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";s:4:"text";s:11553:"Famous naturalists and such . From the summit, peakbaggers enjoy a stunning 360-degree view that sweeps across the farm-dotted eastern lowlands to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the western Shenandoah Valley. Your email address will not be published. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. 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 view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). A decision to make, too. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. Eager for steps on area hiking trails? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! There's something for everyone! Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. Look to your left at this point. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? Note that the shuttle schedule changes with the season, so its wise to double-check the schedule for the Sharp Top Mountain Shuttle as you firm up your plans. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. 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. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. 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. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. 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. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. The shuttle departs from the main lodge building. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. 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. 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. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. Bedford, VA 24523. Sharp Top Mountain Trail I turned left for Sharp Top, but hit Buzzards Roost on the way down. Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. STP010 . (15), Additions & Corrections Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Theres a shuttle bus that takes people almost to the top. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. Sometimes it sure seems like it. 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. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). 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. Routes The views are truly spectacular. Thanks for sharing! Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Rode the shuttle back down. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. ;). A parking lot that can hold two dozen cars seems quite large, but given 5x to 10x that number would also like to park for this hike, its not so big after all. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. But is well worth it for the views at the top! Photos (4) Directions. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view 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. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. 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. 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. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. Youll probably want to experience it again. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Continue left on the trail to the summit. Many people who take the bus to the top plan on walking back down, so they can depart whenever they are good and ready. 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. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. 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