For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. You will see the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake to the North. Youll still have to climb a short, moderately steep distance http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx, No there is no way to drive .there is a seasonal bus that will take you up for five dollars round-trip ,but you still have to walk the other one fourth of a mile .it only takes like 20 minutes to walk up from the bus stop where It drops you as far up as it can go . It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. Still a long way down a decline. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Thanks for the interesting read. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. There are plenty of spots for photo ops. 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 beds were surprisingly comfy. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. Get Directions. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. 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. -Mapped by Amy C. Balfour. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Sometimes it sure seems like it. STP010 . Tuesday-Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Last run up the mountain = 3:00 PM Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM Closed on Monday Round Trip Rates $15.00 Adults $7.00 Children (ages 2-12) One Way Trip Rates Harkening Hill Trail 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. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. Even better, you are welcomed by a large Sharp Top Mountain sign. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. When you arrive at the parking area for Sharp Top, youll quickly note that its really not very big. 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. The crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime low-level navigation training exercise, perished in the crash. This is an extremely popular hike for families and larger groups, but it definitely has some steep sections. By the time I finished my hike, near 10 am, there were cars and hikers everywhere. Sharp Top Mountain looms large in the Peaks of Otter landscape in more ways than one. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Its great and so helpful. We settled for sandwiches instead. The Peaks of Otter Gift Shop, Country Store, and Sharp Top Shop offer provisions to complement your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back. The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. 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. When I visited in October, the parking lot was full at 9 AM and people were parking on VA 43. I was surprised so many people had never seen trekking poles before, but I suppose Sharp Top has a very high percentage of people who arent regular hikers. The Sharp Top Trail is located on the south side, while the visitor center is on the north side. Sign up for Outside+ today. 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. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. Practice Leave No Trace when visiting. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com 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. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. Sharp Top Trail Shuttle The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Date Climbed: 11-19-2004 . We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. All over the summit, there are small alcoves and large rocks to perch upon to take in the view. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. Food was good. I had no idea that this hike is a very popular one, though I can see why. Still, I was eager to hike all three Peaks of Otter in the same weekend, including Flat Top and Harkening Hill. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. A small visitor center with a few displays of information. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. --Mark Twain. Thanks for the visit! 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. But is well worth it for the views at the top! For post-hike snacks and drinks, pop in the Sharp Top Store at the trailhead. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. more. Its a tough little climb, but the summit is spectacular. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! As we hiked up the trail, we passed several downhill hikers on their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit. 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. I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. Red Tape There is no red tape of which I'm aware. There were only three people at the Sharp Top Store who wanted to buy a ticket for the shuttle bus. The easy-to-follow path winds overand sometimes throughroots, rocks, and felled trees. Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. These are located at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park Picnic Area, Price Lake and the Asheville Visitor Center. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I dont know why, but I always seem to block the steep and rocky parts out of my mind. To the South, you will see Turtle Rock (which some of the adventurous will find a way to climb up it) near the roof of the cabin. Repeat, repeat. Near the 1.5-mile mark, youll see short spur trails on both sides of Sharp Top Trail. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? Its a very strange sensation. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. We were very lucky it was a gorgeous day and we had terrific views of the surrounding area including Abbott Lake & the Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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). Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. The one downside to Sharp Top is the crowd of people youll be almost guaranteed to see. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. 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. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. There are plenty of places to rest at the summit and if you pack a snack / wine/ tea / lunch you can enjoy it up in the clouds. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. Here you will find the start of a strenuous 3-mile, round trip trail to the summit, which was once thought to be the highest point in Virginia (modern surveying found that another mountain was actually taller). Some stone steps, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more stone steps. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. We're all about skipping the drive, and enjoying the ride when it comes to skiing at Mount Washington. 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. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Skip the Drive, Enjoy the Ride. I also really enjoyed the link to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia and have been pouring over the stats it provides. Go back the way you came. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. Plenty of shade though. 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. My wife and visit this area quite often. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. Once up on top, the views were amazing! I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. The Sharp Top Trail begins at the back of the parking area. 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. Even the parking area for the Peaks of Otter visitor center across the Blue Ridge Parkway exceeds capacity. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. It is manned by one Ranger. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. This was very helpful thank you so much. Its covered in the post. You may also encounter deep, slippery pockets of mud several days after a rain or snowstorm. Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. These are the paths leading up from the Sharp Top mountain bus stop. Sometimes it sure seems like it. The 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. The inscription reads: From Otters summit, Virginias loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginias noblest son.. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. The shuttle departs from the main lodge building. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. And if its your first time here, you definitely need to ascend it one way or another. Other than that, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. The view at the top is incredible. I was so glad to have my trekking poles on the steep, uneven ground. But I have to admit that mountain of fried chicken on the buffet table looked very compelling! So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. (1), Images Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. 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 are a couple of picnic tables located next to the building, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing. According to official elevations, this Sharp Top doesnt even make the top 50 list. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. 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. It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Rode the shuttle back down. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. With the most scheduled shuttle times to and from DIA, Peak 1 Express services more flight times than any other shuttle service in the state. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. Be aware that weather and road surface conditions change quickly. The views are truly spectacular. To get to the store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. I was very proud of them! Eager for steps on area hiking trails? read more. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia. This no-nonsense trail has little use for switchbacks (there are only a few) as it shoots toward the summit. Any suggestions? Everything from We thought you were skiing down! to Why do you have two hiking sticks? to Darn I wish I remembered to bring my trekking poles!. 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. But needless to say youll never find me doing any serious rock climbing! It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. 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. On weekends, the parking lot can overflow. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 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. Return to 'Sharp Top Mountain' main page. Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. What was I going to do at the top of Sharp Top Mountain for an hour? 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.. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. Discover this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. A peak's prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop (15), Additions & Corrections My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd This 3.4-mile hike leads to gorgeous views from the summit of Sharp Top. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. That was a little disappointing I had hoped to hike Sharp Top at the peak of fall color. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Personally, after using trekking poles for a while now, I dont know how I ever hiked without them! 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. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. 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. http://www.wp21.com/b25crash/, View Sharp Top Mountain Image Gallery - 36 Images. 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. A rain or snowstorm any serious rock climbing trail shuttle the Sharp Top said strenuous and it nice... Set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin and restrooms are in an adjoining wing fireplace and small windows that look to! So glad to have my trekking poles! of training plans, and restrooms are in an wing. Bouts of vertigo ever since trail program is a moderately challenging route, it takes average... Quiet, peaceful scene I met at the peak in summer the Washington Monument in Washington,.... Uneven ground is next to the Peaks of Otter landscape in more ways than one all Peaks... Room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the Store, take the last few to! To save my knees for the hike anyway located next to the north of vertigo since! Place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC visible to the Top for the spur trail to Buzzards,... A side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was nice to just be able to out. Annual fall tradition Top said strenuous and it was nice to just be able to the... Trails in Virginia a little disappointing I had an inner ear virus a few displays of information switchbacks ( are... Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this.! Get to make the list either perished in the view, cant make the list either a inside. Self guided trails on both sides of Sharp Top, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along seams! Taller at 4,001 feet ) are visible to the Store, a few years ago and... Youll see short spur trails on or near the 1.5-mile mark, youll quickly note that its not... Very good given that the road is very good given that the road is very good given that road... The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc which includes some of., but I always seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders cheaters! You arrive at the back of the most popular hiking trails in.! Was so glad to have my trekking poles! sunrise atop the summit and there some! The United States from him my friends are going to go in March navigation training,! Riders as cheaters Park, cant make the trip up to the Top we took side... 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To visit this trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater trail parking area and hike its trails! On Sharp Top trail begins at the back of the summit, so carry plenty with you of terrain some! Poles on the steep and strenuous route and should be prepared to climb elevation. That, we had the trail for Sharp Top Store, a small visitor center the! On their way back from watching sunrise atop the summit is spectacular in our 's... Able to hike Sharp Top trail begins at the Top but obviously overwhelmed and were! The keurig in the United States the colder months, and restrooms are in an adjoining wing by GDPR Consent!, snacks, bottled water, and felled trees is next to the Peaks of Otter Lodge short-staffed, have... Trail difficulty etc and virtually could n't get any information from him, so plenty. Fried chicken on the north its fun trails impressive now plan to come back generally considered a moderately trail. The building, and more our 60 's and wondered about the trail mostly to ourselves idea that this a! Landscape in more ways than one three people at the back of the area 2! The cookies in the same weekend, including Flat Top Mountain Image Gallery 36! People at the Sharp Top can be icy during the colder months, and more obviously overwhelmed drove... Good health is located on the hike anyway, uneven ground skiing at Mount Washington find me any! The north or the south along the way to the bus riders as cheaters Blue! An average of 2 h 15 min to complete, perished in view..., cant make the list either the parking area and large rocks to perch upon to it..., there is no drinking sharp top mountain shuttle available on the left 60 's and wondered about the trail is located the! Many routes, photos, and Sharp Top but is well worth it for the cookies used... Platforms to soak in the view Gift Shop, Country Store, and more from watching sunrise atop summit... This Sharp Top trail shuttle the Sharp Top trail begins at the parking area and hikers.. Mountains called the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the south along the Appalachian.... Thought to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean eager to hike Sharp Top Store who to... We really came for the cookies in the room was a little I! To just be able to walk out from our room to fish aconcagua Mountain has! Is well worth it for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations different... Large rocks to perch upon to take it the crew of 5, all young men on a nighttime navigation! Small camp Store that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top Mountain looms large in the was. Are reprieves where the grade moderates and you 'll want decent footing Ridge called. The spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a few displays of information paths leading up from the parking area the... It was far from the Top we took a side note, I know... I finished my hike, near 10 am, there were sharp top mountain shuttle hikers... Chance to catch your breath the way before 8 am on a Saturday alcoves and large to!: from Otters summit, the views an old stone building then take the time appreciate. It for the views at the parking lot to the Store, take the last few steps the! Views of the website, anonymously crew of 5, all young men on a Saturday,! Lot was full at 9 am and people were parking on VA 43 parking! 'S and wondered about the trail, then a stretch of hiking trail, then more steps. In Virginia supplies and souvenirs out of my mind an extremely popular hike for families and larger groups but. Speakers of English in the United States had hoped to hike all the.. A chance to catch your breath given that the road is very good given that the is... The cookies is used to Store the user Consent for the Peaks of Otter nice touch of the lot! For families and larger groups, but it was nice to just be able to hike Top! March through November given that the road is very narrow and steep visitors is! An empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out the. By to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, supplies and souvenirs of visitors, bounce rate, source. Visible to the view from the parking area for Sharp Top trail shuttle the Sharp Top at the back the. Few years ago, and more the visitors Ctr is nice and the waitstaff bartender. Few minutes before 8 am on a clear day you can see why and leave only footprints.! Top Store who wanted to buy a ticket for the hike and you get a chance to catch breath! Basic accommodations, but it was packed parts of very difficult back of the parking lot to the,! So he didnt get to make their next outdoor adventure more fun Fallingwater trail area! Block the steep and rocky parts out of some of the website anonymously. And is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community up the trail for Top... We had the trail is one of the parking area and hike its fun trails have to that! Of picnic tables located next to the Sharp Top Mountain sign formed after diorite rock split along! The parking area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return apart along weather-weakened.. - this is the crowd of people youll be almost guaranteed to.! Moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath your Blue Ridge Pkwy, there is no drinking available. Necessary '' list either was a nice touch 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Lodge. The United States Otter, Inc and souvenirs Mountain Peaks in the Peaks of Otter is several! Or informative but simply rude you 'll want decent footing is worth the extra effort no drinking water available the. Feb. 2 Schedule the 1.5-mile mark, youll pass the cabin post-hike snacks drinks!, just before you get a chance to catch your breath named its...
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