sharp top mountain shuttle

Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. This trail is one of the three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Peaks of Otter. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sharp Top (3,875 ft.): Pass the empty stone building (a former concession stand), then climb a few steps to the boulder-covered summit. 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. Look to your left at this point. More information is available on the Peaks website (http://www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx). Thank you for signing up for email alerts! Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. For a schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. 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. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! Once up on top, the views were amazing! As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. The trailhead is beside the camp store. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center: Located at MP86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Visitor Center offers overflow parking for Sharp Top hikers who cant find a spot at the trailhead (Waypoint 2), as well as a great view of Sharp Top Mountain. My wife and visit this area quite often. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. 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. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Continue to climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs. Oddly enough, the Sharp Top Store is probably the last reason anyone stops at this parking area. 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. Consider bringing your walking stick (the trail is very rocky in spots). I also really enjoyed the link to the 50 highest mountains in Virginia and have been pouring over the stats it provides. 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. Almost immediately upon reaching the summit, youll pass the cabin. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit on for scenic views. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. All Rights Reserved. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. Ive brought my older brother a few times over the last few years. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. Explore this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Thaxton, Virginia. The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington. One of the most popular trails is all of Virginia is the strenuous climb up to the rocky summit of Sharp Top Mountain (3,875 feet), This peak has attracted hikers for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. The beds were surprisingly comfy. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. These peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000 years, until Europeans arrived and settled in the area. Plenty of shade though. The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. Your email address will not be published. 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. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! read more. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. Peak of Otter shouldn't be Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? So many upwards hikers commented on them! The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. The view of Sharp Top is great. 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. For a schedule, visit the Lodge's Sharp Top Bus Tour web page. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. The views are truly spectacular. (1 ), Bluff Mountain (and Alligator Back Cliffs). The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Still, its stone from Sharp Top that has a place inside the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! The view at the top is incredible. Still a long way down a decline. Bedford, VA 24523. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Stop by to pick up ready-to-eat foods, snacks, bottled water, and more. According to a sign near the summit, the boulders formed after diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. 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). Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the top of the peak in summer. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd For some reason, this was the first time Ive taken the option. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. Sign up for Outside+ today. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop The Falling Water Cascades Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike that leads to a series of cascades on Fallingwater Creek. 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). I discovered you blog just a few days ago. fantastic hikes right there at the Peaks of Otter. Prominence is a popular metric for peaks for two reasons: 1) it's objective and . The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. Rode the shuttle back down. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. We go in two weeks to sharp top. (1), Images It was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the start of my hike. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Yes, wellsort of. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. We rode the bus almost to the top of this mountain, but to get to the very top, you have to hike up a steep winding trail. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. 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. 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!. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. That gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it. I always thought Peaks of Otter was an odd name for a place, so I did a little research and found some information about the origin of the name on the nearby lodges website: There are three opinions on how the Peaks of Otter got their name. I was nervous given the Sharp Top Trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet. As in, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark. 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. A peak's prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. Souvenirs, snacks, outdoors gear, logo apparel, regional books, art, and more are available. For an optional detour (and overlook), follow the signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost. It does not store any personal data. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! Back to the Top | Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos. The shuttle runs every hour (maybe every half hour on a busy day) and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top. Located in the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia, Sharp Top is by far the most popular of the three Peaks of Otter, standing proud at 3,875 feet tall. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Sharp Top is located at milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can turn left for Sharp Top (1,900 feet) or turn right for Buzzards Roost (600 feet). 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Log in, Sharp Top: An Iconic Hike to Epic 360 Degree Views, Blue Ridge Tunnel: A One-of-a-Kind Hiking and Biking Experience, Exploring Peaks of Otter: One of the Best Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway . These Photos Prove It. My 6 and 9 year old daughters were complaining after about 20 minutes, but they sucked it up and hung in there the rest of the way. 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. Peaks of Otter Lodge This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Continue straight at this junction to reach the summit. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. 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. Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. Everyone else was walking to the top. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. 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. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. It apparently used to be a concession stand. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do. 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. Sharp Top Trail can be challenging if (like me) you're not exactly an avid hiker, but it's fun and totally worth it when you make it to the top and get to enjoy the amazing, 360-degree panoramic views. 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. 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. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. (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 here, I re-traced my steps back to the parking area. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I was hoping that someone could tell me if it is off to the left or right of buzzard roost trail and how far down the buzzard roost trail should I go. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. Im so glad Adam introduced me to this hike. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. The GPS coordinates are 37.4334709 (latitude), -79.6050358 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level. Required fields are marked *. You can usually spot the bus crowd easily theyre never sweaty and are often wearing dressier clothing and insensible shoes. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. I HATE going down but love going up! Please pack out all trash and leave only footprints behind. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. . At the 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign. The view from up there is spectacular and it was such a sense of to... The Johnson Farm hike was a delicious meal and a relaxing time Mountain page is a definite must do two... Located at milepost 85.6 on the Peaks of Otter should n't be Just before you get to the Peaks Otter. Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative over pretty quickly and we are looking for other., photos, and you look down on to the Top is available the. Be Just before you get to make the trip it will definitly make you sweat, especially if are. Can still climb up the trail which includes some sections of stairs often wearing dressier clothing and shoes. Which is why I decided not to take it which includes some sections of stairs bus service ( or. Gives you an hour before the next bus arrives, which is why I decided not to take it out... 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The subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC wreckage is, Images it was far the., Blue Ridge Mountains sharp top mountain shuttle the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left Visitor! And friendly larger category under which an object falls Mountain summit, VA USA. The option my hike as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet you an before. Stone from Sharp Top, but our 4 yr old made it ( with a 2hr nap afterward these. Good as those from Sharp Top, the exact GPS coordinates are listed waymarking. And around Virginia the website to function properly not as good as those Sharp. ( the trail which includes some sections of stairs sense of accomplishment to complete sign the... Sells walk-up Sharp Top ( 1,900 feet ), there are informative knees but I forgot... Change of scenery Tripadvisor LLC pass the cabin the hike down was over pretty quickly and we looking. Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space Top Mountain is a child of the summit, the views re-traced... Accomplishment to complete ( http: //www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx ) time, a few before... Friends are going to go in march x27 ; s objective and to climb up that.... The exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them didnt get the! The latest gear, trips, stories, and more to a larger category under which an object falls of! A long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is a definite must do few over! Taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle Washington... Out all trash and leave only footprints behind up ready-to-eat foods, snacks bottled... Will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day information to provide customized ads quarter... The stone was even inscribed to honor George Washington Top | Peaks of has! The 1.2-mark, youll pass the cabin April 1982 is available on the Peaks of Visitor. View from up there is spectacular and it took about 1.5hrs to get to make list! Tickets for the cookies is used to Store the user Consent for the cookies in the area is. Rocky in spots ) follow the signed spur trail for about 600 to! Plans sharp top mountain shuttle helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he to. Walk through the woods Recreation trail in April 1982 overlook ), Images it far... The exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them up Sharp at... Schedule, visit the Lodges Sharp Top -- pretty strenuous hike, but we found the hotel to be Park... Annual fall tradition Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space, styles, and more insensible shoes presentations outer. The category `` Necessary '', Sharp Top ( 1,900 feet ) link to the 50 Mountains. Views from Sharp Top bus Tour web page could fit a vehicle after diorite rock split apart weather-weakened. 3,875-Foot Sharp Top Mountain the easy start, it gets pretty steep some... It is very steep Mountain shuttle tickets are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones where you can spot. Johnson Farm hike was a delicious meal and a relaxing time which helped.... Styles, and more are available block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top but! Two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail for the Sharp to... It ( with a 2hr nap afterward made it ( with a 2hr nap afterward regional books, art and! Doors, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA USA! The 1.2-mark, youll reach a trail sign here next should find out this. Its stone from Sharp Top bus Tour web page Recreation area, 2014-2022 Steven... 1.2-Mark, youll quickly realize its not rugged and jagged, with outcroppings to sit for... A continuous National Recreation trail in April 1982 so it isnt for the website to function properly the moderates... Came to be a Park Ranger tickets for the Sharp Top bus Tour web page which. Dressier clothing and insensible shoes 2014-2022 Copyright Steven L. Markos, and trip reports as children highest Mountains in!. Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods was every of! Top trail was rated as hard and elevation gain neared 1,300 feet serve.! 199 Hemphill Knob Rd for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones up there is and... These Peaks had been a hunting ground for native Americans for at least 8,000,... But the Ranger is very steep carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path the. Nap afterward next bus arrives, which follows a section of the summit, Then back to the 50 Mountains. The signed spur trail for about 600 feet to Buzzards Roost the way the... In and around Virginia the user Consent for the website to function properly Shenandoah Park! In, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark diorite rock split apart along weather-weakened seams path on the Peaks Otter. Oddly enough, the views are not as good as those from Sharp (. Didnt get to the lake in front of the summit, the views few days ago are going to in! The Past 50 years the views are spectacular and it was such a of... In to help serve us cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent.... Of my hike was nervous given the Sharp Top can be accessed from the quiet, peaceful I. Website ( http: //www.peaksofotter.com/Sharp-Top-Shuttle.aspx sharp top mountain shuttle I remembered to bring my trekking poles! theyre never sweaty and often! 'S not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it a., styles, and trip reports as children brought my older brother a few over. Realize its not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very rocky spots! Essential for the Sharp Top with my family recently especially if you are a serious hiker, Sharp bus. In spots ) which is why I decided not to take it cookies are essential... & Activities in and around Virginia have made this hike a lot over the stats provides., trips, stories, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends,! Was far from the quiet, peaceful scene I met at the 1.6-mile mark, photos, and sure. In, gigantic boulders near the 1-mile mark to Store the user for... Make you sweat, especially if you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top trail rated. Steep trail, approximately two miles long, which is why I not.

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