Here are trail regulations. Each room has a beautiful lake view. 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. 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. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Famous naturalists and such . As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. 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. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. The view at the top is incredible. The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. 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). Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. I was glad I got an early start on this hike. My wife and visit this area quite often. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. Routes Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. 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 one downside to Sharp Top is the crowd of people youll be almost guaranteed to see. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. Sign up for Outside+ today. The trailhead is beside the camp store. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. 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. Your email address will not be published. read more. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. Peak of Otter shouldn't be 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. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. 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. Still a long way down a decline. It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. 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. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. Photos (4) Directions. He was so friendly and personable! 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. But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. 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. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. The final pick-up at the top of the mountain is at 4:30pm.If youve been to Peaks, you know how impressive Sharp Top is. 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.. Its covered in the post. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. 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. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit) This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. 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!. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. Bedford, VA 24523. 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 trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. STP010 . Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! 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. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Junction with Buzzards Roost Spur Trail. It apparently used to be a concession stand. 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. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. My friend had said he wanted to try and be in that good of shape, so we took weekly hikes up during one summer. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. Go back the way you came. Sharp Top Mountain Trail For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. 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. The Visitors Center was closed. 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. Cant wait To hike it . 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. 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." This was very helpful thank you so much. So naive on my part, the shuttle bus only takes you partway - around 2500 ft and you hike the rest of the way on a very steep trail 1500 ft up. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. 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. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. 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 . Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? 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). 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. 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 visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! The main draw is 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. | 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). So many upwards hikers commented on them! Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! 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. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). 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. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. 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. Flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 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. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. Sometimes it sure seems like 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. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. By then it was open. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. I know they are not on the Appalachian. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Thanks for sharing! As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. 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. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. These hikers were on their way down. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . Begins behind the visitor center. (15), Additions & Corrections The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. We settled for sandwiches instead. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. 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. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. 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. Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. 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. These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. 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+ Prominence is a popular metric for peaks for two reasons: 1) it's objective and . The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. 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. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. 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. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike. Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. . As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. Peak of Otter shouldn't be We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Required fields are marked *. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. Plenty of shade though. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. The lodge offers great food. We go in two weeks to sharp top. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. The shuttle departs from the main lodge building. 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. 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. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. Get Directions. Repeat, repeat.
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