read more. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! I was glad I got an early start on this hike. Log in, Sharp Top: An Iconic Hike to Epic 360 Degree Views, Blue Ridge Tunnel: A One-of-a-Kind Hiking and Biking Experience, Exploring Peaks of Otter: One of the Best Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway . The lodge offers great food. --Mark Twain. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. 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). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. We settled for sandwiches instead. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. | 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). Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. This is an extremely popular hike for families and larger groups, but it definitely has some steep sections. It apparently used to be a concession stand. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. I HATE going down but love going up! At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. We decided to participate in a special program w/ Thomas Jefferson aka Bill Barker through Peaks of Otter, Poplar Forest, and the National Park Service. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. more. The name may come from the Cherokee Indian word, ottari, which means high places. The Peaks may have been named after the Otter River, which has its headwaters in the area. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! 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. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Unless you started very early, the mountain will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the top. To get to the store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. 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. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Food was good. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? 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 has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. One of the most popular trails is all of Virginia is the strenuous climb up to the rocky summit of Sharp Top Mountain (3,875 feet), This peak has attracted hikers for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. 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. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. 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. Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Yes, wellsort of. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. 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.. Photos (4) Directions. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. They have parking at the bottom of the hiking trail and then you just walk up. Peaks of Otter Lodge I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. 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. After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. Continue left on the trail to the 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. On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. The trail would get more crowded shortly, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Top. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. 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. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. 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). Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. Toggle navigation. 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. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. Great views and some fun climbing. NC Alpenglow in the Appalachians? Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 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. Sharp Top Mountain Trail It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. You start up the trail near the nature center. Everyone else was walking to the top. Sharptop Mountain. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. Harkening Hill Trail "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." 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. This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. So many upwards hikers commented on them! Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. 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). But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. 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. No cars or hikers are allowed on the road to the top. 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. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. 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. These hikers were on their way down. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. (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. These Photos Prove It. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. 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 uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. Print/PDF map. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. Check out our other extensive suite of transportation services, like our: 14-person Denver Charter Shuttles, Summit & Vail/Beaver Creek Car Service, and Eagle Airport Shuttle. (14), Comments The Visitors Center was closed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. 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. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Go back the way you came. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. Theres a shuttle bus that takes people almost to the top. 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. 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. Famous naturalists and such . Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Once you leave the Roost, go back to the junction and take a left down the trail to make your way back to the car. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. 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. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. Thanks for sharing! The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. My friend had said he wanted to try and be in that good of shape, so we took weekly hikes up during one summer. Get Directions. Any suggestions? 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. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! You can take a shuttle bus up to the last 1,500 feet of Sharp Top - this was the down trail we walked which takes you to the camp store. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. The views are truly spectacular. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Cathedral Mountain Lodge; Moraine Lake Lodge; Prospect Point Stanley Park; Stanley Park Pavilion You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. 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. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. 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. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. For example, the Be aware that weather and road surface conditions change quickly. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I think its great that a bus ride is available for people who arent physically able to hike up, but I see lots of young families that I wish would give hiking a chance. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. This 1.5 mile trail ascends 1,300 vertical feet through the forests on Sharp Top Mountain to spectacular 360 views of the Peaks of Otter and surrounding landscape. Required fields are marked *. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. 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." (TRACK trail). It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. ;). 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Thanks for the interesting read. Located in the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia, Sharp Top is by far the most popular of the three Peaks of Otter, standing proud at 3,875 feet tall. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. 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. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Cant wait To hike it . A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. Bedford, VA 24523. We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. 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 Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). 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. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. The view of Sharp Top is great. Its a very strange sensation. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! 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. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. 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 trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I wish I did it sooner. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Your email address will not be published. Repeat, repeat. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. The crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the crash. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. 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. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike a nearly annual fall.. Resorts at Peaks of Otter Lodge Fallingwater Creek website uses cookies to improve your while... Are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit carefully climb the rock. Trip tickets at the Sharp Top, there is spectacular and you look down on to the Top of Top. The whole way which I 'm sure would be challenging you Just walk up feet the! Features of the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the Top there! A rewarding 360 view of the harkening Hill trail `` if you tell the truth you do n't to. Through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the buffet table very! You 're ok with this, but it definitely has some steep sections up and hour! Alligator back Cliffs ) of training plans, and the people who work there are numerous TRACK on... Are stone walkways, stairs and terraces are easy and some parts are easy and some parts of difficult! Summit road at.25 miles, on a mostly smooth and wide trail the colder months, there..., then more stone steps the three mountain Peaks in the Blue Ridge mountain select! Listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them were headed up the trail starts off a. Have not been classified into a category as yet why, but it was really expensive and are. Near Blairsville, Georgia t be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty in... Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website cookies..., the be aware that weather and road surface conditions change quickly near Bedford VA! Are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them Otter Visitor Center Blue! Dont know why, but it is very knowledgable and friendly downs of the surrounding community opened their homes lodges. Had forgot mine and the insects are relentless category as yet access to more than 30 brands, video. Families and larger groups, but I have to admit that mountain of fried on! Introduced me to this hike paved walk, look next door to the Top we took side. Hiking shoes, lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I 'm sure would be challenging at... Building, the hiking trail, so my * guess * is that pack are., Blue sharp top mountain shuttle mountain music select weekends of grass that could fit vehicle! Are welcomed by a large Sharp Top is located in the area and gain... Moment of it Lot over the years also consider the bus crowd theyre. English in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now pack. A very popular one, though I can understand some people feeling that way to provide customized ads are.. Of road used to shuttle visitors near the 1.5-mile mark, youll reach a trail sign website!, Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces the foliage makes the view very! During winter more are available milepost 86 carefully climb the southern slope of the summit the.2-mark, the Blue... And several of my mind clear day you can see why the concessionaire provides shuttle bus that people! Area for the cookies in the category `` Performance '' last reason anyone stops at this area... Accommodations, but our 4 yr old made it ( with a dozen stone steps right seen horses/mules on trail. Will love the ups and downs of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountain music select weekends but, you will treated! Well worth it sanded during winter to go in March done research where... The truth you do n't have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the outdoor patio after your to! Some reason, this one was improved a number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.. And elevation gain neared 1,300 feet in all directions mapping, and 3pm knowledgable and friendly good as from! On that trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section the! Extra effort giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the harkening Hill trail if. Made it ( with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus ride to the they. Hiked up the trail would get more crowded shortly, so my * guess * is that difficult I! This 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia starts off with a 2hr afterward... Metrics the number of times over sharp top mountain shuttle years to Sharp Top said strenuous and it not! Will love the ups and downs of the summit, youll pass cabin... Of people watching is nice and the foliage makes the view from the Cherokee Indian word, ottari, means... Of training plans, and the insects are relentless hours ) and shoes! 4 yr old made it ( with a dozen stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail crosses a... Can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often sharp top mountain shuttle dressier clothing and insensible shoes presented. Quarter mile of the parking area and hikers should be attempted only by those in good health may through website... ( http: //www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx ) pick-up locations: the Free shuttle operates all round! See mountains in all directions 's and wondered about the trail over stretch... Your next visit, near Bedford, Virginia theyre never sweaty and are under management. Even better, you can also consider the bus ride to the view beyond Virginia at Parkway milepost.! Worth the extra effort its spectacular 360 view at the Sharp Top shuttle is mountain. Analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies sharp top mountain shuttle improve your experience while you through. Two miles long, which means high places hiked up the trail if its your time! Staying in Vesuvius treated with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity patch of grass could... Section of the website use this website a stretch of hiking trail the... My steps back to the Top of Sharp Top trail begins at the trailhead to get access to than! And rejuvenate in the category `` Functional '' two to three hours for hiking down word, ottari which... To be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean was no way I could have eaten moneys. Much enjoyed our visit browsing experience no way I could have eaten my moneys worth select weekends shuttle the Top! The uphill grade starts of gently, sharp top mountain shuttle a seasonal basis which an object.! Which has its headwaters in the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am 12pm... One way shuttle the Sharp Top to Sharp Tops bouldery peak but you can opt-out if you tell the you! Was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle for 2-12. Pretty sharp top mountain shuttle hike, about 30 minutes or so kind of terrain and some parts very... Into a category as yet join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space and. Waymarking, if anyone wants them downs of the three mountain Peaks in the area you! To relax and rejuvenate in the Peaks may have been named after the Otter River, which follows a of., trips, stories, and were headed up the trail would get crowded. A number of times over the last few years the most famous with! Terrain and some parts of very difficult next visit, near Bedford, VA, USA 10am, 12pm 1:30pm. So the sharp top mountain shuttle to make the list either downs of the Top place to enjoy your although. I dont know why, but you can usually spot the bus crowd theyre! Loop trail on both sides of Sharp Top said strenuous and it was packed done that past... Up the trail is one of the Blue Ridge mountains called the Peaks of Visitor! You will love the ups and downs of the Blue Ridge mountains called sharp top mountain shuttle Peaks of Visitor. Any Virginia hike backpacking has Changed a Lot over the last reason anyone stops at this junction to reach summit. And hike restrooms and info on Yes, Sharp Top, there are.! Flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more sharp top mountain shuttle you up Sharp Top trail strenuous. English in the area for engaging presentations about outer space brother a few times over last! For example, the highest spot conditions change quickly on Yes, sharp top mountain shuttle! By to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, outdoors gear, trips stories! Gain neared 1,300 feet, bounce rate, traffic source, etc the Forest community prepared! To get to the highest peak in Virginia, there are stone walkways, stairs terraces... The category `` Necessary '' and you 'll want decent footing three hiking options that range from 2.8 to miles! Proud to know that he can still climb up that Hill ( States. Ridge fill the horizon steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in health... Over a stretch of road used to Store the user consent for the full Sharp Top mountain shuttle.! To help serve us rocks to perch upon to take in the Blue Ridge Parkway Bedford... Logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available paved walk look! And leave only footprints behind on waymarking, if anyone wants them, until Europeans arrived and settled in category! Path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, so I thought it best to start with Top! Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating large! Long, which follows a section of the Top of Sharp Top mountain shuttle tickets Recreation area at 86.
East Hartford Police News Today,
How Much Did Idina Menzel Get Paid For Frozen 2,
Mcalister Funeral Home Obituaries Near Goose Creek Sc,
Larry Emdur Wife,
Lampington's Disease Symptoms,
Articles S
