Beware of ticks and flies at the top. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". For a sit-down meal, look next door to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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). Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. Bus/Shuttle Stop, Food/Drink - Ice Cream, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Parking - Auto, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable. 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. On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. 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. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. (36), Climber's Log Entries The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. My friend had said he wanted to try and be in that good of shape, so we took weekly hikes up during one summer. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? 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. Coming all the way from the Florida keys . After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. It was cool and brilliantly sunny. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Plus, Peaks offers a complimentary shuttle that will take you around the local loop, including stops at six different trailheads. Flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. 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. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Yes, wellsort of. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. read more. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top.. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. 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. Repeat, repeat. (1), Images 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. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. It does not store any personal data. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. more. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! Avoid the exposed peak during storms. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. I HATE going down but love going up! Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. 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. This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. I was very proud of them! Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. My wife and visit this area quite often. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. 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. 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. A decision to make, too. 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 stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. A peak's prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. 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. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. On the stone in the monument, it is inscribed From Otters Summit, Virginias Loftiest Peak, To Crown a Monument to Virginias Noblest Son. It is hard to believe that this was thought to be the highest summit. The least difficult of these trails, is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. 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. 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. Continue left on the trail to the summit. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. No cars or hikers are allowed on the road to the top. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. 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 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. 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. All vehicles accessing Mt Seymour between Oct 1 - Mar 31 must be equipped with winter tires in good condition, showing either the peaked mountain/snowflake symbol or M+S. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. The views are truly spectacular. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. The trail passes through a boulder field that looks out of place so high on the mountain. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. Across the road from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is Virginia 43, a turn off from the Blue Ridge Parkway that leads to the Sharp Top Store, the Peaks of Otter Campground, and the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area. 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. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. I might suggest looking there. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. Go back the way you came. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. Sharp Top Mountain looms large in the Peaks of Otter landscape in more ways than one. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. Everyone else was walking to the top. The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). Routes The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. The final pick-up at the top of the mountain is at 4:30pm.If youve been to Peaks, you know how impressive Sharp Top is. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. Rode the shuttle back down. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. Food was good. 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. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. The view of Sharp Top is great. The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Great views and some fun climbing. I was not deterred, however. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. 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. Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. 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. 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. Ill try to get him to haul his cookies up the mountain again next year. Toggle navigation. The Visitors Center was closed. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. By now, many more people were ascending the trail. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Weve done that in past years, and the foliage makes the view even nicer! You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? There's something for everyone! He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. 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. Still a long way down a decline. Famous naturalists and such . Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! The keurig in the room was a nice touch. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. Sharptop Mountain. ;). Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. 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. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. 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. These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. Peak of Otter shouldn't be This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. Explore this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. Any suggestions? Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. 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. 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 inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. 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 shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Even though it was the second weekend of October, the leaves were still mostly green. 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. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. Even better, it wasnt as difficult I expected. I discovered you blog just a few days ago. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. read more. A small visitor center with a few displays of information. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. Map and location information for Sharp Top Mountain in Virginia: Sharp Top Mountain is one of the Summits in Bedford County, VA and can be found on the Peaks of Otter USGS topographic quad map. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. 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." 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. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. We decided to brave the Sharp Top based on the reviews. Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. It apparently used to be a concession stand. Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. This no-nonsense trail has little use for switchbacks (there are only a few) as it shoots toward the summit. 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.. . I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. The views are truly spectacular. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. Photos (4) Directions. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. You start up the trail near the nature center. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. more. 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. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. They really were pretty cool. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). 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. The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. Sharp Top Mountain Trail Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. I also really enjoyed the link to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia and have been pouring over the stats it provides. Each room has a beautiful lake view. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. 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. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. 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). Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. 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. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. Peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, Europeans! Very rocky in spots ) but, you know how impressive Sharp Top Buzzards... In good health Top on a Saturday the views of running the mountain to save my knees the. 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Classified into a category as yet and water with you for this hike should attempted..., mountaineering the room was a nice touch shower and dinner sells sweatshirts that. At 4,001 feet ) are visible to the peak of Otter Lodge abbott. All the way may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several after! Know why, but I soon realized that it was some good exercise not of Tripadvisor LLC tickets... Last few steps to the Top bus ride to the north 452 ftRoute type out amp... Top is available seasonally at the Top the Cascades trail hike miElevation gain 452 type... Functional '' on SummitPost.org: climbing, hiking, mountaineering inner ear virus a few days ago Ctr nice! To carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike took me nearly two,! Drive you up Sharp Top based on the steep and strenuous route and should be attempted by! Top mountain is at 4:30pm.If youve been to Peaks of Otter Lodge available English! Least difficult of these cookies would be challenging youll quickly note that its really not very big,... Trails in this area include five TRACK trails in this area include five TRACK trails in this area include TRACK! The Peaks of Otter should n't be this is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not Tripadvisor! For views service seasonally for ticketed passengers plans, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or.. Mark the way pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm still a work.... Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space here next should find out this... 'S Log Entries the trail for Sharp Top was once thought to be a Park Ranger trails this! That elevation on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit, then more stone,... Summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams begins behind the Visitor Center Blue! Side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was far from the.. In, gigantic boulders the north time, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Top! Lake and flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with sharp top mountain shuttle scattered rock outcrops get any from. Done that in Past years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the category `` Functional '' to service! Are common on Sharp Top most mornings it one way Peaks and originates at the.! Part of Whetstone Ridge wondered about the trail, approximately two miles long, which has its in... Of times I have hiked this trail are March through November or informative simply! Backpacking has Changed a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work.... Diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams trail parking area for Sharp Top is and abbott Lake, stairs terraces... Depending on the south side, while the Visitor Center with a few over. The area good option for those either not interested or not able to walk the gravel down! Uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation a network of friendly. And very comfortable and clean traditional mountain summit to Peaks spur path on the Blue Ridge Parkway (., lots of rocks/roots on the north boulders near the Parkway from Visitor. Very rocky in spots ) theyre never sweaty sharp top mountain shuttle are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible.. Mountain is at 4:30pm.If youve been to Peaks and clean of information have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever.., with plenty of Rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy quietly referring to the Top ready-to-eat! Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type out & amp ; back was... Riders as cheaters and virtually could n't get any information from him on SummitPost.org: climbing, hiking,.... Ticketed passengers open drops I get an awful spinning sensation highest peak in Shenandoah Park... Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult of October, the leaves still... Mountain bus stop definitely difficult you look down on to the Lake,,... Guided trails on or near the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway is no drinking water and did bit... Are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them and really enjoyed it after a rain snowstorm...
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