Arrived at campground and chose the B loop of the tent camping sites. Flat Top Trail. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. Pricing, of course, is subject to change. Campground almost completely empty. This one-way trail runs 4.4 miles between the Peaks of Otter Campground and the Flat Top Trail Parking Area at MP 83.5, crossing Flat Top Mountain near its mid-way point. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. Also, bring bug spray. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. Was told once at the campground that generators were not allowed. Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails 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. Stone staircases were sporadically placed for the last half mile, but I'm not really sure why. The two feature mountains are Sharp Top and Flat Top. It is not a hike for the out of shape or inexperienced. The Peaks of Otter and Sharp Top aren’t hard to find – just follow these directions. On a busy day the spur trail to Buzzard Rock will be your best friend. Tickets are sold at the Sharp Top Store, located at the bottom of Sharp Top Trail, where the bus departs. Sharp Top Trail, Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, Jefferson National Forest, July 2019 Viewed from the valley below, Sharp Top (3,862’) in central Virginia is an imposing peak, once thought by 19 th century Virginians to be the highest point in the state. Though closed at the time, it was a good starting... Stopped at the park to go hiking and picnicking. Peaks of Otter is formed by three mountains with Abbott Lake in the center valley - Sharp Top Mountain (3,875 feet), Flat Top Mountain (4,001 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,372 feet). Road around loop B in terrible condition. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. Sharp Top Mountain belongs to the Peaks of Otter Area in the Southern Appalachian Range, near Bedford, Virginia. Disappointed it has gone down hill now. About Sharp Top. Remember, this is one way, so unless you have a ride at the end, you must cross the mountain twice on your 8.8 mile hike. Allow two hours for the hike up the mountain and one hour for the hike down. Sharp Top Trail. After experiencing the exhilaration of your first hike up Sharp Top, whether it was the 1 ½ mile hike or the ¼ mile hike from the bus stop, you won’t be able to resist a repeat visit. Review of Campground only. The Peaks and Sharp Top Are Easy to Find. There is a lot to do here, especially for hikers; there are six trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Do not forget your camera. At Milepost 86, the parkway passes through the Peaks of Otter, which raises the wow factor even higher, in more ways than one. It turns out that it isn’t but it’s still easily the tallest in the immediate area, and the highest point in what’s called the Peaks of Otter. The Peaks of Otter is a popular Blue Ridge Parkway destination. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Sharp Top, Flat Top, Harkening Hill, Abbott Lake, Fallingwater Cascades, Johnson Farm, Elk Run Loop & Polly Wood's Ordinary Amazon.com Widgets The 4200 acre Peaks of Otter Recreation Area is a popular destination for Blue Ridge Parkway visitors, whether to spend the day, stop for the night or … From the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, travel north up the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 3 miles, where you will come to small parking area. You can hike this trail all seasons, but hiking when snow and ice are on the trail is not recommended, because the rocks are slippery. The Peaks of Otter Lodge, which is the center of attraction for thousands of visitors throughout the year, is an additional ¼ mile north on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Several large boulders and a platform built into the rocks provide a 360 degree view of the Blue Ridge. Its pyramid shape makes it a distinctive landmark from many distant locations around Central Virginia. The time required, of course, will depend on your fitness level and how many times you want to stop along the way. There are many on the hike and at the top. The trailhead for this hike is at the same parking area for the Flat Top Trail. Sharp Top Mountain is a popular hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is one of the three "Peaks of Otter". The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. Each of the peaks have well-traveled hiking trails, but Sharp Top Trail is by far the most popular trail of the three. Buzzards have made this area their home, so you will see them in abundance, soaring high above the boulders. Sharp Top Trail in Bedford, VA was a grade A hike from bottom to top. The well-established trail leads along a pretty trail with some decent views along the way. Behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge is Abbott Lake, named for Stanley William Abbott, the Parkway’s first resident landscape architect and planner. There’s also a Gift Shop if you’re looking for something to commemorate your visit. It is a large park featuring a nice lake with a mountain lodge, large camping and picnic areas, visitor's center and trails to hike. At Mile Post 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll find the scenic Peaks of Otter: Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. Stop here for a restroom break before beginning your hike. We first ventured to the Peaks of Otter in April 2018 when we took to Sharp Top’s sister, Flat Top Mountain. If it isn’t too crowded, you can climb up on one of the boulders for a must-needed rest. When you reach the fork that leads to Buzzards Roost, you are 1900 feet from the top of Sharp Top. Peaks of Otter Trails SHARP TOP TRAIL 811/ National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior HILL 70 1.6 (LOOP) JOHNSON 1.6 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Department of the Interior - … The actual visitors center is rather small, and lacks the kinds of displays and/or films that other visitor centers frequently have. Flat Top Trail A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. The last part of the hike is steep, so be prepared to do some climbing. read more, Great place to stop off and admire the views and maybe eat lunch. Stopped at the park to go hiking and picnicking. If you need additional provisions, visit the Country Store. Visit the Peaks of Otter Lodge website to see available dates and book reservations online (you can also call 866-387-9905). Round-trip tickets for adults are $12, children (12 and under) are $8. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. We did without but was disappointed and when asked ranger about it, he was rude.I have had fond memories of this campground when stayed there in my younger years. Sleeping and Eating: Peaks of Otter Lodge: This historic lodge offers 63 rooms, a full-service restaurant, and lounge.The lodge is typically open from spring to late fall, as well as weekends in the winter. But is well worth it for the views at the top! If it's been raining or foggy, it's best to come back at another time if possible as there will not be a view to see. There are many photo opportunities on your drive to Sharp Top, so be sure to have your camera ready. Sharp Top, at an elevation of 3875 feet, is one of three mountain peaks towering over this region. The Visitors Center was closed. The Peaks and Sharp Top Are Easy to Find. Consisting of boardwalks, pavement and gravel, this scenic trail is … Across the road from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is Route 43, a turn off of the Blue Ridge Parkway that leads to the Sharp Top Store, the Peaks of Otter Campground, and the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area.To get to the Store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. 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. We decided to brave the Sharp Top based on the reviews. T he Peaks of Otter - Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill - have dominated the view in this region of Virginia for centuries, first attracting the attention of Native Americans who saw the area as a rich hunting ground. Finally, on the last day of my May 2018 Virginia hiking trip, I gave my old nemesis one more shot, and I conquered it in spite of the weather. Related Activities Hiking Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! One mile (1.6 kilometers) long, it loops around Abbott Lake at the Peaks of Otter Lodge and offers fine views of the three Peaks, most notably Sharp Top Mountain. Might be why it was virtually empty. This strenuous hike will present some obstacles along the way, so be sure to wear comfortable, appropriate footwear. And, layering your clothing will keep you comfortable on the hike up, on your descent, and all the stops in between. This is the easiest of the Peaks of Otter hiking trails Virginia. Staying hydrated is, of course, important, so be sure to take plenty of water. Inside you can buy pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. Sharp Top Hike: We parked and began the hike at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center and crossed the BRP staying on the sidewalk for about 200 yards and then took a right across Route 43 heading to the Sharp Top parking area (you could also park here). Sharp Top Trail, Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, Jefferson National Forest, July 2019 Viewed from the valley below, Sharp Top (3,862’) in central Virginia is an imposing peak, once thought by 19 th century Virginians to be the highest point in the state. You can continue on the trail to Sharp Top, or take a 600 feet detour to Buzzards Roost, which is a collection of rock outcroppings that provide a panoramic view of the valley below. It is a large park featuring a nice lake with a mountain lodge, large camping and picnic areas, visitor's center and trails to hike. The Sharp Top trail, which starts at the intersection of Route 43 and the Parkway, is a a well-worn, 1 ½ miles long path, with several interesting rock formations. 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