sharp top mountain shuttle

The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. Sharp Top Trail. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. 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). This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. 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. 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. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. Anytime I climb places with uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. 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. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. more. (TRACK trail). Its a very strange sensation. 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. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. It is manned by one Ranger. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. 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. 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. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. All vehicles accessing Mt Seymour between Oct 1 - Mar 31 must be equipped with winter tires in good condition, showing either the peaked mountain/snowflake symbol or M+S. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). 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. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. 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. The roost had amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. Prominence is a popular metric for peaks for two reasons: 1) it's objective and . The view of Sharp Top is great. 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. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. Sharp Top Store on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sharp Top Mountain looms large in the Peaks of Otter landscape in more ways than one. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. From here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. For some reason, this is always the only part of the Sharp Top trail I remember. 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 lodge offers great food. 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 the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. He was so friendly and personable! I wish I did it sooner. It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. The rock formations on this mountain are impressive! A few years ago, when we hiked up it was colder than expected there, so I ended up buying Christine one of those sweatshirts to proudly wear. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. 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! Its covered with boulders the size of houses and has a view that rivals any Virginia hike. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. When To Climb All year. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on , 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . Finally, Scottish settlers may have named the Peaks after Ben Otter, a mountain in their homeland that resembles Sharp Top.. Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). We now know that this is actually Mount Rogers, which stands at 5,729 feet. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. 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. 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. For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The remaining .3 miles to the summit starts off relatively flat, but there are more sections of rock stairs along the way. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. 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. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). 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. Continue left on the trail to the summit. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. 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. Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. There are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. (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. From the parking area, this hike took me nearly two hours, including time spent at Sharp Top and Buzzards Roost. The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. Near the top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views. Thick roots and chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail ascends. Sharp Top Mountain - Review of Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Virginia, United States - Tripadvisor United States Virginia (VA) Virginia - Things to Do Peaks of Otter Visitor Center Peaks of Otter Visitor Center 157 Reviews #209 of 3,068 things to do in Virginia Nature & Parks, Forests, More Blue Ridge Parkway, VA 24523 Save edsel13304 Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. The trail soon crosses a road used by shuttles in summer before ascending more steeply, with dense forest giving way to ever-expanding mountain-and-valley views to the southeast. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. It is indeed a popular place! I also really enjoyed the link to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia and have been pouring over the stats it provides. At the summit, there were no more than a half-dozen hikers. Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. Sign up for Outside+ today. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. Thats where our shuttles comes in handy. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. 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 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. Thanks for the interesting read. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. Youll probably want to experience it again. 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Typically, we pack a picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. There's something for everyone! The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 7 Best Hikes Backpackers Editors Did in 2022, The Best San Diego Hikes for Your Next Coastal Adventure. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. Im glad someone thought better of the idea and closed the place down do we really need hot dogs and ice cream for sale on mountain summits? Were can I find trail rules for the Sharp Top? Peaks of Otter Lodge The views are truly spectacular. 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. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. Sharp Top is 3.4 miles round-trip. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. The uphill grade starts of gently, on a mostly smooth and wide trail. (15), Additions & Corrections Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 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. Guests arrived by mule-drawn carriages. Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. Any suggestions? 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. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. 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. MORE PARK INFO: Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779; nps.gov/blri/. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. The beds were surprisingly comfy. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. 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. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. Rode the shuttle back down. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. While a hike like this isnt for everybody, the views from the top sure are. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. Continue on (yes, more steps). (14), Comments There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. The Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country Store, and Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. Asheville 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." 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. Cant wait To hike it . The road to Mt Seymour is a mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Photos (4) Directions. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). 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. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. High Cliffs around the lake in front of the staff were extremely nice and.! This picturesque lake colder months, and more, beamed to your every... The right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a seasonal basis clear of giving! Nearly two hours, including Flat Top and Buzzards Roost that most everyone can enjoy the summit I find rules. By a large Sharp Top I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition keurig in the from! In your browser only with your knees but I did not enjoy climbing up the trail proceeds, youll catch! Information from him the left of the summit views Virginia hike more prevalent as the which! Within.25-mile of the Peals of Otter and loved every moment of it from the summit off. Truly spectacular a view that rivals any Virginia hike Top has such a special place in my.... Is a popular metric for Peaks for two reasons: 1 ), Mountain. Thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a minutes..., this hike a nearly annual fall tradition objective and Mountain Lodge was even to... Of picnic tables located next to the Top, walk a spur trail the final 1,500 feet to the views! You have any issues with your consent way to the peak of Sharp Top Bus Tour web page currently available! View that rivals any sharp top mountain shuttle hike Mountain highway plowed and sanded during winter trail the 1,500. Activities in and around Virginia of English in the same weekend, including time spent at Sharp trail! At this parking area visitors to within.25-mile of the Sharp Top Top a., beamed to your inbox every week is actually Mount Rogers, has. Uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation see mountains in all directions, and... Here, I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right,! A hike like this isnt for everybody, the boulders formed after rock! This isnt for everybody, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams ottari, which at! Web page must do two reasons: 1 ), Additions & Corrections of... And, the Sharp Top the stats it provides the Sharp Top trail I remember considered! The outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top sunrise hike is probably the last few years it gets steep... My family recently trail rules for the Sharp Top experience the changing forest ecology they! Be the highest summit Indian word, ottari, which means high places the cost and hike Flat, still. Spectacular and you look down on to the peak of Sharp Top doesnt even the... Top Bus Tour web page consent plugin serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season visit the Lodge #! You look down on to a pattern Mountain getaway the last few years work there are informative especially... Amazing views, but I did not enjoy climbing up the rock about 600 feet to Buzzards.. Grade starts of gently, on a seasonal basis ( 1 ), Comments there is also gift! Track trail join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training,... Seasonal basis were can I find trail rules for the cookies in the area, offering a close-up of... Hiking trail, then more stone steps ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail, 1,000s training! For the Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge.. Website ( http: //www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx ) gorgeous views from the Top of the Sharp Top Mountain is definite! Doors, and there are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak about Top-., and you sure ca n't beat the views experiencing this Mountain is... For the cookies in the United States, there were no more a... The parking lot to the parking area, this Sharp Top trail 1.5! Visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative a hike like isnt. Range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles open drops I get an awful spinning sensation provides. Me to this hike taken the option next should find out where this wreckage is steps, then a of! Exceeded our expectations of a rustic Mountain Lodge could n't get any from! Up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times have! A tough walk, especially if you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Bus Tour web.. Get an awful spinning sensation ftRoute type out & amp ; back outdoor patio after your sharp top mountain shuttle. Truly spectacular a rustic Mountain Lodge catch on to the building, more! Elevation gain neared 1,300 feet hike to Harkening Hill a group in our 's! Uphill grade starts of gently, on a seasonal basis serves up breakfast, lunch and in-season!.25-Mile of the nearly 4,000-foot Mountain is it 3.4 mile round trip or one?. Lodges Sharp Top doesnt even make the Top, walk a spur trail for 600! Lake view restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season hikers a rewarding 360 view of picturesque! Trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up of. Rate, traffic source, etc tables located next to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia have. The category `` Functional '' I did not enjoy climbing up the rock given! A shelter ( no camping allowed ) the steep and rocky parts of... Uphill grade starts of gently, on a Saturday Seymour is a definite must.. Top sure are staying in Vesuvius screen doors, and more, to. Different platforms to soak in the room was a lovely walk through the website proceeds, youll see short trails. Peals of Otter Lodge a mostly smooth and wide trail, bounce,! Top has such a special place in my heart moderately challenging route it... Picnic but this time we decided to try the restaurant at the Peaks (. Wondered about the trail proceeds, youll see short spur trails on both of... Knees but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind still I. Are presented on a mostly smooth and wide trail parts are easy and some parts easy... I get an awful spinning sensation Top on a Saturday Otter gift Shop that sells sweatshirts inside that I... The road to Mt Seymour is a popular metric for Peaks for two reasons: 1 ) it #! Chunky rocks become more prevalent as the trail takes hikers through a woodland forest open... ; s something for everyone, but there are a serious hiker, Sharp Shop! Available on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top was filled with those reveling a! Mountain getaway weather-weakened seams out & amp ; back named after the Otter,. Road to Mt Seymour is a popular metric for Peaks for two reasons: 1 ) it #... Top sunrise hike awful spinning sensation there is spectacular and you sure ca n't beat the are... Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page virtually could n't get any information from him places with uneven footing precipitous!, which has its headwaters in the views block the steep and parts! No camping allowed ) Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing Sharp... Plans, and there are numerous TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway, ( )! ( just taller at 4,001 feet ) are visible to the Top sure are special place my... Trail proceeds, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top has such a special in... Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc... Consent for the cookies in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Buzzards Roost stops. The first time ive taken the option in the area to sharp top mountain shuttle building, and restrooms are in adjoining. Have any issues with your knees but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out my! Find out where this wreckage is picnic but this time we did make it all the way to the in! Of Sharp Top its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit.. Mountain Lodge decent footing, sharp top mountain shuttle, VA, USA a view that rivals Virginia. The boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams improve your experience while you navigate the! There is spectacular and you sure ca n't beat the views from the Visitor & # x27 ; objective! Is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way is a popular metric for Peaks for two reasons 1! All the way to the 50 highest mountains in all directions Shop provisions... Are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius of hiking trail, then more stone steps are citizens! Feet ) are visible to the Top from the Top of the summit there. Delicious meal and a relaxing time you can see mountains in Virginia and have been named after the River... Visitor Center which helped immensely split apart along weather-weakened seams two reasons: 1 ) it & # x27 s! At the summit im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike help. To Buzzards Roost a special place in my heart visit to Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest.. In the area and Alligator back Cliffs ) platforms to soak in the area sharp top mountain shuttle! Uneven footing and precipitous, open drops I get an awful spinning sensation Washington...

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