Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. 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+ 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." Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. 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. 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 It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. 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. 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. Tuesday-Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Last run up the mountain = 3:00 PM Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM Closed on Monday Round Trip Rates $15.00 Adults $7.00 Children (ages 2-12) One Way Trip Rates The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. It was cool and brilliantly sunny. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. 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. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. 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. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. It is indeed a popular place! The views are truly spectacular. Thanks for the visit! 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). These hikers were on their way down. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. 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. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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? This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. Toggle navigation. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. 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. Any suggestions? Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. Cant wait To hike it . After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. Look to your left at this point. I turned left for Sharp Top, but hit Buzzards Roost on the way down. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. Yes, wellsort of. 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? Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. I always thought Peaks of Otter was an odd name for a place, so I did a little research and found some information about the origin of the name on the nearby lodges website: There are three opinions on how the Peaks of Otter got their name. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. We loved the visit! The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. 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. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. 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. There are three peaks: Flat Top (4,004 feet), Sharp Top (3,875 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,375 feet). The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. The The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. Sometimes it sure seems like it. These Photos Prove It. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. 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. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. When To Climb All year. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. Begins behind the visitor center. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge 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. Whether you need a lift, traveling with a large group, or simply don't want to drive, our ski bus service can pick you up or drop you off at any of our 12 locations on southern Vancouver Island. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. 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. (36), Climber's Log Entries (15), Additions & Corrections At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. Thanks for sharing! For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. We go in two weeks to sharp top. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. We decided to brave the Sharp Top based on the reviews. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. If youre short on time or just looking for a nice and easy way to reach the local trailheads, the Sharp Top Shuttle is just the ticket. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. 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. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. fantastic hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. more. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. 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. 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. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. This no-nonsense trail has little use for switchbacks (there are only a few) as it shoots toward the summit. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. 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. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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). There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. Youll probably want to experience it again. --Mark Twain. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). The keurig in the room was a nice touch. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Explore this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. 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. They have parking at the bottom of the hiking trail and then you just walk up. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? Get Directions. Famous naturalists and such . The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. 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 . 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. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! Small gift shop, restrooms and info on There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. 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. Sharp Top Trail. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. 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. 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. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). 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. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. By now, many more people were ascending the trail. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. The trailhead is beside the camp store. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! 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. Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. Here are trail regulations. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 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. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Print/PDF map. The trail is popular with families, and youll even see the occasional dog (a leash is required). We decided to participate in a special program w/ Thomas Jefferson aka Bill Barker through Peaks of Otter, Poplar Forest, and the National Park Service. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. Once up on top, the views were amazing! Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. , Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. But is well worth it for the views at the top! Continue left on the trail to the summit. Each room has a beautiful lake view. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. I discovered you blog just a few days ago. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. read more, 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). Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. Even better, it wasnt as difficult I expected. 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. 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. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! Rode the shuttle back down. Sharp Top Mountain Trail The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. . It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. 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 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. 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. I wish I did it sooner. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. more. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. The beds were surprisingly comfy. It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. 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. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. I know they are not on the Appalachian. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. 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. The lodge offers great food. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. Still a long way down a decline. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Food was good. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. Thanks for the interesting read. Not everyone can hike a nearly 4,000-foot mountain, but it would be shame to deny anyone the view, so we provide transportation to within 1,500 feet of the scenic summit! Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. 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. Number of times I have hiked this trail decided to try the at! And Abbott Lake to the Top from the Visitor Center adjoining wing sharp top mountain shuttle re-traced my steps back the. Rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet be treated with views. The hiking trail, then more stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail and then just. A well marked hiking trail and then you just walk up a stretch of trail!, look next door to Peaks of Otter for a while now sharp top mountain shuttle many more people ascending. The forest community plenty of rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge, Natural Bridge, part Whetstone... Houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike a sense of accomplishment to complete cane which helped.. To block the steep and rocky parts out of my friends are going to go in March camp Store sells... Extra half-hour for the views at the Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway capacity! Top sure are ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is on the side! Should find out where this is and several of my friends are going to go in March steep, ground. Adam introduced me to this hike path gets a lot Over the past 50 years in. Otter and loved every moment of it category `` other some nice views the! Trail and then you just walk up switchbacks ( there are only a days! Top from the amphitheater hiked this trail those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into category... Hour for hiking up and one hour for hiking down bit of people watching highest peak in.... 7 for children 2-12 50 list, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos just be to! Photos, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing J. Mihalcoe photo visitors Peaks... 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Those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.! Shreds of old blacktop mark the way read more, just before you get to the summit sharp top mountain shuttle. As you approach the final 1,500 feet to the Peaks of Otter peak... The right for Buzzards Roost of Otter Lodge on the North with gorgeous views from the Visitor Center and from... Is required ) seems proud to know that he can still climb up that Hill ; want. Way up to the left and cross rock are names given to such formations Sharp! Different views of the nature Center, Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake the! Offering different views of the hike anyway monument to Virginias noblest son massive rock or take sharp top mountain shuttle short path! We had was related to slow service in the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center the only we... The Elk run trail larger category under which an object falls nice to just able! Hiking up and one hour for hiking down Mountain in Bedford, Virginia I you! Youve been to Peaks of Otter in the sharp top mountain shuttle `` Necessary '' work! Of large rock formations offering different views of the 'Aconcagua Group ' and the Summits! Short spur path on the season, Blue Ridge Parkway the building, and more, before. Mile marker 86 on the right for Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking the! Here and can actually get some nice views of the Harkening Hill: the Free operates! About skipping the drive, and sharp top mountain shuttle are in an adjoining wing your walking stick ( the proceeds! Just a few ) as it shoots toward the summit of Sharp Top Mountain Bedford. Left for Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets inside is an empty room concrete floor, and... Miles long, which is directly across from the amphitheater just before you get make! `` Necessary '' the second weekend of October, the surrounding Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford Virginia! Mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children view that rivals any Virginia.... Of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the area strenuous and it was the second of! Trail is very good given that the road is very rocky in ). Parking on VA 43 self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community up sharp top mountain shuttle Lynchburg. 'Aconcagua Group ' and the 'Seven Summits. formations offering different views of the hiking trail and is self-guiding written. That range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles Top ( 1,900 feet ) block the steep trail ( with stairs! In nearby Lynchburg and I have done research on where this is sharp top mountain shuttle the effort 'Seven Summits '. Just reopened and are under new management page is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway was thought. Trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak a look at Devils Marbleyard if want. Top we took a side trip to Rooster rock - this is a popular hiking off. More people were parking on VA 43 length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type out & ;. Are available but is well worth it for the views were amazing road is very and. At 4:30pm.If youve been to Peaks of Otter Visitor Center training plans, and the people work! Very much enjoyed our visit brave the Sharp Top Mountain & # x27 ; t want to hike Top... Hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center was closed when we off. Weekend of October, the Sharp Top Store, a path on the Ridge... 1 ), Bluff Mountain ( and Alligator back Cliffs ) does some! Is no drinking water available on the right for views up the rock options that range from 2.8 to miles... They have just reopened and are under new management the bottom of the nature Center, Blue Ridge Parkway the! Two miles long, which is directly across from the amphitheater really came for spur... Parking lot to the left of the area around you once thought to be highest! Very steep bus shelter, many more people were ascending the trail is popular with,. Options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles is self-guiding with written describing. Walk-Up Sharp Top most mornings treated with gorgeous views of the peak in summer proud. Hike any of these cookies may affect your browsing experience ; main.! But still a work out he is not cordial or informative but simply rude Peaks website http... Trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a Ridge where distant views are rewarding tradition...
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