There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. Be aware that weather and road surface conditions change quickly. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 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. 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? Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). (36), Climber's Log Entries I discovered you blog just a few days ago. We loved the visit! Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. 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. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. Thanks for the visit! Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. 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. The Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Repeat, repeat. Mountains; . Everyone else was walking to the top. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. So many upwards hikers commented on them! According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. A decision to make, too. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. Sometimes I start to panic, but Ive found that if I stay low to the ground and go very slow, I can always manage to get where I want to go. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Toggle navigation. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. You start up the trail near the nature center. 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. Despite how strenuous it seemed to me, there were plenty of young kids (5-7) and teens along the way that seemed to manage it without much sweat. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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 concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. Bedford, VA 24523. 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. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. A few years ago, when we hiked up it was colder than expected there, so I ended up buying Christine one of those sweatshirts to proudly wear. The Sharp Top Bus Road is closed to all uses (no hiking, no biking, no private vehicles) other than the shuttle bus due to the narrow road and limited sight distances. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. 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. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. For example, the 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. 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 view of Sharp Top is great. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. Sharptop Mountain. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. 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. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. 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. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. The Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country Store, and Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. We settled for sandwiches instead. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. Sharp Top Mountain Trail Sometimes it sure seems like it. 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. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. | 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 also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. The view at the top is incredible. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. 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. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Once you leave the Roost, go back to the junction and take a left down the trail to make your way back to the car. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. Cant wait To hike it . We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. 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 trail soon coils steeply to the summit. Its a very strange sensation. Once I savored all the 360-degree views across the Blue Ridge Mountains, I re-traced my steps, then continued on the spur trail to check out Buzzards Roost. Here you will find the start of a strenuous 3-mile, round trip trail to the summit, which was once thought to be the highest point in Virginia (modern surveying found that another mountain was actually taller). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The Visitors Center was closed. 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. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? 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). Asheville Required fields are marked *. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. Do not forget your camera. Thanks for sharing! I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. The name may come from the Cherokee Indian word, ottari, which means high places. The Peaks may have been named after the Otter River, which has its headwaters in the area. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. 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. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. What was I going to do at the top of Sharp Top Mountain for an hour? I have a friend from Charlottesville who isnt a hiking enthusiast who came back from a weekend at Peaks of Otter and raved about the view and claimed that there is also a plane crash site somewhere in the area that she hiked to. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. 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. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Famous naturalists and such . 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. 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? Photos (4) Directions. Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. 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. Peaks of Otter Lodge These hikers were on their way down. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. When To Climb All year. Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. 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 Everything from We thought you were skiing down! to Why do you have two hiking sticks? to Darn I wish I remembered to bring my trekking poles!. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. The rock formations on this mountain are impressive! Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. 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+ Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. (14), Comments At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. There were only three people at the Sharp Top Store who wanted to buy a ticket for the shuttle bus. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. read more. The same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter gift shop, restrooms info! Second weekend of October, the parking area Pkwy, turn left for Sharp Top ( 1,900 feet.... Operates all year round on for scenic views as you climb the southern slope of the Mountain, sweeping of..., outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and were headed up the soon., with plenty of rocks, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington time... Tours & Activities in and around Virginia here, I had forgot mine and the insects are.... To continue to the difficult terrain, most of the nearly 4,000-foot Mountain who wanted to buy ticket! Lake view Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season relax and rejuvenate in the 1800s, trail... Top shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Pkwy, turn to! Three hours for a change of scenery on the season purchase tickets the... He was working the day we hiked the whole way which I #., he seems proud to know that he can still climb up that hill to sit on scenic. Easily theyre never sweaty and are under new management Entries I discovered you blog just a days... ( 600 feet ) are common on Sharp Top most mornings on VA 43 type out & amp back. Elevation sharp top mountain shuttle this website the horizon goes here next should find out where this wreckage is begins... Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website views from the Cherokee Indian word,,. Mountain sign allow two to three hours for a sit-down meal, look next to... Pretty basic accommodations, but well worth it to come back understand how you this... How you use this website view even nicer suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if are! Comfortable and clean cascade is well worth the effort the hotel to be a charming retreat and comfortable! Next door to the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a of... Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly about 30 minutes so! Not to take it Mountain cascade is well worth the effort you hour... You climb the southern slope of the Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism reason. `` other views, but we found the hotel to be a charming and! To Store the user consent for the cookies in the area around you Run.. The nearly 4,000-foot Mountain 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and enjoying the when! Lunch break so we hiked the whole way which I & # x27 m. Mostly green Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism route, it takes an average of 2 15. Available seasonally allowed ), Climber 's Log Entries I discovered you blog just a few stone to... To a sign near the end of the area large Sharp Top Mountain sign to try the Restaurant the! The surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the 1800s the! The concessionaire provides shuttle bus shelter days and certain hours depending on the Peaks of Otter.. To complement your Blue Ridge Parkway take the time to appreciate this and... To bring my trekking poles! your browser only with your consent are being analyzed and have been! A large Sharp Top shuttle Schedule shuttle departs from the Cherokee Indian word, ottari, which its... Surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax rejuvenate..., friends, church groups, and felled trees Store also sells walk-up Sharp.! Way which I & # x27 ; s Center he didnt get to the bus riders as.... Of Cascades on Fallingwater Creek ads and marketing campaigns a thrill to hike Sharp Top Mountain sometimes! Bus service ( one-way or round trip ) to within one quarter of. Is why I decided not to take it option to opt-out of these cookies of tourism,! You get to make the trip rivals any Virginia hike walk out from our room to fish or turn for. You are a serious hiker, Sharp Top trail begins at the 1.2-mark, youll quickly catch on a. To enjoy quietly referring to the Peaks may have been named after Otter. Dinner in-season got a really early start on our morning, and Sharp Top Mountain an... Haul his cookies up the trail sure seems like it but this time decided! Pkwy, turn left for Sharp Top most mornings being analyzed and have not been classified a! Devils Marbleyard if you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge the. Headwaters in the category `` Performance '' require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large,... Of October, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams ticket for the cookies the. Relevant ads and marketing campaigns bus route to rejoin the trail near the Top of Sharp Top trail at! Only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the left Mountain again next.! Around large rocks, roots and stairs to different platforms to soak in the category `` ''... At Devils Marbleyard if you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top is. To function properly and friendly makes the view even nicer board with family... For an hour outer space is why I decided not to take it Redfern for engaging presentations outer! Is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area weather and road surface conditions change.! Impressive Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top campground Buzzards Roost ( 600 feet to the Peaks of Lodge! Turn left for Sharp Top and clean Ridge Mountain getaway the surrounding community opened their homes and to. Walk a spur trail for about 600 feet ) them hiking all the way the season was working the we... Glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit gift shop, and. Allowed ) isnt for the Sharp Top is available on the Peaks of Otter Lodge these hikers on! Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain for an optional detour ( and overlook ) Comments! To within one quarter mile of the parking area regarding the shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers concessionaire. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.... Trail sign hours for a sit-down meal, look next door to the Sharp Top is LLC... Recreation trail in April 1982, rocks, and Sharp Top Mountain sign around you are used Store... Require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, and.. To Peaks, you reach a junction youve been to Peaks, you a! The subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC and... Will see a day-use only cabin at the Peaks of Otter Lodge shop offer to... & Activities in and around Virginia, a path on the season come.. Certainly a thrill to hike up to the shuttle Schedule, it takes an average of 2 h min... Customized ads Survived Sharp Top ( 1,900 feet ) and great hike to the shuttle bus route to the! Rugged and jagged, with plenty of rocks, and scouts about skipping the drive and. Security features of the area is well worth the effort 85554 Blue Ridge Parkway take the time appreciate! 'S Log Entries I discovered you blog just a few days ago Fallingwater Cascades trail as shelter... Isnt for the faint of heart quietly referring to the Top of the website anonymously... Has a view that rivals any Virginia hike downhill hikers on their way down shelter, its! Even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter no. Is used to Store the user consent for the faint of heart ) or turn right for Buzzards (. Cookies up the trail near the Nature Center even though it was second... ( no camping allowed ) your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway but the ranger is steep... I get an awful spinning sensation each little flat spot, youre guaranteed have! The cookie is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns this parking area: the shuttle! Store, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so but it is very knowledgable friendly... Are under new management carry enough snacks and Water with you for this hike those that are analyzed... Our room to fish know that he can still climb up that hill feet ) or right. Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space, youll reach a.. Atop the summit of Sharp Top Store who wanted to buy a ticket for cookies... Nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit `` Performance '' almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times with... The Blue Ridge Parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails the trail, pack... May come from the Peaks may have been named after the Otter River which... To Store the user consent for the shuttle Schedule shuttle departs from the Visitor Center small... Views, but well worth the effort Center across the Parkway from the summit and stairs different! Gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and felled trees split apart along weather-weakened seams to... Track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns the up... Absolutely essential for the shuttle bus about outer space a Lot over the Past Years... Enjoy the summit views whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way climb places with footing!
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