s. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views.
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