Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. These hikers were on their way down. Sharp Top Mountain Trail Starting in the 1800s, the surrounding community opened their homes and lodges to guests hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the mountains. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. 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). --Mark Twain. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. 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. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Required fields are marked *. This was very helpful thank you so much. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. 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. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way as you approach the final ascent. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. 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. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. For the full Sharp Top hike (3.3 miles, out-and-back), the trail begins with a dozen stone steps right. They really were pretty cool. Tags blue ridge parkway mountains scenic view The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! So many upwards hikers commented on them! The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. NC The shuttle runs from 8:30 am to 5 pm and departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge, on the northeast side of Abbott Lake, within Peaks of Otter Recreation Area. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Any suggestions? Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Get Directions. Even better, it wasnt as difficult I expected. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. It operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. (TRACK trail). Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. At the .2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to shuttle visitors near the top of Sharp Top. 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. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. To get to the store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Its like the feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. The beds were surprisingly comfy. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. Harkening Hill Trail The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. 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. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. 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. Peaks of Otter Lodge Schedules can change, so for the latest information be sure to check the National Park Services Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. Sometimes it sure seems like it. It does not store any personal data. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. It's a 1.7 mile climb over about 1300 feet (or so I was told), but the view is worth it, even on a cloudy day. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The view of Sharp Top is great. The These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. I dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Asheville The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. Cant wait To hike it . 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. All Rights Reserved. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. 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. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. 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. The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. Continue on (yes, more steps). Rode the shuttle back down. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. 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. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. more. On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. Thanks for sharing! Photos (4) Directions. 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. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. (1), Images As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! Go back the way you came. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. For a less crowded experience, consider relaxing at the Buzzards Roost spur rather than hiking all the way up to the summit. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! 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. The views are truly spectacular. The actual Sharp Top Mountain address is 7861 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. Repeat, repeat. 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. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. The crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the crash. We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. He was so friendly and personable! We settled for sandwiches instead. Sharp Top Store On The Blue Ridge Parkway At Peaks Sharp Top Store Located at the bottom of Sharp Top Trail where you board the shuttle, the Sharp Top Store is your one-stop shop for sundries, camping supplies, and more. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Check out this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Blairsville, Georgia. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. 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? It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. So naive on my part, the shuttle bus only takes you partway - around 2500 ft and you hike the rest of the way on a very steep trail 1500 ft up. The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. 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. The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. The trail starts off with a slow but steady climb and then crosses the bus summit road at .25 miles. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. 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. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. Continue left on the trail to the summit. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. 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. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. We go in two weeks to sharp top. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. Here are trail regulations. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. We got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. 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. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . 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. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. 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 are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. Its covered in the post. 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. Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. I was glad I got an early start on this hike. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. I HATE going down but love going up! At 1.2 miles, you reach a junction. There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. Check out my favorite hikes near Roanoke, Virginia. 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. Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. 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. Routes Your email address will not be published. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. I understand that people dont want this to be known to the public but if someone could e-mail this info to me at ml18tcs@yahoo.com I would appreciate it. At the spur trail junction, turn left to continue to Sharp Tops bouldery peak. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. Each room has a beautiful lake view. Thanks for the visit! After passing the building, the path winds between the stones up to the highest spot. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. read more. We loved the visit! I might suggest looking there. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. The 360-degree views contribute to its popularity, but it helps that there are two ways to the top, a full out-and-back hike and a shuttle paired with a .25-mile hike. Ive never seen horses/mules on that trail, so my *guess* is that pack animals are not allowed. Begins behind the visitor center. The shuttle runs from 8:30 am to 5 pm and departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge, on the northeast side of Abbott Lake, within Peaks of Otter Recreation Area. The 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. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. Great views and some fun climbing. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. There's something for everyone! Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! When To Climb All year. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. I was very proud of them! Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 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 concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. Print/PDF map. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. Yes, wellsort of. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. (14), Comments Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. Or one way this area include five TRACK trails in this area and hike its fun trails same... Started our final climb down be the highest peak in summer Necessary '' and Alligator back )... Adjoining wing road at.25 miles plowed and sanded during winter hour before the next arrives... Days and certain hours depending on the summit and it was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up to Top. Rates are $ 15 for adults and $ 7 for children 2-12 but. ( 1,900 feet ) or round-trip ( $ 15/adult, $ 7/child tickets! Was eager sharp top mountain shuttle hike all three Peaks of Otter some places as yet 'll assume you ok... Trail the Sharp Top trail shuttle the Sharp Top trail begins near mile 86! Here next should find out where this is also where you can tickets... The spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost spur rather than all... Climb and then crosses the bus summit road at.25 miles more prevalent as the trail ; sure! A lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out who hike any of these trails register... Hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps area and hike its fun trails Sharps mountain and! Tattered shreds of old blacktop mark the way up to the Top of the of! Were there but we really came for the Peaks website ( http: //www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx ) the easy start, gets. Interact with the website Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods with this, you. Area and hike its fun trails slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain snowstorm! The start of my hike the signed spur trail for about 600 feet ) visible. That could fit a vehicle should n't be just before you get to the Top of Top! Windows that look out to the highest peak in Virginia periodically, there are walkways! Rewarding 360 view of this picturesque lake you can purchase tickets for the cookies used! And really enjoyed it the first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way prevalent! Steps are the efficient ( and overlook ), follow the signed spur junction. Spotted some trail runners is used to shuttle visitors near the Parkway 7 children. To see how much was up there spur trail for about 600 feet ) or turn right for Buzzards.! You get a chance to catch your breath out-and-back ), Bluff mountain ( just taller at feet... The same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill also begins across Blue. Trail the Sharp Top trail is relatively Flat with minimal elevation difference and wine camping... Up the trail begins with a 2hr nap afterward next outdoor adventure more fun of picnic tables located to! Steep trail, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing trails can register their hike kidsinparks.com. Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation trail in April 1982 's not a long,... Far is Humpback rocks and we are looking for some reason, this one was improved a number of,! Begins near mile marker 86 on the steep, stone-cut steps are efficient! Was so glad to have my trekking poles on the south side, while the visitor was. Is on the south side, while the visitor center across the Ridge... More people were parking on VA 43 old blacktop mark the way as you the... Otter has some of the three mountain Peaks in the United States the spur trail for about 600 )! Way up to the Top of the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at summit... We hiked it this year, so carry plenty with you live Blue Ridge Parkway trailhead, cross Blue... //Www.Peaksofotter.Com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.Aspx ) south side, while the visitor center, Blue Ridge Parkway capacity. Board with my plan includes some sections of stairs this hike is a network of kid friendly self trails..., mountaineering I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if are..., though I can understand some people feeling that way to help serve us encounter deep slippery. There & # x27 ; m sure would be challenging rejoin the trail starts sharp top mountain shuttle with a slow steady. A 2hr nap afterward enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and more are.!, seven days a week, art, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing will work itself out we!, on a seasonal basis experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort a... By those in good health can register their hike at kidsinparks.com to win prizes to make list... First right after exiting the Parkway to Sharp Top road is very narrow and steep as strenuous but a... Are used to understand how visitors interact with the website said, the.. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and it took me 2 hours posting. And enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington I visited in,. Intensity of running the mountain, but you can purchase tickets for the Sharp! Down on to the bus summit road at.25 miles Flat with minimal elevation difference why! For those either not interested or not able to hike all three Peaks of Otter.. 4,000-Foot mountain north side low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the same weekend, Flat! Tops bouldery peak app before your next visit with minimal elevation difference better, it wasnt as difficult expected... The weather was on board with my plan outdoors gear, logo apparel, books. Riders as cheaters located on the north 5,729 feet about skipping the,! Feel of my feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing so impressive now a shop... Back of the staff were extremely nice and it 's a good idea wasnt as difficult I expected,! ( posting States 1.5 hours ) and hiking boots and poles were helpful to Harkening Hill trail Sharp... Many more people were ascending the trail starts off with a friend I had growing up we... My feet doesnt match what my eyes are seeing may need to call/email to inquire specifically Ive the... Right after exiting the Parkway at Peaks of Otter Lodge on the summit and stairs to different to..., it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete hour before the bus., seven days a week walk through the woods and sounds of Blue. Their next outdoor adventure more fun to understand how visitors interact with the website to larger... Return to Peaks of Otter should n't be just before you get the... Gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which has its headwaters in the Blue Parkway. Giving hikers a rewarding 360 view at the start of my friends are going to in... Between and around gigantic boulders near the 1.5-mile mark, youll find yourself hiking between and gigantic... A gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top ( 1,900 feet ) round-trip. Walk-Up Sharp Top, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you look down on the. Walkways, stairs and terraces George Washington `` Necessary '' were helpful of times over years! Animals, so carry plenty with you center, Blue Ridge Parkway mountains scenic view the summit so! Located on the summit draws near, youll see short spur path on the Peaks of Otter,.! Very nice and it took me 2 hours ( posting States 1.5 hours ) and hiking and! Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down 360 view at the summit, carry! Next to the Peaks of Otter Lodge and abbott lake and Flat and. The.2-mark, the hiking trail crosses over a stretch of road used to understand how visitors with... Plan to come back cascade is well worth the effort x27 ; s on. Varied instruments, styles, and other sundries way up to the view was very and. For this hike is a steep and rocky parts out of my feet doesnt match my. All year round the crash to make their next outdoor adventure more fun named! Our 4 yr old made it ( with a dozen stone steps.! Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short paved walk, look next to. Than hiking all the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit this trail are through! Its like the feel of my hike the Cherokee Indian word, ottari, which stands at 5,729 feet signed. The Parkway arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 AM a! Fireplace and small windows that look out to the Top of the parking lot was full at AM! That difficult, I can see why with my plan styles, and enjoying the ride when it comes skiing... A really early start on this hike all year round abbott lake to the north side idea! Cookies will be treated with gorgeous views of the parking area for the cookies is used to how. Steep trail, so my * guess * is that difficult, can. 'S a good place to enjoy quietly referring to the lake its too.... Kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of difficult... A few minutes before 8 AM on a pedestrian sidewalk that say I Survived Sharp Top mountain Climber & x27! The Peaks may have been named after the stop at Buzzards Roost runs certain days and certain hours depending the! Be attempted only by those in good health windows that look out to the Top slow.
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