Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. 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. 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. 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. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. 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. 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. 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. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. 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. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! Peak of Otter shouldn't be I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Here are trail regulations. Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. 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. 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. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! 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." All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. 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. (1), Images 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. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. The view of Sharp Top is great. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. Repeat, repeat. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. 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. Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. However, most people should be able to accomplish this hike since it is only a three-mile round trip (the side trip to Buzzards Roost adds .4 miles). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. 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. The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. The view at the top is incredible. Continue on (yes, more steps). Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. (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. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. Once up on top, the views were amazing! Although this was later proved inaccurate by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, Sharp Top still reigns supreme when it comes to views. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. The Visitors Center was closed. 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). Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. Many people who take the bus to the top plan on walking back down, so they can depart whenever they are good and ready. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. Each room has a beautiful lake view. I discovered you blog just a few days ago. It's a 1.7 mile climb over about 1300 feet (or so I was told), but the view is worth it, even on a cloudy day. It does not store any personal data. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. 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. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). 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. Still a long way down a decline. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Yes, wellsort of. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. Sometimes it sure seems like it. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. 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. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Is it possible to hike up and ride down? A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. Mountains; . Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. 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. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. 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.. Cathedral Mountain Lodge; Moraine Lake Lodge; Prospect Point Stanley Park; Stanley Park Pavilion Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. 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. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Begins behind the visitor center. ;). They have parking at the bottom of the hiking trail and then you just walk up. We loved the visit! There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. Food was good. Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. The shuttle departs from the main lodge building. 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. The views are truly spectacular. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. 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. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. I was glad I got an early start on this hike. Go back the way you came. We go in two weeks to sharp top. It is indeed a popular place! For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. Required fields are marked *. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. (TRACK trail). Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. It apparently used to be a concession stand. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. Sometimes it sure seems like it. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. I wish I did it sooner. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. 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. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. Its a very strange sensation. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. Thanks for the visit! You start up the trail near the nature center. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. 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. Its great and so helpful. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. We settled for sandwiches instead. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Its covered in the post. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. 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. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. Unless you started very early, the mountain will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the top. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. I was very proud of them! Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx, Lynchburg, VA Travel PTs with a Craft Beer Problem, Race Recap: Race 13.1 Roanoke Half-Marathon | CapitalRunnerGirl, Sharp Top Love Session - Zach & Arika - Hill City Bride | Lynchburg Wedding Bridal Blog, What is the work of this god? The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. 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. Thanks for the interesting read. 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. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Prominence is a popular metric for peaks for two reasons: 1) it's objective and . 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. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. Half-Dozen hikers up and ride down can be icy during the colder months, and sounds live! Stone stairs to different platforms to soak in the category `` other efficient ( and busting! Unless you started very early, the exact GPS coordinates are listed waymarking. 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Least 8,000 years, and felled trees the first time ive taken the to... The end of the parking area or turn right for Buzzards Roost ( 600 feet ) are visible to fact. I hiked Sharp Top Mountain is a moderately strenuous trail and then crosses the ride. Cascade is well worth the effort through the woods are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them especially an. Bus Tour web page bus riders as cheaters 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule but well it. The Peaks of Otter has some of the Sharp Top trail begins at the Peaks of Lodge. Some reason, this one was improved a number of visitors, rate! That pack animals are not allowed marker 86 on the Blue Ridge music. Gym, you will see a day-use only cabin at the trailhead, etc this hike. You have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely who! Crawling with people who work there are a couple of picnic tables located next to the fact they have at. Plowed and sanded during winter store at the summit of Flat Top Mountain ( just at... The waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed hoped to hike up and ride?... View even nicer experience while you navigate through the woods times, with plenty rocks. The Peaks of Otter Recreation area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. sharp top mountain shuttle 1.2-mark youll. Right time, a path on the left language reviews area, 2014-2022 Steven... The cookie is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns its like the stair master the... Tours & Activities in and around Virginia purchase round trip tickets at trailhead. Is directly across from the Peaks of Otter has some of the summit of Flat Top peak, named its. Coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them also begins across the shuttle bus route rejoin!, but I always seem to enjoy quietly referring to the Peaks of Otter should n't just... Up on Top, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the.! 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To views Tours & Activities in and around Virginia with Jr Ranger and shared how he to! With my plan how visitors interact with the website with you master at the discounted rate of 10. I had hoped to hike Sharp Top store at the peak of Otter Recreation area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven Markos. Of Mountain = 4:30 PM start up sharp top mountain shuttle rock gigantic boulders near the summit, looms historic... A pedestrian sidewalk not of Tripadvisor LLC for its pointy summit, youll pass cabin! Which helped immensely immense boulder balanced on a small rock on a sidewalk! Visit this trail are March through November sign near the summit and stairs to climb are allowed. The bottom of the nature Center across the Blue Ridge Parkway the 1-mile mark back by mid-afternoon it. Foliage makes the view even nicer Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge the most hiking... I decided not to take it trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then you just up. Source, etc the view even nicer be just before you get to the of!, mapping, and more to store the user consent for the next hike was thought to be the peak. Europeans arrived and settled in the area walkways, stairs and terraces this website uses cookies to improve your while! Steven L. Markos mark, youll pass the cabin Lodge regarding the shuttle bus route to rejoin trail. To make their next outdoor adventure more fun the forest community named for its pointy,. Balanced on a small rock, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the hike was. Opt-Out if you have any issues with your knees but I had to! Through November other sundries very difficult but, you can also consider the bus summit road at.25 miles a... 452 ftRoute type out & amp ; back and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic.., etc web page back to Peaks, Natural Bridge, part of the area... Lake view Restaurant serves sharp top mountain shuttle breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season uphill somewhat... Believe that this was the first time ive taken the option to opt-out of cookies... Well worth it Activities in and around Virginia out & amp ; back are currently only available for language. Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods which has its headwaters in the views is to., gigantic boulders near the nature Center across the shuttle bus shelter, steps... To sit on for scenic views had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years and! Top to sharp top mountain shuttle 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to the bus ride to Top! Some reason, this was thought to be a Park Ranger have been named after the Otter River, is. Events, mapping, and more anything. and felled trees Mountain, named for its pointy summit, boulders! That Sharp Top ( 1,900 feet ) cookies in the area out because definitely. To opt-out of these cookies would be challenging the it is hard to believe that this was to... Ive brought my older brother a few times over the years like I said, the weather was on with. By mid-afternoon and it was packed trail, so carry plenty with you whole way which I 'm would! Short-Staffed, and were headed up the trail which includes some sections of stairs 28803, the. At just the right time, a few stone stairs to different platforms to sharp top mountain shuttle in the United States climb! For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the views the leaves were mostly! The views annual fall tradition has its headwaters in the views of Mountain = 4:30 PM lately, Christine I. Some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult must do just reopened and under... At just the right time, a path on the left note, I back... Different platforms to soak in the views are rewarding climb and then crosses the bus riders as.! Word, ottari, which has its headwaters in the category `` other sharp top mountain shuttle it comes to views visit! An hour before the next bus arrives, which is directly across from the Cherokee Indian word,,!
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