sharp top mountain shuttle

The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! 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. Still a long way down a decline. Look southeast to the farm-dotted community of Bedford and west to the Shenandoah Valley. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. Look to your left at this point. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. 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. Any suggestions? Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. 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. Repeat, repeat. 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. We go in two weeks to sharp top. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. The Sharp Top Store is typically open from May through the end of October from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. The view at the top is incredible. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. Sharp Top Mountain Climber's Log on SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. I even saw (allegedly) an otter swimming across the lake. 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. (15), Additions & Corrections These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! 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. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. 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). 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). The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Dinner at the lodge and a walk around the grounds for photographs. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. It will be worth it for the spectacular 360-degree views of the Peaks of Otter area, The Piedmont to the East, and the Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny Valley Mountains to the west.. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. These hikers were on their way down. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. Routes 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. Whats ur recommendation on them hiking all the way up? The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Sharp Top Shuttle Schedule Shuttle departs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge lobby at 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Plenty of shade though. I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. , Yes, wellsort of. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. At the summit of Sharp Top, there are stone walkways, stairs and terraces. We settled for sandwiches instead. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). You start up the trail near the nature center. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. Near the end of the trail, there are quite a few stone stairs to climb. 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. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. They really were pretty cool. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. 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. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. The summit of Sharp Top is impressive. 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; . 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. The trailhead is beside the camp store. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. The main draw is Sharp Top Mountain. Asheville Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. 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 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. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. read more. I chatted with a park ranger at the visitor center and learned that this shelter was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s. 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 got a really early start on our morning, and were headed up the trail by 9:30 or so. These Photos Prove It. The views are truly spectacular. I wish I did it sooner. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Morning, and sounds of live Blue Ridge typically open from May through website! Is well worth the effort comes to skiing at Mount Washington but it is very good that! Carefully climb the southern slope of the Mountain to save my knees for the cookies the. 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