These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. By now, many more people were ascending the trail. 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. read more. 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. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. 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. Look to your left at this point. 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. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. 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. These Photos Prove It. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. 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. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. 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. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. 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. The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. Cant wait To hike it . The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view (15), Additions & Corrections Do not forget your camera. 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. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). The aptly-named Turtle Rock. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. 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. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. 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. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. Your email address will not be published. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. ;). There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. When To Climb All year. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. The beds were surprisingly comfy. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. This was very helpful thank you so much. I think its great that a bus ride is available for people who arent physically able to hike up, but I see lots of young families that I wish would give hiking a chance. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. 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. For example, the 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+ 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. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. 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 . 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. read more. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. A small visitor center with a few displays of information. We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. 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