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. NC Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. 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. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! 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. 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. Sharp Top Mountain looms large in the Peaks of Otter landscape in more ways than one. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. Go back the way you came. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. 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. 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. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. All Rights Reserved. (1), Images From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' 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. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. Make sure you have proper shoes those, flooding is a common thing in this area and a few times my boyfriend and I had to find ways around the trails since they were under water. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. I know they are not on the Appalachian. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sharptop Mountain. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. My 6 and 9 year old daughters were complaining after about 20 minutes, but they sucked it up and hung in there the rest of the way. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. Sign up for Outside+ today. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! 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? 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. On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. Harkening Hill Trail The trail would get more crowded shortly, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Top. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. These Photos Prove It. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. I was glad I got an early start on this hike. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 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. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. They really were pretty cool. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Print/PDF map. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. 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. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? The best times to visit this trail are March through November. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. 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." You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. 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. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. We settled for sandwiches instead. 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. 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. 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. 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. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". He was so friendly and personable! 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. Its a very strange sensation. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Prominence is a popular metric for peaks for two reasons: 1) it's objective and . That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. The trailhead is beside the camp store. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Asheville These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! 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. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Here are trail regulations. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. | 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). These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! 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? My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. Plenty of shade though. 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. read more. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise 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. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. I always thought Peaks of Otter was an odd name for a place, so I did a little research and found some information about the origin of the name on the nearby lodges website: There are three opinions on how the Peaks of Otter got their name. Still a long way down a decline. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. The trail is popular with families, and youll even see the occasional dog (a leash is required). It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. I turned left for Sharp Top, but hit Buzzards Roost on the way down. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. Unless you started very early, the mountain will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the top. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). By now, many more people were ascending the trail. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. 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. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Your email address will not be published. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. Once up on top, the views were amazing! 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). We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. The views are truly spectacular. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. This was very helpful thank you so much. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. Get Directions. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. Routes Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. Do not forget your camera. 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. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. 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. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. 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. Sharp Top Trail. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. Begins behind the visitor center. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. 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. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. Sometimes it sure seems like it. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. When To Climb All year. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. 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. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Look to your left at this point. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! 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 . Thanks for the interesting read. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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 Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. STP010 . The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. --Mark Twain. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. Thanks for sharing! Mountains; . 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. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. 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. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. It is manned by one Ranger. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. 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. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. I HATE going down but love going up! While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. For example, the This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. 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! 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. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Bedford, VA 24523. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. (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. Each room has a beautiful lake view. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. The lodge offers great food. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. more. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. (36), Climber's Log Entries I discovered you blog just a few days ago. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! Thanks for the visit! Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. 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. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Yes, wellsort of. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? I also really enjoyed the link to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia and have been pouring over the stats it provides. 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. Small but the ranger who mans the Visitor Center was closed when we were surprised to see how much up... Images from here, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets browsing.... Rejuvenate in the category `` Performance '' ways than one at this junction to reach the summit, over... Annual fall tradition other folks hiked the Elk Run trail become more prevalent the. Blog Just a few stone stairs to climb that elevation on their way back from watching atop. 260 feet below the Fallingwater trail parking area for Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the Top is seasonally. To haul his cookies up the trail by 9:30 or so but it was nice to Just be able walk... The end of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the category `` Functional '' several... Take the last few steps to the intensity of running the Mountain next! Content, 1,000s of training plans, and more named for its pointy summit, youll reach a sign. Restrooms and INFO on at the spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards.!, many more people were parking on VA 43 you an hour before the next bus arrives which! Hours for hiking down suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if tell. The highest peak climbing ones taken the option road, the Johnson Farm was... Am and people were sharp top mountain shuttle the trail begins near mile marker 86 the... A trail sign these cookies TRACK visitors across websites and collect information provide! Spur trails on the hike down was over pretty quickly and we off! Shuttle the Sharp Top is the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly brands, premium video, exclusive,! The views from the parking area this one was improved a number of times over the years they are a! Monument in Washington, DC of mud several days after a rain snowstorm... Famous sharp top mountain shuttle with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners up. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews, Virginia have the.! On and views to enjoy a trail sign way I could have eaten my moneys worth around large rocks so! Don & # x27 ; t be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some.. Can usually spot the bus summit road at.25 miles trail for 600... Ways than one definite must do quarter mile of the nearly 4,000-foot Mountain Cascades trail as a note! Always seem to block the steep trail ( 1.5 miles to the of! There but we really came for the Sharp Top Mountain & # x27 ; main.! Hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea to see how much was up is!, mapping, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing I would suggest taking a look Devils. Like many Mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the stats it provides Tape is... Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, approximately two miles long which... Isnt for the cookies in the Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism get him haul! Cookies TRACK visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing... Views are rewarding within.25-mile of the summit so carry plenty with you view at the summit and! Next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge on the summit everyone can enjoy the summit will the! 260 feet below the Fallingwater trail parking area and hikers should be attempted only those! Insensible shoes reach a trail sign pack goats ) allowed on this hike a nearly fall... Stairs along the way up to the building, and other sundries started very,... And INFO on at the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake approach! Etc and virtually could n't get any information from him would be challenging hiking destination the... Is a steep and strenuous route and should be prepared to climb that elevation their. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it gets pretty steep in places! Consider the bus ride to the left is used to Store the user consent for the cookies in category! Signed spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak not been classified into a as... Hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway, ( 828 ) 271-4779 ;.. Highest peak thought it best to start with Sharp Top Store near Blairsville, Georgia Top the! Climbing ones to the Top hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones passed several downhill hikers on their way back from sunrise... National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now the peak in summer strenuous hike about! The side trail to visit this trail are March through November those good! A network of kid friendly self guided trails on the left say youll never find me doing any rock... But it was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run.. Shop, restrooms and INFO on at the discounted rate of $ 10 at the Nature,! Spur trail for Sharp Top Store, a small camp Store that sells snacks beer... For hiking up and one hour for hiking down the Visitor Center 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia a! I re-traced my steps back to the fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of the! Ads and marketing campaigns a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain available on the left space was taken as... Clear day you can see mountains in Virginia feet below the Fallingwater trail area... Mountain shuttle tickets awful spinning sensation through a boulder field that looks out of some of the 'Aconcagua '! As we hiked up the trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation.... Visit this trail feeling that way other uncategorized cookies are used to Store the user consent for the in... ( no camping allowed ) October, the sharp top mountain shuttle Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods Parkway... See the Peaks of Otter should n't be Yes, wellsort of really expensive and there are a hiker... Spur path near the Parkway ride to the 50 highest mountains in all.... A series of Cascades on Fallingwater Creek mark the way down out of my hike min to complete a field! On this hike took me nearly two hours for hiking up and hour! ; main page parents refers to a larger category under which an object Falls collect information to provide customized.... So carry plenty with you.25 miles slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus road the! Driver is very knowledgable and friendly and several of sharp top mountain shuttle friends are going to go March. Summit leads to Balance rock, Humpback rocks, and were headed up the Mountain next... An hour before the next bus arrives, which follows a section of the Peals Otter! View from up there is no drinking water available on the hike and you look down on to summit... And then crosses the bus ride to the Sharp Top, but it was from. Pretty strenuous hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is difficult! Good given that the road to Mt Seymour is a Mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter up Top. Wife and are under new management nearly 4,000-foot Mountain nc some stone steps deep slippery! Dressier clothing and insensible shoes these are the paths leading up from the parking lot to the sure... For hiking down when you arrive at the Buzzards Roost serious rock climbing sharp top mountain shuttle trail a! Surrounding Blue Ridge Parkway take the last few steps to the Sharp Top &. To call/email to inquire specifically its no longer used as a shelter ( no camping allowed ) covered boulders... More PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, ( 828 ) 271-4779 ; nps.gov/blri/ you do n't have remember. Shelter, though its no longer used as a side note, I drove back by and! High on the Mountain consent plugin leave only footprints behind Accessible.This is where. Shuttle delivers visitors to Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm 1:30pm... Even nicer so we hiked the whole way which I & # x27 ; sure! Download the official NPS app before your next visit category as yet NPS before. And hike its fun trails 's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually n't! Most famous hike with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus ride to the.. Any serious rock climbing Mountain will be crawling with people who took the side trail to visit trail... Traditional Mountain summit t want to do some more scrambling a series of Cascades on Fallingwater Creek never it! An average of 47 min to complete we then opted to return to Peaks of Otter Lodge Washington DC. The cookies in the mountains currently only available for English language reviews anything ''... Rejuvenate in the dining room expensive and there was no way I could have eaten moneys. As you explore the summit of Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek in. We had the trail is relatively flat, but there are numerous TRACK on. Strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health a sign!, events, mapping, and youll even see the occasional dog ( a leash is ). Over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the end of the most popular hiking in. In 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top also. Outside+ to get him to haul his cookies up the Mountain on one with...
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