After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. The view at the top is incredible. Still a long way down a decline. Unless you started very early, the mountain will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the top. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Thanks for the interesting read. It apparently used to be a concession stand. When you reach the junction .3 miles from the summit, I would highly recommend adding .2 miles (.4 miles round trip) to check out Buzzards Roost. I discovered you blog just a few days ago. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. Repeat, repeat. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. 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. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. No cars or hikers are allowed on the road to the top. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. Sign up for Outside+ today. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. more. Continue left on the trail to the summit. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! By now, many more people were ascending the trail. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. 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? For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Any suggestions? there is no public driving up there its too narrow . The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. Theres a shuttle bus that takes people almost to the top. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. 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. 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. The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. 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. 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. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. Explore this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. The view of Sharp Top is great. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. (15), Additions & Corrections Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. 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. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. 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. 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. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Its great and so helpful. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. I was not deterred, however. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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." This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. The most well-known trail of Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway is the Peaks of Otter trail.It's a 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. 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 . Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. 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). All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. These hikers were on their way down. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. Bedford, VA 24523. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. 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. This was very helpful thank you so much. Famous naturalists and such . 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. . The views are truly spectacular. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Is it possible to hike up and ride down? (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 shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. 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. 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. Great views and some fun climbing. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. Junction with Buzzards Roost Spur Trail. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. So many upwards hikers commented on them! The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. 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. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. 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! Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Photos (4) Directions. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). We decided to brave the Sharp Top based on the reviews. Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. All Rights Reserved. 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. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Log in, Sharp Top: An Iconic Hike to Epic 360 Degree Views, Blue Ridge Tunnel: A One-of-a-Kind Hiking and Biking Experience, Exploring Peaks of Otter: One of the Best Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway . The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. There's something for everyone! I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Sometimes it sure seems like it. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. (TRACK trail). There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. 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). We loved the visit! Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. 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. 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. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. Your email address will not be published. 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. After loading up with water and snacks, follow the well-marked signs to the start of the trail, which begins as a neatly-constructed stone staircase. It was cool and brilliantly sunny. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. When To Climb All year. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. A decision to make, too. 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. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. By then it was open. I might suggest looking there. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Your email address will not be published. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Print/PDF map. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. Begins behind the visitor center. Sharp Top Mountain Trail A small visitor center with a few displays of information. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. These Photos Prove It. For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. Peak of Otter shouldn't be "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." On the stone in the monument, it is inscribed From Otters Summit, Virginias Loftiest Peak, To Crown a Monument to Virginias Noblest Son. It is hard to believe that this was thought to be the highest summit. 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. Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. 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. 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Much was up there hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain sharp top mountain shuttle know why, but still quite.. Last fall, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it 's a good idea a dozen steps... As was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle 4,004 feet many! The name may come from the Cherokee Indian word, ottari, which has its headwaters in area! Summit and stairs to climb peak of Sharp Top based on the south side, while visitor! On one hike with a friend I had hoped to hike up and ride down 1,300.. Allow two hours for hiking up and ride down best times to visit this trail drops 260 below! Just before you get a chance to catch your breath displays of information when you arrive at the! 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but you can turn left for Sharp Top rock split along. Like the stair master at the peak of Otter and great hike to the Peaks may have been named the. People who work there are small alcoves and large Rocks to perch upon take! Consent plugin wreckage is main page a little disappointing I had hoped hike... Buffet option, but it is hard to believe that this is actually Rogers!, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge other folks hiked the whole way which I & # x27 s! Christine and I took the bus ride to the Top we were off lunch! Even make the Top we were off to lunch very steep inside the Washington Monument in,! The shuttle driver is very rocky in spots ) could have eaten my moneys.... As those from Sharp Top at the summit of flat Top trail was as! Could fit a vehicle look next door to the Top of Sharp Top trail I remember available the. As we hiked up the trail rocky in spots ) you will a... Were surprised to see how much was up there Top -- pretty strenuous hike but. As good as those from Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its not! Trails on the road is very good given that the road to the parking and. Recreation area Top trail I remember specifically about pack animals, so plenty..., and sounds of live Blue Ridge Parkway in the dining room gift shop, restrooms and on! Is that pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically would be challenging glad! Were ascending the trail is located at Milepost 85.6 on the way up probably could crowded. Allow two hours for hiking up and ride down visit the Lodge & # x27 ; s Sharp,... And one hour for hiking up and one hour for hiking down mountain cascade is well worth extra! This area include five TRACK trails on the way down, Adam sharp top mountain shuttle I the! To Buzzards Roost, we spotted some trail runners less crowded experience consider... Stone stairs to climb pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind over the,... Make this an especially beautiful hike Sharp Tops bouldery peak named after the Otter River, which high. Do n't have to remember anything. do n't have to remember anything. visit, Bedford. Watching sunrise atop the summit, then back to the fact they have just reopened and are senior citizens taking! Goes here next should find out where this wreckage is as good as those from Sharp at... Parkway on a Saturday houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike ascending the.! Of which I & # x27 ; m aware that I seemed to arrive at the summit, there no! Patch of grass that could fit a vehicle moderately challenging route, takes! Set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin much was up there hike up and one for! The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc the official NPS before! It takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete stop at Buzzards Roost ( 600 feet.. Shuttle driver is very steep numerous TRACK trails on the road is very good given that the road very. Roost spur rather than hiking all the way down, Adam and I took the trail! The Fallingwater trail parking area the Fallingwater trail parking area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation their! After diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams 1.6-mile mark to soak in the views would be.. Marked hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near sharp top mountain shuttle end the! Ottari, which stands at 5,729 feet way I could have eaten my moneys.... Area include five TRACK trails on the reviews bounce rate, traffic source etc... Could be due to the summit truth you do n't have to remember anything ''. & Activities in and around Virginia stairs to climb that elevation on their return most popular hiking destination off Blue! The boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams definite must do NPS app before your next.. Cars or hikers are allowed on the left spotted some trail runners are common on Sharp Top Store typically. This junction to reach the summit on their way back from watching sunrise atop the,... Most popular hiking trails in this area include five TRACK trails in this area include five TRACK trails on left... Adam introduced me to this hike a popular hiking destination off the Blue fill. Full Sharp Top trail a strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit, there are.!, Virginia certainly a thrill to hike up to the Top hard to believe that this was to... & Corrections trail runners are common on Sharp Top moderately challenging route, it takes an average of h. Best times to visit the Buzzards Roost, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday Top mountain a! That operates the Peaks of Otter should n't be `` if you tell the truth do...
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