We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. 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. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. 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. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Its covered in the post. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. The beds were surprisingly comfy. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. There's something for everyone! This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). Were can I find trail rules for the Sharp Top? Thanks for the visit! The By now, many more people were ascending the trail. 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. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. 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. My wife and visit this area quite often. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. The views are truly spectacular. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. 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 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. 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. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. 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. Required fields are marked *. The trail is popular with families, and youll even see the occasional dog (a leash is required). 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. 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. fantastic hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. http://www.wp21.com/b25crash/, View Sharp Top Mountain Image Gallery - 36 Images. 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. Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! 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. 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. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. 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. Look to your left at this point. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. 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 . The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. Toggle navigation. 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. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. Be aware that weather and road surface conditions change quickly. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. 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). Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. No cars or hikers are allowed on the road to 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. I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. What was I going to do at the top of Sharp Top Mountain for an hour? I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. The trailhead is beside the camp store. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. Sometimes it sure seems like it. Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. The crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the crash. My friend had said he wanted to try and be in that good of shape, so we took weekly hikes up during one summer. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. 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. 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 remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. (TRACK trail). It apparently used to be a concession stand. At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. 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. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. ;). The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. The view at the top is incredible. Youll probably want to experience it again. 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. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? read more. 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). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". We loved the visit! Beware of ticks and flies at the top. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. The Visitors Center was closed. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. There are three peaks: Flat Top (4,004 feet), Sharp Top (3,875 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,375 feet). Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. I was glad I got an early start on this hike. 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. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. read more. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. (15), Additions & Corrections 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!. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. This is an extremely popular hike for families and larger groups, but it definitely has some steep sections. Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. Located in the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia, Sharp Top is by far the most popular of the three Peaks of Otter, standing proud at 3,875 feet tall. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. 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 view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Thanks for sharing! Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. The lodge offers great food. Any suggestions? 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. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Go back the way you came. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. 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. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. 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. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. 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. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Junction with Buzzards Roost Spur Trail. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. 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 website uses cookies to improve your experience. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. 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. When To Climb All year. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. The views are truly spectacular. 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. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! 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. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. I know they are not on the Appalachian. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. 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. Get Directions. So many upwards hikers commented on them! According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. Although this was later proved inaccurate by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, Sharp Top still reigns supreme when it comes to views. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. Each year, he seems proud to know that he can still climb up that hill. He was working the day we hiked it this year, so he didnt get to make the trip. STP010 . Great views and some fun climbing. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. It is manned by one Ranger. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? Repeat, repeat. 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. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. 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. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop 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. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. 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. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Still a long way down a decline. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. 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. 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). Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. 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. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. 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? Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. I might suggest looking there. 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. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. 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. Eager for steps on area hiking trails? Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. 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." It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. (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. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. All Rights Reserved. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. 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. Harkening Hill Trail Rode the shuttle back down. more. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. Sometimes it sure seems like it. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely.
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