The As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. He was so friendly and personable! If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. We loved the visit! On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. 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 According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. 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. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. Here are trail regulations. The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. 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. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. 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! 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. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. We settled for sandwiches instead. Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. Photos (4) Directions. fantastic hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. 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. 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 . 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. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. I was very proud of them! For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. 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. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. 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. --Mark Twain. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! 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. The summit offers an impressive 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area, the Piedmont to the east, and the Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny mountains to the west. Go back the way you came. Any suggestions? After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. Rode the shuttle back down. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The views are truly spectacular. 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. The Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country Store, and Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. Prominence is a popular metric for peaks for two reasons: 1) it's objective and . We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. This is an extremely popular hike for families and larger groups, but it definitely has some steep sections. 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). Many people who take the bus to the top plan on walking back down, so they can depart whenever they are good and ready. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. 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. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. It was cool and brilliantly sunny. We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. 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? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. Its a very strange sensation. I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. 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. read more. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Print/PDF map. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! Your email address will not be published. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. 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. 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. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . This no-nonsense trail has little use for switchbacks (there are only a few) as it shoots toward the summit. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. 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. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. 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. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. These Photos Prove It. It apparently used to be a concession stand. Everyone else was walking to the top. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. 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. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. 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 along the bus road is prohibited. STP010 . The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. 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. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. (14), Comments 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. 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. Sometimes it sure seems like it. 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. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. 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+ read more. 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. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. 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. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. 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.. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. 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. 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. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. The trail is popular with families, and youll even see the occasional dog (a leash is required). I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. Explore this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Thanks for the interesting read. 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. more. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. 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? It does not store any personal data. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. 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. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. (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. 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. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. Get Directions. When To Climb All year. Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. (TRACK trail). Fallingwater Cascades Trail the other segment of the National Recreation Trail, is a loop trail which takes hikers along cascades on Fallingwater Creek with its huge rock outcrops clothed in rhododendron and large hemlocks. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. 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. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. We decided to brave the Sharp Top based on the reviews. A small visitor center with a few displays of information. Once up on top, the views were amazing! Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). 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. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. 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). Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! I HATE going down but love going up! 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. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. Great views and some fun climbing. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. more. Famous naturalists and such . More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). 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 . Routes There are three peaks: Flat Top (4,004 feet), Sharp Top (3,875 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,375 feet). I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. 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. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top.. This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. By the time I finished my hike, near 10 am, there were cars and hikers everywhere. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. If youre short on time or just looking for a nice and easy way to reach the local trailheads, the Sharp Top Shuttle is just the ticket. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . 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 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. The 360-degree views contribute to its popularity, but it helps that there are two ways to the top, a full out-and-back hike and a shuttle paired with a .25-mile hike. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. 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. For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. These hikers were on their way down. Yes, wellsort of. The views are truly spectacular. But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. A decision to make, too. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. Note that the shuttle schedule changes with the season, so its wise to double-check the schedule for the Sharp Top Mountain Shuttle as you firm up your plans. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. By then it was open. NC Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). The trail would get more crowded shortly, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Top. I might suggest looking there. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Theres a shuttle bus that takes people almost to the top. . Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". (1), Images Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging.
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sharp top mountain shuttle