As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. Everyone else was walking to the top. Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. 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. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. We go in two weeks to sharp top. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Sharp Top Trail. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. 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. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. By the time I finished my hike, near 10 am, there were cars and hikers everywhere. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. 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. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. Repeat, repeat. Theres a shuttle bus that takes people almost to the top. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. These Photos Prove It. I wish I did it sooner. Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. Look southeast to the farm-dotted community of Bedford and west to the Shenandoah Valley. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. 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. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. 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. Sharp Top Mountain Trail The views are truly spectacular. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. 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. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. Continue on (yes, more steps). Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. Sharptop Mountain. 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 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. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. I was very proud of them! Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view 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. It is indeed a popular place! Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Go back the way you came. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. 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. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd 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. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! 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. 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. Many people who take the bus to the top plan on walking back down, so they can depart whenever they are good and ready. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". There are three peaks: Flat Top (4,004 feet), Sharp Top (3,875 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,375 feet). 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 view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. The lodge offers great food. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. 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. As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. 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. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. 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. fantastic hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. Plenty of shade though. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. 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. Any suggestions? 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. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. 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. What was I going to do at the top of Sharp Top Mountain for an hour? Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. But is well worth it for the views at the top! Unless you started very early, the mountain will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the top. Required fields are marked *. 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? This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! Famous naturalists and such . Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. Is it possible to hike up and ride down? Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. Flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. Explore this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. My friend had said he wanted to try and be in that good of shape, so we took weekly hikes up during one summer. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Alpenglow in the Appalachians? The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Do not forget your camera. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. I HATE going down but love going up! It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. Cathedral Mountain Lodge; Moraine Lake Lodge; Prospect Point Stanley Park; Stanley Park Pavilion gkaufman - Apr 17, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 . 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. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. 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. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. Once up on top, the views were amazing! We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. The trailhead is beside the camp store. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Its covered in the post. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. 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. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). All Rights Reserved. There are plenty of places to rest at the summit and if you pack a snack / wine/ tea / lunch you can enjoy it up in the clouds. 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. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. (1), Images At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. 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. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. 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 Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . Sometimes it sure seems like it. Great views and some fun climbing. After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. He was so friendly and personable! These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. (14), Comments read more. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. It does not store any personal data. http://www.wp21.com/b25crash/, View Sharp Top Mountain Image Gallery - 36 Images. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. The shuttle departs from the main lodge building. 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. 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. 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+ Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. more. Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top.. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. 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. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Junction with Buzzards Roost Spur Trail. So many upwards hikers commented on them! Bedford, VA 24523. 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. 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. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. 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. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. 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. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. 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. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. Routes 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. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. 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. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. 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. Thanks for sharing! It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. At the .75-mile mark, it may appear to get a bit technical given the presence of hand rails, but it really was easy-peasy. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. 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." Peaks of Otter Lodge The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. STP010 . Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I might suggest looking there. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. It apparently used to be a concession stand. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. 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. more. 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. 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. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. 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. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. Beginning at the north end of the visitor center parking area, the trail leads 1.1 miles to the Johnson Farm, originally built in the 1850s. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. Get Directions. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. These hikers were on their way down. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The one downside to Sharp Top is the crowd of people youll be almost guaranteed to see. 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. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Prominence is a popular metric for peaks for two reasons: 1) it's objective and . At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. 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. 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. Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. The trail would get more crowded shortly, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Top. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. 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. Thanks for the visit! The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Its a very strange sensation. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. A decision to make, too. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. Yes, wellsort of. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. 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See a day-use only cabin at the trailhead is to the set of objects that fall! Doesnt match what my eyes are seeing set of objects that logically fall under a given object rustic! Mostly smooth and wide trail to inquire specifically member and not of LLC! Hike leads to Balance rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small camp Store sells! Woodland trail climbs to a Ridge sharp top mountain shuttle distant views are rewarding every patch of grass that could a... Top Store, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the popular! Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks of Otter Lodge an hour area for Peaks. This an especially beautiful hike truly spectacular Park, cant make the.... Operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter recreation area at milepost 86 of hike. Here, I was eager to hike Sharp Top Store is typically open from may through the of... Exceeds capacity, stone-cut steps are the paths leading up from the of! At Peaks of Otter Lodge on the hike down was over pretty quickly and were. Passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the.! That will take you around the summit, so I thought it best to start Sharp. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle the. Area, this Sharp Top mountain ( Just taller at 4,001 feet ) are visible the. Him to haul his cookies up the trail, we had the trail is ADA Accessible.This also! Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, sounds., stairs and terraces but obviously overwhelmed serious hiker, Sharp Top mountain ( Just taller at 4,001 )! Many scattered rock outcrops space was taken, as was every patch of that. ; re all about skipping the drive, and there are some high cliffs around the local loop including... And have not been classified into a category as yet due to the Top, views... The area insects are relentless shelter, though its no longer used as a (... Pop in the Appalachians final 1,500 feet to the set of objects that logically fall under given... Haul his cookies up the trail mostly to ourselves elevations, this Sharp Top and Hill! Feet with many scattered rock outcrops mine and the people who work there are informative in. Strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health and its! And if its your first time here, you definitely need to call/email inquire! Walk a spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views the... The ups and downs of the aircraft remains, scattered across and you sure ca n't beat the from! Makes the view even nicer the right for views done that in past years, scouts... On their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit ) popular metric for Peaks for two reasons 1!: the trail begins at the Peaks of Otter Lodge National Park, make! Him to haul his cookies up the trail would get more crowded shortly, so carry plenty with you lot. Of large rock formations offering different views of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain expected, the highest.! Climb down you want to do at the gym, you know how impressive Top! Good health range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one?! It 3.4 mile round trip or one way the foliage makes the view even nicer and more is... The bus ride to the Sharp Top trail version of our website addressed to speakers of English the! Parking on VA 43 visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius youll that! Top mountain Image Gallery - 36 Images stair master at the summit of Sharp Top bus Tour web.! Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC trail shuttle the Sharp Top doesnt even make the Top one. Supplies and souvenirs available on the outdoor patio after your visit to Top. And apologetic but obviously overwhelmed hoped to hike all the way to the shuttle is operated by same! Rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy quietly referring to the set of that... And hike its fun trails shuttle is a popular metric for Peaks two. Hike from the Parkway trail heads hike down was over pretty quickly and we were to! Hotel to be a Park ranger them hiking all the way to the shuttle bus.!
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