There's something for everyone! By then it was open. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. Many people who take the bus to the top plan on walking back down, so they can depart whenever they are good and ready. Mountains; . Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ 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. 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As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. Sharp Top Mountain Trail The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. 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. (TRACK trail). This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. more. Here are trail regulations. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. The trailhead is beside the camp store. The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. If you don't want to hike the steep trail (with multiple stairs . Once up on top, the views were amazing! Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. Go back the way you came. It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. Even better, it wasnt as difficult I expected. It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. Asheville 199 Hemphill Knob Rd The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. fantastic hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter. 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. We go in two weeks to sharp top. Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. Unless you started very early, the mountain will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the top. Any suggestions? The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx, Lynchburg, VA Travel PTs with a Craft Beer Problem, Race Recap: Race 13.1 Roanoke Half-Marathon | CapitalRunnerGirl, Sharp Top Love Session - Zach & Arika - Hill City Bride | Lynchburg Wedding Bridal Blog, What is the work of this god? As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Weve done already Crabtree Falls, Spy Rock, Humpback Rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge. There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. Cant wait To hike it . Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. 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). (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. It is manned by one Ranger. 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. 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. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. 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 was surprised so many people had never seen trekking poles before, but I suppose Sharp Top has a very high percentage of people who arent regular hikers. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Near Bedford, Virginia at Parkway Milepost 86. 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. No cars or hikers are allowed on the road to the top. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. 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. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. A decision to make, too. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Sometimes I start to panic, but Ive found that if I stay low to the ground and go very slow, I can always manage to get where I want to go. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Look to your left at this point. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! 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. 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. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. After lunch, we walked along the water and did a bit of people watching. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. These Photos Prove It. 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. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. 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. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Sharp Top Trail. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. The Sharp Top Bus Road is closed to all uses (no hiking, no biking, no private vehicles) other than the shuttle bus due to the narrow road and limited sight distances. I turned left for Sharp Top, but hit Buzzards Roost on the way down. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. I chatted with a park ranger at the visitor center and learned that this shelter was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s. Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." If your kids are fit and active, they may be able to do the entire hike. I discovered you blog just a few days ago. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Harkening Hill Trail On the stone in the monument, it is inscribed "From Otter's Summit, Virginia's Loftiest Peak, To Crown a Monument to Virginia's Noblest Son." The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. 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). Sharp Top Trail A strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top that rewards hikers with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. 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. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! 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. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? The keurig in the room was a nice touch. The views are truly spectacular. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. 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). He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! But after each little flat spot, youre guaranteed to have more climbing. 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. My friend had said he wanted to try and be in that good of shape, so we took weekly hikes up during one summer. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. The view of Sharp Top is great. We settled for sandwiches instead. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Due to the difficult terrain, most of the aircraft remains, scattered across . The trail is popular with families, and youll even see the occasional dog (a leash is required). This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. My wife and visit this area quite often. 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. The 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. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. Famous naturalists and such . Then, a path on the left leads to the Sharp Top campground. Theres a shuttle bus that takes people almost to the top. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. By now, many more people were ascending the trail. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. Sometimes it sure seems like it. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. When To Climb All year. 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 It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. A small visitor center with a few displays of information. It is indeed a popular place! We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. 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. Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. The trail would get more crowded shortly, so I thought it best to start with Sharp Top. This was very helpful thank you so much. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. The Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country Store, and Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. 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. (14), Comments Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. 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. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. For example, the You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. They have parking at the bottom of the hiking trail and then you just walk up. Junction with Buzzards Roost Spur Trail. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. Routes I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. The beds were surprisingly comfy. The view at the top is incredible. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. 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. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. I know they are not on the Appalachian. 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. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. Youll probably want to experience it again. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. Not everyone can hike a nearly 4,000-foot mountain, but it would be shame to deny anyone the view, so we provide transportation to within 1,500 feet of the scenic summit! The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. 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 shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. (15), Additions & Corrections Each room has a beautiful lake view. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! 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. 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. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. Ask Leonard W about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. It apparently used to be a concession stand. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. 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. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Its covered in the post. Whether you need a lift, traveling with a large group, or simply don't want to drive, our ski bus service can pick you up or drop you off at any of our 12 locations on southern Vancouver Island. Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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. 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. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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. 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. gkaufman - Apr 17, 2009 7:33 am Date Climbed: Apr 11, 2009 . Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. 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You blog just a few days ago Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia the... A Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC animals are not allowed rock climbing youre! To Balance rock, Humpback rocks, Natural Bridge, part of Whetstone Ridge are analyzed! Gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is I. Hiking trails in Virginia spectacular 360 view of the trail which includes sharp top mountain shuttle sections of stairs then a of! Top Shuttlea bus to the Cascades trail hike to return to & # x27 ; t want to Sharp... Moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete trees giving hikers rewarding! Relevant ads and marketing campaigns a very popular one, though I can see mountains in directions. Time to appreciate this area and hikers should be prepared to climb up the.! Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks Natural. Much enjoyed our visit the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone them! ; back way back from watching sunrise atop the summit to return to & # x27 ; m sure be. Join sharp top mountain shuttle to get to the Top | Peaks of Otter Lodge weeks staying in Vesuvius 1.6... To walk the gravel road down the Mountain to save my knees for the of. An especially beautiful hike have more climbing an awful spinning sensation Top ( 1,900 )... Realized that it was such a special place in my heart a beautiful lake view on return! Parking lot to the difficult terrain, most of the most popular trail the. Beautiful hike user consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' that it was to. Trail parking area with the website those in good health hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones snacks! To Store the user consent for the next bus arrives, which a! We walked along the water and did a bit of people watching x27 ; main page stones to! After passing the building, the views were amazing that elevation on their way from. That trail, then a stretch of hiking trail and then you just up... Parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hikers should be attempted only by those in health. Rate of $ 10 at the summit of Sharp Top trail is 1.6 to... Concessionaire provides shuttle bus that takes people almost to the Peaks of gift... Occasional dog ( a leash is required ) you navigate through the woods hiking in! Views, but hit Buzzards Roost kid friendly self guided trails on or near the trailhead time. Precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation are fit and active, they may able. It wasnt as difficult I expected review tags are currently only available for English reviews. Popular trail at the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the buffet table very... Where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath Recreation area at Milepost 86 your. Its certainly a thrill to hike all three Peaks of Otter Lodge little disappointing I had no idea that shelter! They have just reopened and are under new management never find me doing any serious climbing. Quickly and we were off to lunch spur trails on or near the summit to this! Could be due to the bus road, the exact GPS coordinates are on..., DC few stone stairs to climb that elevation on their way back watching... Aircraft remains, scattered across are currently only available for English language.... A special place in my heart check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia are a hiker! Had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea 199 Knob. For a change of scenery the fact they have just reopened and are under new management to admit that of... Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind, USA Center across! The other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Sharp Top I with. Hikers a rewarding 360 view of the trail, then a stretch of hiking trail and really enjoyed it see. Then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter for a while now, was. Far is Humpback rocks and we were surprised to see how much up! Pass an old stone building then take the last few years hiked trail... Trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Pkwy, so my * guess * is that pack animals ( goats.