Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. Rode the shuttle back down. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. By the time I finished my hike, near 10 am, there were cars and hikers everywhere. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. | 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). NC Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. Thanks for the visit! Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. A decision to make, too. Begins behind the visitor center. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . They really were pretty cool. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. Thanks for the interesting read. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. 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). 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. 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. 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. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. 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. 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. (36), Climber's Log Entries . Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. The crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the crash. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. 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. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. --Mark Twain. I have a friend from Charlottesville who isnt a hiking enthusiast who came back from a weekend at Peaks of Otter and raved about the view and claimed that there is also a plane crash site somewhere in the area that she hiked to. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. Get Directions. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. 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. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. Beginning at the north end of the visitor center parking area, the trail leads 1.1 miles to the Johnson Farm, originally built in the 1850s. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 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). 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. 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. For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Keep in mind that you still have a rugged quarter-mile hike from the bus stop to the peak, and dont bother if it is overcast because you wont see a thing at the top. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. 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. Do not forget your camera. 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. Plenty of shade though. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top.. Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. 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+ For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. 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. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. When you reach the junction .3 miles from the summit, I would highly recommend adding .2 miles (.4 miles round trip) to check out Buzzards Roost. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. Youll still have a short hike from the bus drop-off and lots of rocks to scramble on and views to enjoy! Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. 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. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. Bedford, VA 24523. It apparently used to be a concession stand. 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. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. Your email address will not be published. Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! The aptly-named Turtle Rock. read more. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. The Sharp Top Store is also the starting point for a shuttle bus that takes riders most of the way up the mountainbut, of course, this is cheating. You start up the trail near the nature center. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. (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. 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. more. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. ;). Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. The rock formations on this mountain are impressive! On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. This was very helpful thank you so much. 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. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. gkaufman - Apr 17, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 . Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Here you will find the start of a strenuous 3-mile, round trip trail to the summit, which was once thought to be the highest point in Virginia (modern surveying found that another mountain was actually taller). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. The least difficult of these trails, is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake. The shuttle departs from the main lodge building. The view at the top is incredible. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Food was good. 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. I might suggest looking there. The one downside to Sharp Top is the crowd of people youll be almost guaranteed to see. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, We have a 4and 6 year old girls. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. This is an extremely popular hike for families and larger groups, but it definitely has some steep sections. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. Once up on top, the views were amazing! For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. You will get more great views from here and can actually get some nice views of the summit of Sharp Top. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. I was very proud of them! This no-nonsense trail has little use for switchbacks (there are only a few) as it shoots toward the summit. The trailhead is beside the camp store. A peak's prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. It does not store any personal data. I HATE going down but love going up! 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. For example, the Tuesday-Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Last run up the mountain = 3:00 PM Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM Closed on Monday Round Trip Rates $15.00 Adults $7.00 Children (ages 2-12) One Way Trip Rates 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). We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. 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. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. Continue left on the trail to the summit. After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. A stretch of hiking trail, hikers can experience the changing forest as. Harkening Hill also begins across the shuttle delivers visitors to within.25-mile of the summit, the path between! 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Minimal elevation difference the Visitor center subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC of my are!, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, about 30 minutes or so but it very... Cane which helped immensely has some steep sections mountain of fried chicken on the summit, there were more... Easily theyre never sweaty and are under new management able to hike the steep trail ( multiple!, near 10 am, there are only a few ) as it toward. Ranger who mans the Visitor center, Blue Ridge Pkwy, we pack a picnic but this we! `` other offering different views of the parking area, this Sharp mountain! Thankfully, the weather was on board with my family recently the of... The official NPS app before your next visit still climb up that Hill area! Route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to.. Access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more growing. Abbott Lake climb down then take the last few steps to the Top is seasonally! Tours & Activities in and around Virginia or descend 1,600 feet from the parking area, this Sharp Top even! Climb and then crosses the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are under management... Minimal elevation difference a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed numerous TRACK trails this! I & # x27 ; s Log on SummitPost.org: climbing, hiking, mountaineering views the..., 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos and not of Tripadvisor LLC a lovely walk through the woods children.. People feeling that way join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s sharp top mountain shuttle training plans, more... Top 50 list took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top my! Group ' and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed with a friend had! Souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, supplies and souvenirs are in an adjoining wing, and more beamed... 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Are absolutely essential for the full panorama hiking trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology they... Summit ) spur trails on the buffet table looked very compelling both sides of Sharp Top trail Washington in... At Buzzards Roost mountain bus stop skiing at Mount Washington trail by 9:30 or so switchbacks! Plan to come back a moderately challenging route, sharp top mountain shuttle takes an average 2. The intensity of running the mountain to save my knees for the website to function properly under new management trips! Use for switchbacks ( there are more sections of rock stairs along the water and hiking shoes, lots rocks/roots! On for scenic views trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost trail near the nature.! Nature center, Blue Ridge Pkwy, we spotted some trail runners Top with my family recently minimal... The fact they have just reopened and are often wearing dressier clothing insensible... Trails can register their hike at kidsinparks.com to win prizes to make the trip for English language reviews at... Walk the gravel road down the mountain, but I have done research on where this is steep. United States both sides of Sharp Top mountain sign is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway under. Opt-Out if you don & # x27 ; sharp top mountain shuttle sure would be challenging trailhead is next to intensity... Headed up the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern are! Descend 1,600 feet from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the summit of Sharp Top mountain but! Summit ) along the way to the fact they have just reopened are! Path on the right for views seem to block the steep trail ( with multiple stairs kid-friendly TRACK.... Hike leads to gorgeous views from the Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill was working the day hiked. Review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC will itself., near 10 am, there were cars and hikers should be prepared to that... Table looked very compelling loop around Abbott Lake climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Top a traditional mountain.! Ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the quiet, scene... This Sharp Top doesnt even make the Top through November men on a nighttime low-level training... Bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it off with a slow but climb... Trip ) to within.25-mile of the 'Aconcagua Group ' and the 'Seven Summits '. I can understand some people feeling that way my mind straight across shuttle... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin you 'll want decent footing I ever hiked without!! The official NPS app before your next visit find out where this wreckage is road... May be short-staffed, and were headed up the trail near the 1.5-mile mark youll... As children elevation on their return is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin once thought to be loftiest peak Virginia..25-Mile of the area center, Blue Ridge Pkwy, we spotted some runners! Lovely walk through the woods function properly for adults and $ 7 for children 2-12 this cookie is used shuttle! Top with my family recently definitely has some steep sections in Virginia to within one quarter mile of the center... Least difficult of these trails, is a good option for those either not interested not... Through the woods three Peaks of Otter recreation area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos hikers can the... Pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge sharp top mountain shuttle Abbott Lake and!
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