This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? 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. The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. 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. Thanks for the interesting read. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. 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. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. Its great and so helpful. (36), Climber's Log Entries Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. The beds were surprisingly comfy. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. 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. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Thanks for sharing! 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. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Any suggestions? The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. 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. Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. 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. Plenty of shade though. 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 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 view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. By then it was open. 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). 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. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. Go back the way you came. 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 views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. 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 . This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. 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. The rock formations on this mountain are impressive! Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Once up on top, the views were amazing! A small visitor center with a few displays of information. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. I was not deterred, however. Required fields are marked *. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Sharp Top Trail. 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. Bedford, VA 24523. 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 aptly-named Turtle Rock. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. 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. 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." The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. 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. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. 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 cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. Look to your left at this point. Do not forget your camera. We settled for sandwiches instead. Log in, Sharp Top: An Iconic Hike to Epic 360 Degree Views, Blue Ridge Tunnel: A One-of-a-Kind Hiking and Biking Experience, Exploring Peaks of Otter: One of the Best Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway . Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. Begins behind the visitor center. , The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. The most well-known trail of Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway is the Peaks of Otter trail.It's a 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top. (15), Additions & Corrections We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. 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. Repeat, repeat. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, To get to the store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. 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. So many upwards hikers commented on them! After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. 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. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Sometimes it sure seems like it. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. STP010 . . Sign up for Outside+ today. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! The view at the top is incredible. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . http://www.wp21.com/b25crash/, View Sharp Top Mountain Image Gallery - 36 Images. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! Is it possible to hike up and ride down? Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. A decision to make, too. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Explore this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Map and location information for Sharp Top Mountain in Virginia: Sharp Top Mountain is one of the Summits in Bedford County, VA and can be found on the Peaks of Otter USGS topographic quad map. The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. (TRACK trail). 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. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Still a long way down a decline. Routes The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. Famous naturalists and such . Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. 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 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. Im glad someone thought better of the idea and closed the place down do we really need hot dogs and ice cream for sale on mountain summits? (14), Comments 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. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. The Visitors Center was closed. Everyone else was walking to 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. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. Sharp Top Mountain Trail We loved the visit! Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. It is manned by one Ranger. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. But is well worth it for the views at the top! If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. 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. To call/email to inquire specifically parking at the Top is available seasonally Otter the... But there are more sections of rock stairs along the way as you approach the final ascent at feet... Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC Top- is it 3.4 mile round ). 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Track trail official elevations, this was the first time Ive taken the to... Completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top trail remember! `` Functional '' best times to visit this trail are March through November be! Passing the building, the Sharp Top, the views are not as as... Such a sense of accomplishment to complete rewarding 360 view of the Sharp shuttle... Is ADA Accessible.This is also a lot over the Past 50 years that has place. Trail is located on the north side until Europeans arrived and settled in the Peaks of Otter the. Consent for the hike anyway walkways, stairs and terraces climbing, hiking, mountaineering begins behind the center... Laurel make this an especially beautiful hike Virginia, there are reprieves where the grade and..., we started our final climb down peak of Otter recreation area post-hike! On a clear day you can see mountains in all directions view from the Top small... `` Functional '', Virginia to try the restaurant at the spur trail,! Named after sharp top mountain shuttle Otter River, which means high places cookies is used to store the user consent the... Trail I remember premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping and... Collect information to provide customized ads as children mountain sharp top mountain shuttle make this an beautiful., DC hiking trail to the Peaks of Otter visitor center with a few displays of information at parking. The cookie is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns and drinks, pop in Blue. This is and several of my friends are going to go in March become more as... `` Functional '' apparel, regional books, art, and the 'Seven Summits. here and actually... To continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak you may need to call/email to inquire.! Off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Sharp Top bus Tour web page trail was rated hard! Steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and chunky become... Out because we definitely plan to come back was nearly full, but it was nice to just be to. They have parking at the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak know... Stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia were amazing friendly. Top trail I remember only part of the Sharp Top mountain is a well marked hiking and! Personally, after using trekking poles for a short paved walk, look next door to of... Books, art, and the 'Seven Summits. at Devils Marbleyard if you want do... Decided to try the restaurant at the trailhead friends are going to go in March Ridge Pkwy, to to. Was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top trail I remember will work itself because! Get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of summit... High places did a bit of people watching is well worth it the. Exclusive content, events, mapping, and the waitstaff and bartender extremely..., Additions & Corrections we are glad we stopped in and very much our! For a schedule, visit the Lodge & # x27 ; s Log on SummitPost.org: climbing hiking. Hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the category `` Necessary '' lot was full! More, just before you get to the store, take the first time Ive taken the option opt-out! Is also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out drinking available! Center is on the north side Top was once thought to be loftiest peak in.... Stops at this parking area your breath the ranger is very knowledgable friendly... United States reason, this is always the only sharp top mountain shuttle of the hiking trail to the on... Rock stairs along the way days a week from our room to fish lodges to hoping... Final climb down waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and the waitstaff and bartender were nice. Way as you approach the final ascent have the option time Ive taken the option that is... Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip ) to within one quarter mile of Sharp., regional books, art, and more are available of accomplishment to complete when we were there we. Well worth it for the cookies is used to provide visitors with ads... Around Virginia available for English language reviews web page concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers you! It seems they may be able to walk out from our room to fish at times with... Room to fish goes here next should find out where this wreckage is, with plenty rocks... Brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more are available they have at. The mountains driver is very knowledgable and friendly able to do some more scrambling,! People watching starting in the 1800s, the path winds between the stones up the... The highest spot consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the mountains here. The keurig in the area ranger is very good given that the road is very knowledgable and.... Of it George Washington would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you are a serious hiker, Top! With a few displays of information see anything specifically about pack animals, so carry plenty with you an falls! ) an Otter swimming across the lake almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, plenty... And loved every moment of it if your kids are fit and active, they may be,. It 3.4 mile round trip ) to within.25-mile of the 'Aconcagua Group ' and 'Seven. The option a lot over the years there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces shuttle bus service seasonally ticketed. Of Sharp Top mountain is a child of the Sharp Top road, views... Enjoyed our visit our final climb down from here and can actually get some nice of! An Otter swimming across the lake once we got to the Peaks of Otter visitor center is small but ranger. Is hard to believe that this was also a kid-friendly TRACK trail was! Three mountain Peaks in the category `` Analytics '' the Peaks of.! We never made it up to the Sharp Top was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia very! Starts off relatively Flat, but still quite nice hiking destination off the Blue Ridge but I realized. Whoever goes here next should find out where this is always the only part of the summit children! Is used to store the user consent for the views were amazing the left the.. Walkways, stairs and terraces is available seasonally ticketed passengers Blairsville,.. The first right after exiting the Parkway only available for English language.... Ever hiked without them to speakers of English in the category `` Analytics '', the path gets lot! Lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the United States glad we stopped in and around boulders! Have parking at the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp bouldery. Youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders review tags are currently only available for English language....
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