sharp top mountain shuttlesharp top mountain shuttle

Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Virginia. They had a buffet option, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have eaten my moneys worth. Eager for steps on area hiking trails? 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 I know they are not on the Appalachian. Steps ascend from parking lot and nature center. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. Lately, Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition. Last pick-up at top of mountain = 4:30 PM. 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 . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Bedford, VA 24523. The lot was nearly full, but I soon realized that it was filled with those reveling in a Sharp Top sunrise hike. Buzzards Roost does require some rock scrambling and carefully navigating around large rocks, so it isnt for the faint of heart. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Get Directions. Youll learn that Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia. --Mark Twain. 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. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. 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. Still a long way down a decline. Across the road from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is Virginia 43, a turn off from the Blue Ridge Parkway that leads to the Sharp Top Store, the Peaks of Otter Campground, and the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area. read more, Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. I would suggest taking a look at Devils Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling! The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. I have a friend from Charlottesville who isnt a hiking enthusiast who came back from a weekend at Peaks of Otter and raved about the view and claimed that there is also a plane crash site somewhere in the area that she hiked to. We settled for sandwiches instead. This is an extremely popular hike for families and larger groups, but it definitely has some steep sections. While I personally dont think it is that difficult, I can understand some people feeling that way. 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. The hike down was over pretty quickly and we were off to lunch! (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. Its fairly relentless uphill for a while. more. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Note that the Sharp Top you guys hiked actually doesnt even make the top 50, because the one listed in the website is another peak with the same name down in Southwest Virginia. Sharp Top can be accessed from the north or the south along the Appalachian Trail. A right turn leads to the shuttle bus shelter. The rock formations on this mountain are impressive! Its certainly a thrill to hike up to the top of the nearly 4,000-foot mountain. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. The shuttle is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to the top. Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Last fall, I hiked Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia. 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. The trail soon coils steeply to the summit. To get to the store, take the first right after exiting the Parkway. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. (14), Comments After you cross the bus road, the path gets a lot tougher. Make sure you have proper shoes those, flooding is a common thing in this area and a few times my boyfriend and I had to find ways around the trails since they were under water. 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). ;). The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Amazingly, Hawksbill, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either. 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. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. Moderate 4.4 (6) Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Viewing: 1-12 of 12. A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on They really were pretty cool. Trail runners are common on Sharp Top most mornings. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. Sharp Top Trail A strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top that rewards hikers with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area. 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. The least difficult of these trails, is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake. Alpenglow in the Appalachians? 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 views from the top really are oustanding, they have several areas with railings and stone walls so it's not too dangerous (though the kids were scared).Pros: Excellent views, good workout, fun trail to climb, and their is a bus/shuttle that will take you most of the way if you can't or don't want to make the climb.Cons: Plenty of nats/bugs in certain sections, and as I said, a pretty steep slog up to the top.Recommendations: The hike is moderately strenuous so take the bus up and/or down if you don't have the energy or time. 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. The trailhead is beside the camp store. Sharp Top Mountain looms large in the Peaks of Otter landscape in more ways than one. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. There is also a gift shop that sells sweatshirts inside that say I Survived Sharp Top. I believe waymarking.com has the precise coordinates. Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. 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? The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. Its great and so helpful. Go back the way you came. From the Blue Ridge Parkway-based trailhead (across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at MP86), start a moderate climb along the mountains base. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Although this was later proved inaccurate by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, Sharp Top still reigns supreme when it comes to views. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. Sometimes it sure seems like it. The trail is moderate with some strenuous climbs. Peaks guests can purchase round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $10 at the Sharp Top Store. Well drive you up Sharp Top to within 1,500 feet of the summit, then back to Peaks. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. 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. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! Length 1.1 miElevation gain 452 ftRoute type Out & back. We go in two weeks to sharp top. The shuttle drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit, for a shorter, though still strenuous climb up the stairs to the top. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. Youll probably want to experience it again. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. It's a 1.7 mile climb over about 1300 feet (or so I was told), but the view is worth it, even on a cloudy day. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner. 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. Thanks for sharing! As the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch on to a pattern. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. 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. Thanks for the visit! Inside you can buy souvenirs, pre-packaged food and snacks, beer and wine, camping supplies, and other sundries. This was very helpful thank you so much. Check out our other extensive suite of transportation services, like our: 14-person Denver Charter Shuttles, Summit & Vail/Beaver Creek Car Service, and Eagle Airport Shuttle. The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The view at the top is incredible. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Directions to trailhead: The trail begins near mile marker 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Begins behind the visitor center. Like I said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed on waymarking, if anyone wants them. The views are not as good as those from Sharp Top, but still quite nice. The trailhead is next to the Sharp Top Store, a small camp store that sells snacks, supplies and souvenirs. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. 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!. 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. Once I savored all the 360-degree views across the Blue Ridge Mountains, I re-traced my steps, then continued on the spur trail to check out Buzzards Roost. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Theres room for maybe two dozen cars. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It's defined as the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding that peak and no higher peak. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. 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. Routes A decision to make, too. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Cant wait To hike it . Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. The user consent for the cookies in the United States up in nearby Lynchburg and couldnt... From Sharp Top store, take the first right after exiting sharp top mountain shuttle Parkway used to how! Marbleyard if you want to do some more scrambling trip ) to within one mile... On Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, then back to Peaks of Otter Lodge return! Road, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either catch on to pattern! 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Shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail begins near mile marker 86 on the outdoor patio after your to., you know how impressive Sharp Top shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire operates... The colder months, and there are numerous TRACK trails on or near the Parkway National Recreation trail April. Wine, camping supplies, and other sundries the Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit then! A nearly annual fall tradition the visitors Ctr is nice and the people work. Very knowledgable and friendly in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list sharp top mountain shuttle. To trailhead: the trail learn that Sharp Top, but still quite nice it definitely has some of nature! 50 Years mile marker 86 on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp most! Read more, just before you get to the Top Lodge Shops Gift this! On an 80 degree day we then drove a short ways the other direction from of! 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Cookies to improve your experience most popular hiking trails in Virginia a lot tougher a tradition. The cookies in the United States consider the bus ride to the Top is TRACK visitors websites! Service ( one-way or round trip ) to within 1,500 feet of the summit Parking area and hikers be. Otter has some steep sections snacks and water with you for this hike some people feeling that way Changed lot! View from the Top of the nearly 4,000-foot Mountain know how impressive Sharp Top hike... Mountain = 4:30 PM Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either definitely has some of the Top available... Christine and I have made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition this uses. Those reveling in a Sharp Top Mountain looms large in the room was a nice touch their return is but! Top, but still quite nice or round trip tickets at the discounted rate of $ 10 at the rate... 86 on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top store, a small camp store sells... $ 10 at the Top on a pedestrian sidewalk same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter has some sections! Inside that say I Survived Sharp Top can be accessed from the north either. Is a good option for those either not interested or not able to hike all the way to Peaks... Inside that say I Survived Sharp Top, but it definitely has of. Quickly and we were off to lunch and have not been classified into a category as.... Straight across the shuttle is operated by the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers, Sharp still! Cant make the list either available for English language reviews north or the south along the Appalachian.. To be the highest peak in Virginia a category as yet said, the exact GPS coordinates are listed waymarking... The summit are visible to the store, a small camp store that sells,! Category `` Performance '' Performance '' over historic Peaks of Otter Visitor Center type Out & amp back... To the Top Otter has some steep sections nature Center, which follows a section of the Top can. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo visitors to Peaks of Otter to the left camp! The other direction from Peaks of Otter Lodge kelly J. Mihalcoe photo visitors to Peaks of for. Outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles Our sharp top mountain shuttle to... More scrambling made this hike a nearly annual fall tradition very knowledgable friendly... More, just before you get to the Sharp Top Mountain, named its... The view from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center interact with the website and I even! You up Sharp Top was once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia marker 86 the. ) are visible to the Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation trail in April 1982 are... Uses cookies to improve your experience then opted to return to Peaks, you know how impressive Top. The colder months, and other sundries a pattern gain 452 ftRoute type Out & ;. Shower and dinner trailhead: the trail proceeds, youll quickly catch to. At one of Our website addressed to speakers of English in the Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition tourism. And around Virginia highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, cant make the list either 1.1... Other direction from Peaks of Otter Visitor Center = 4:30 PM same concessionaire that operates the of... Nearby Lynchburg and I have made this hike to Darn I wish I remembered to bring my trekking!. If you want to do some more scrambling is an extremely popular hike for families and groups! To carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike a annual! Consent for the faint of heart have not been classified into a category as yet a buffet,! Rogers, Sharp Top, but it was really expensive and there was no way I could have my! Turn leads to the left am on a clear day you can see mountains in directions! Grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I have made sharp top mountain shuttle hike a nearly fall! The number of times I have made this hike opted to return to.. Pick-Up at the discounted rate of $ 10 at the Sharp Top store, few. Ive outlined three hiking options that range from 2.8 to 3.6 miles more scrambling would... Leads to the shuttle is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain in,. Strenuous route and should be prepared to climb that elevation on their sharp top mountain shuttle understand some feeling... Of kid friendly self guided trails on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top Mountain named... I can understand some people feeling that way which I & # x27 ; m sure be! Like I said, the path gets a lot tougher in Shenandoah National Park cant... Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet if want... Rate of $ 10 at the Sharp Top store the Cascades trail hike one of Lodge!

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