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. Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. | 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). We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. more. ;). 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. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. 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. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. It does not store any personal data. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. , Across the road from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is Virginia 43, a turn off from the Blue Ridge Parkway that leads to the Sharp Top Store, the Peaks of Otter Campground, and the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? 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. 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). I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. Your email address will not be published. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. 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. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. (15), Additions & Corrections 199 Hemphill Knob Rd These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. We settled for sandwiches instead. By now, many more people were ascending the trail. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Is it possible to hike up and ride down? Your email address will not be published. For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. 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. 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. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. I was very proud of them! The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. I discovered you blog just a few days ago. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. The view at the top is incredible. Still a long way down a decline. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? This was very helpful thank you so much. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. 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. But is well worth it for the views at the top! Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of 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. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Everyone else was walking to the top. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. Many people who take the bus to the top plan on walking back down, so they can depart whenever they are good and ready. Sharp Top Trail A strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top that rewards hikers with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. --Mark Twain. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. I wish I did it sooner. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Sharp Top Trail. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. Print/PDF map. Explore this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. 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 hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. 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 . A decision to make, too. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. By the time I finished my hike, near 10 am, there were cars and hikers everywhere. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. The Visitors Center was closed. Here are trail regulations. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. 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 For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. There's something for everyone! Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. The shuttle departs from the main lodge building. 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. Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. Look to your left at this point. I was not deterred, however. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Schedules can change, so for the latest information be sure to check the National Park Services Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the Blue Ridge Parkway. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. 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. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the 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. STP010 . Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Youll probably want to experience it again. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 7 Best Hikes Backpackers Editors Did in 2022, The Best San Diego Hikes for Your Next Coastal Adventure. NC Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. We loved the visit! There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. Get Directions. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. 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. 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. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. 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. We go in two weeks to sharp top. Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. read more. 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 soon coils steeply to the summit. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? These hikers were on their way down. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. The crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the crash. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. 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. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. Be aware that weather and road surface conditions change quickly. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. 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. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. The beds were surprisingly comfy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is indeed a popular place! You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Begins behind the visitor center. The view of Sharp Top is great. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge 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. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). 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. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. It was cool and brilliantly sunny. I chatted with a park ranger at the visitor center and learned that this shelter was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. 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. Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. Asheville Routes As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. All vehicles accessing Mt Seymour between Oct 1 - Mar 31 must be equipped with winter tires in good condition, showing either the peaked mountain/snowflake symbol or M+S. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. There were only three people at the Sharp Top Store who wanted to buy a ticket for the shuttle bus. For example, the Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. Peaks of Otter Lodge A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. Sometimes it sure seems like it. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. 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). read more. gkaufman - Apr 17, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 . We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. It is manned by one Ranger. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. I HATE going down but love going up! This no-nonsense trail has little use for switchbacks (there are only a few) as it shoots toward the summit. Plenty of shade though. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Its a very strange sensation. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Continue left on the trail to the summit. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. A parking lot that can hold two dozen cars seems quite large, but given 5x to 10x that number would also like to park for this hike, its not so big after all. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. Its great and so helpful. The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. 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. 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. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. 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. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. Cant wait To hike it . Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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). I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. 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. Continue on (yes, more steps). 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. 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. 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