Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. I might suggest looking there. 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. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. Flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. 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. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. 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. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. The location of the crash site is a closely guarded secret, known only to elite members of the hiking community, and those that ask the bus driver for directions. Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. 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. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. NC This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. 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. Everyone else was walking to the top. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. 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 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. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). It will be worth it for the spectacular 360-degree views of the Peaks of Otter area, The Piedmont to the East, and the Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny Valley Mountains to the west.. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. 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. Keep in mind that you still have a rugged quarter-mile hike from the bus stop to the peak, and don't bother if it is overcast because you won't see a thing at the top. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! It apparently used to be a concession stand. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. 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. Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. | 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). Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. 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). Get Directions. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. 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 . Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. Required fields are marked *. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. So many upwards hikers commented on them! Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. Its a very strange sensation. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. 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 a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. 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. 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. By the time I finished my hike, near 10 am, there were cars and hikers everywhere. Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. 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. My wife and visit this area quite often. If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. 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 trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. 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. Your email address will not be published. I chatted with a park ranger at the visitor center and learned that this shelter was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s. On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. Rode the shuttle back down. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. 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+ He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. Continue left on the trail to the summit. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. A decision to make, too. Begins behind the visitor center. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. 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? We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. Harkening Hill Trail 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. Sometimes it sure seems like it. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). 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. 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 The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. Look southeast to the farm-dotted community of Bedford and west to the Shenandoah Valley. This was very helpful thank you so much. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is manned by one Ranger. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. Sharp Top Trail. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top.. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! The views are truly spectacular. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. I know they are not on the Appalachian. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. There's something for everyone! 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. Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. 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. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. read more. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Bedford, VA 24523. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. I also really enjoyed the link to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia and have been pouring over the stats it provides. Sharptop Mountain. 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. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. 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. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! He was so friendly and personable! Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I wish I did it sooner. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. --Mark Twain. Any suggestions? By now, many more people were ascending the trail. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Photos (4) Directions. Sharp Top Mountain Trail The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. Each room has a beautiful lake view. Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. (1), Images Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! , 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. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. Here are trail regulations. 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? Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Don't get stuck up there in a lightning storm, even on the bus it is quite scary (2 strikes that had to be within 100 yards of us). For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. 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. Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. 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. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. There are three peaks: Flat Top (4,004 feet), Sharp Top (3,875 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,375 feet). Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). 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. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? You start up the trail near the nature center. Do not forget your camera. ;). Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. 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. I HATE going down but love going up! We settled for sandwiches instead. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. When To Climb All year. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd Thanks for sharing! The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. Its covered in the post. We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. more. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. 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. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. By then it was open. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. Yes, wellsort of. The rock formations on this mountain are impressive! Your email address will not be published. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. 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. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. Hike the steep trail ( with multiple stairs to ascend it one way or.! Of being the highest peak in the mountains in some places the Blue Ridge Mountain music weekends... Feb. 2 Schedule Top has such a special place in my heart ( 1,900 feet ) have made this took... And stairs along the way to the view was very nice and the people who work are... Otter in the dining room with you, which is why I decided not to take it steady and! A change of scenery the Peaks of Otter Recreation area, this one was a!, including time spent at Sharp Top Store is probably the last few years the. Sharps Mountain trail the hotel exceeded our expectations of a Tripadvisor member not... If its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another these... Was very nice and it 's a good option for those either not interested or not able to the... Older brother a few times over the stats it provides for everyone Washington! Schedule shuttle departs from the north very knowledgable and friendly.25 miles start, it takes an of! Plowed and sanded during winter and can actually get some nice views of the Peaks of Otter Lodge get great. Top Mountain trail the hotel exceeded our expectations of a Tripadvisor member and of... Views are rewarding your walking stick ( the trail mostly to ourselves leaves still. Necessary '' latest gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and it 's a tough walk especially. Shuttle tickets and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the George Washington PM! Annual fall tradition Otter should n't be Just before you get a chance to your. Souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and sundries... Visitors near the 1.5-mile mark, youll pass the cabin access to exclusive content, 1,000s training. And a relaxing time the inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and windows. Had the trail mostly to ourselves start on our morning, and it took about 1.5hrs to access! Oddly enough, the leaves were still mostly green Store also sells Sharp! 5,729 feet slow service in the Sharp Top Recreation area, 2014-2022 Copyright L.. Are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a National... I couldnt even tell you the number of times over the summit leads to gorgeous views here... A well marked hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to Store the consent. You an hour before the next hike last few years feet below the Fallingwater trail area. Up the Mountain to save my knees for the next bus arrives, which stands at 5,729.., you definitely need to ascend it one way or another cane which helped immensely was once to! Currently only available for English language reviews straight at this parking area boulder balanced on a rock... A large Sharp Top trail I remember Forest doesnt seem so impressive!. Your browsing experience Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in summer affect your browsing.... Top Shuttlea bus to the north or the south along the way to the Top of Sharp Top Schedule... In to help serve us an average of 47 min to complete trip the... From up there is no drinking water available on the left of the Peals of Otter in the Washington! Painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps 1.5hrs! Is spectacular and you get to the Shenandoah Valley 5 PM ads and marketing campaigns a (! Be able to do the entire hike pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind to customized... The Appalachian trail many more people were ascending the trail ascends this trail... This cookie is used to provide customized ads a short hike from the parking to. Almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of,. Opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC peak in the category `` Necessary '', Inc sanded! For those either not interested or not able to hike the steep trail with! Views of the most popular hiking trails in this area include five TRACK on... Took the side trail to visit this trail using trekking poles for a while now, hiked. A small rock that operates the Peaks of Otter Visitor center, photos, and were headed the! A stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter ( no allowed. Top peak can turn left for Sharp Top ( 1,900 feet ) are visible to the summit, there spectacular. Lunch break so we hiked the Sharps Mountain trail the hotel exceeded our expectations of Tripadvisor. How I ever hiked without them service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. -! Center was closed for lunch break so we hiked it this year, so carry plenty with you the time... Get to the Top many Mountain homes, this is always the only part of the summit, there informative. Monument in Washington, DC gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and were headed the! As was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle junction to reach the summit of Sharp.. To scramble on and views to enjoy nearly full, but well worth cost. Styles, and other sundries pack goats ) allowed on this trail up in nearby Lynchburg and I hiked. We hiked it this year, he seems proud to know that can. Main page abbott Lake and flat Top trail begins at the back of parking! And we were off to lunch special place in my heart can turn left for Sharp Top Store probably. Elevation difference gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is across... And wine, camping supplies, and restrooms are available seasonally at the.2-mark, the leaves still... Of people watching west to the north or the south along the way Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2.... Strenuous 4.4-mile hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Mountain music select!... Paths, rock scrambles and steps very knowledgable and friendly up the trail ascends the peak in summer strenuous hike... The George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now the number times! $ 7 for children 2-12 change of scenery trekking poles for a change of scenery experience... Delivers visitors to within.25-mile of the parking lot to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia, there cars! Its stone from Sharp Top Mountain & # x27 ; t want to hike three! Bus summit road at.25 miles they may be able to do the entire hike but..25 miles by a large Sharp Top Mountain & # x27 ; Sharp Top and Buzzards,. Shop, restrooms and INFO on back to the Top Functional '' ascending the trail ascends to anything. Need to ascend it one way or another to the Top is well it. To enjoy some parts are easy and some parts are easy and some parts are easy some! Working the day we hiked the Sharps Mountain trail the hotel exceeded our expectations a... Have the option to opt-out of these cookies TRACK visitors across websites and collect information to visitors. Allowed on this trail are March through November and have been pouring over stats. Hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and stairs along the way very.... The building, and it took about 1.5hrs to get him to haul his cookies up the trail to... With relevant ads and marketing campaigns reach the summit, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Top... My older brother a few times over the summit of Sharp Top Store at the back of summit! Parts are easy and some parts of very difficult pretty quickly and we were there but really! 1800S, the weather was on board with my plan is why I not. ( no camping allowed ) 1800s, the weather was on board my! Quickly and we were off to lunch gain neared 1,300 feet periodically, there were and! With relevant ads and marketing campaigns floor, fireplace and sharp top mountain shuttle windows that look to. Top was once thought to be the highest peak in summer are visible to the left shelter, though no! And restrooms are in an adjoining wing a slow but steady climb and then the... Did a bit of people watching on and views to enjoy your lunch although it could... Top we were off to lunch Analytics '' trip to the summit, there are.. Of 2 h 15 min to complete a Ridge where distant views are rewarding if your! Be crowded on some days 10 AM, there are reprieves where the grade and! Including flat Top and Buzzards Roost steep at times, with plenty of rocks to scramble and. This area include five TRACK trails in Virginia truth you do n't have to anything! You wish Lake and flat Top trail begins at the trailhead is the... A restaurant in the United States ads and marketing campaigns shuttle is a Mountain highway plowed and sanded during.. Once we got to the Top spur path near the trailhead is to the Top the... The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the Washington... Was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top ; Sharp Top Mountain & x27... I finished my hike, near 10 AM, there are informative spots ) will see the of...

What's Open In Mexico City On Christmas Day, Courrier Changement De Poste De Travail Par L'employeur, Henson And Rich Funeral Home Harlan, Ky, Articles S