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." 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. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Continue left on the trail to the summit. I was not deterred, however. 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. There were only three people at the Sharp Top Store who wanted to buy a ticket for the shuttle bus. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. STP010 . As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. All Rights Reserved. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. Its covered in the post. Kids who hike any of these trails can register their hike at kidsinparks.com to win prizes to make their next outdoor adventure more fun. The view at the top is incredible. The Visitors Center was closed. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. Thanks for the interesting read. Toggle navigation. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. The shuttle departs from the main lodge building. (15), Additions & Corrections We go in two weeks to sharp top. Sharp Top Trail. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. (36), Climber's Log Entries Yes, wellsort of. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Print/PDF map. By now, many more people were ascending the trail. 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? Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. 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. 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. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! 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. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Cant wait To hike it . 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. Get Directions. Eager for steps on area hiking trails? Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is manned by one Ranger. 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. This is an extremely popular hike for families and larger groups, but it definitely has some steep sections. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Thanks for sharing! Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. My friend had said he wanted to try and be in that good of shape, so we took weekly hikes up during one summer. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. 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. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. However, most people should be able to accomplish this hike since it is only a three-mile round trip (the side trip to Buzzards Roost adds .4 miles). Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. Each room has a beautiful lake view. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. Sometimes it sure seems like it. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. The rock formations on this mountain are impressive! 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. 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. Sharptop Mountain. So many upwards hikers commented on them! 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. To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. Bedford, VA 24523. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. As you pass through a boulder field, look ahead for a rocky outcropping known as Buzzards Roost (whose overlook is reached by a short spur trail 1.3 miles from the trailhead). So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. Is it possible to hike up and ride down? 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. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp 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. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Cathedral Mountain Lodge; Moraine Lake Lodge; Prospect Point Stanley Park; Stanley Park Pavilion It is indeed a popular place! Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. The crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the crash. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. 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. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. 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.. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. Peak of Otter shouldn't be For example, the Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. 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. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. Begins behind the visitor center. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. 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. Be sure to enjoy the plants and animals that live along this trail and dont be surprised to run into many of them on your trip. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. Once up on top, the views were amazing! Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. It does not store any personal data. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! 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). Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. . 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. (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 Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 7 Best Hikes Backpackers Editors Did in 2022, The Best San Diego Hikes for Your Next Coastal Adventure. Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. (1), Images We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. The view of Sharp Top is great. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. 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. Junction with Buzzards Roost Spur Trail. Look to your left at this point. 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. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. 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. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. 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. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. (14), Comments read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. 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. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. I also really enjoyed the link to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia and have been pouring over the stats it provides. I was glad I got an early start on this hike. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). 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. 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. But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! 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Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews ( no allowed!