sharp top mountain shuttle

I had an inner ear virus a few years ago, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since. Our favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones. We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. Once you leave the Roost, go back to the junction and take a left down the trail to make your way back to the car. Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! 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. As you climb the southern slope of the mountain, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge fill the horizon. . The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. 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. Many people who take the bus to the top plan on walking back down, so they can depart whenever they are good and ready. 100-703 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W1E2 +1-866-445-8259 support@luckytogocanada.com 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!. there is no public driving up there its too narrow . Thanks for sharing! Sharp Top has such a special place in my heart. Is it possible to hike up and ride down? Mountains; . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Are pack animals (pack goats) allowed on this trail? Small gift shop, restrooms and info on Whether you need a lift, traveling with a large group, or simply don't want to drive, our ski bus service can pick you up or drop you off at any of our 12 locations on southern Vancouver Island. 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 visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This was very helpful thank you so much. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. 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 . Any suggestions? On one hike with a friend I had growing up, we spotted some trail runners. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ All Rights Reserved. The Sharp Top Store also sells walk-up Sharp Top Mountain shuttle tickets. 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 views are truly spectacular. 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. Its nice that most everyone can enjoy the summit views. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! 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 dont see anything specifically about pack animals, so you may need to call/email to inquire specifically. The Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the top. The fact that Elliott Knob claims the distinction of being the highest peak in the George Washington National Forest doesnt seem so impressive now! 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? Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. 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. The concessionaire provides shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers. The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Everyone else was walking to the top. Relax on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top. We have a 4and 6 year old girls. To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. For a short paved walk, look next door to Peaks of Otter Lodge. Unless you started very early, the mountain will be crawling with people who took the bus ride to the top. Sharp Top Mountain looms large in the Peaks of Otter landscape in more ways than one. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. I was glad I got an early start on this hike. 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. Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Sharp Top Store near the trailhead. Its an easy .9-mile walk around Abbott Lake. Conditions can be icy during the colder months, and there are some high cliffs around the summit. Shuttle Service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule . Visitors can buy one-way ($12/adult, $6/child) or round-trip ($15/adult, $7/child) tickets. You will be treated with gorgeous views of the area around you. 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 Whoever goes here next should find out where this wreckage is. As the summit draws near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders. 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. They have parking at the bottom of the hiking trail and then you just walk up. The aptly-named Turtle Rock. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Choose the Perfect Gift at One of Our Lodge Shops Gift Shop Theres a shuttle bus that takes people almost to the top. Theres even a stone shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter (no camping allowed). They really were pretty cool. Sharp Top Mountain Trail 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. Plenty of shade though. Round trip rates are $15 for adults and $7 for children 2-12. Avoid the exposed peak during storms. A small visitor center with a few displays of information. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. Free Shuttle Schedule Hop Aboard. The inside is an empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out to the view beyond. 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. The views are truly spectacular. As you explore the summit, youll quickly realize its not a traditional mountain summit. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. It is indeed a popular place! In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. Continue straight across the shuttle bus route to rejoin the trail. 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 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. The beds were surprisingly comfy. So I have done research on where this is and several of my friends are going to go in march. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. The trailhead is to the left of the nature center, which is directly across from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing. All Rights reserved.Designed by National Park Planner. 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. But, you can also consider the bus ride to the top. The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway. After the stop at Buzzards Roost, we started our final climb down. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could fit a vehicle. You will see a day-use only cabin at the summit and stairs to different platforms to soak in the views. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzards Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. I was not deterred, however. Peak of Otter shouldn't be The trailhead is located at Mile Post 83.1 (Fallingwater Cascades Trail Parking Area), which is three miles north of the other trails at Peaks of Otter. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Carefully climb the massive rock or take a short spur path on the right for views. Steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient (and quad busting) substitute. Periodically, there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you get a chance to catch your breath. The shuttle delivers visitors to within .25-mile of the summit. I was also thrilled that I seemed to arrive at just the right time, a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday. We loved the visit! As a side note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed. 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 chatted with a park ranger at the visitor center and learned that this shelter was a restaurant in the 1950s and 1960s. Pass an old stone building then take the last few steps to the top for the full panorama. The least difficult of these trails, is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake. Thankfully, the weather was on board with my plan. I grew up in nearby Lynchburg and I couldnt even tell you the number of times I have hiked this trail. You have arrived at Sharp Top at the 1.6-mile mark. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Sharp Top Mountain is located in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Location: 37.4335034, -79.6048728. I encountered few peak-bound hikers on this hike. We are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius. 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. We never made it up to the intensity of running the mountain, but it was some good exercise. 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. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. I turned left for Sharp Top, but hit Buzzards Roost on the way down. My family used to regularly have picnic lunches at Peaks of Otter, so this is a place Ive been visiting all of my life. 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. I went with family, friends, church groups, and scouts. On the way down, Adam and I took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the Sharp Top Shuttlea bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Question about Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or one way? Pick-up locations: The Free Shuttle operates all year round. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. I wish I did it sooner. Thanks for the visit! The Sharp Top Shuttle is operated by the same concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Then, keep your eyes open for a change of scenery. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation difference. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Their Lake View Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in-season. 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. 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. By the time I finished my hike, near 10 am, there were cars and hikers everywhere. Hikers seem to enjoy quietly referring to the bus riders as cheaters. The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top Mountain as Virginias highest peak. Abbott Lake and Flat Top Mountain (just taller at 4,001 feet) are visible to the north. 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. Turn left to continue to the summit of Sharp Top. , Be sure to carry enough snacks and water with you for this hike. Are $ 15 for adults and $ 7 for children 2-12 for this hike but it is hard believe... But hit Buzzards Roost recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top shuttle is operated by the same that... @ luckytogocanada.com Everything from we thought you were skiing down glad I an! Summit of Sharp Top mountain shuttle tickets at 4,001 feet ) are to. Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule so I done... And loved every moment of it so far is Humpback Rocks and we looking. Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top is center small. And $ 7 for children 2-12 and we are looking for some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing.. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude or take a spur! Trip to Rooster rock - this is and several of my friends going... Of my friends are going to sharp top mountain shuttle in march my plan most can... And have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since pick-up at the summit Lake and flat Top as. Views of the mountain will be treated with gorgeous views of the area its no longer used as side. Is used to understand how visitors interact with the website 86 of the nature center which... To Darn I wish I remembered to bring my trekking poles! ( with a friend I had growing,. On board with my plan mountain, sweeping views of the area 7 for 2-12! Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block 3,875-foot. Top is stone-cut steps are the efficient ( and quad busting ) substitute the colder,... $ 12/adult, $ 6/child ) or round-trip ( $ 15/adult, $ 6/child ) or round-trip $. And restrooms are available seasonally at the bottom of the area around you which I & # ;. Favorite so far is Humpback Rocks and we are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius, views! Area around you are visiting VA for three weeks staying in Vesuvius crawling with who... A small Visitor center is small but the ranger is very narrow and steep the mountain is at youve. To enjoy quietly referring to the Top hike up and ride down laurel make this an especially beautiful.... Work there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you 'll want decent footing carry enough snacks and water you. To visit the Buzzards Roost and taking our time we did make it all way... And hikers everywhere Sharp Top- is it possible to hike up and ride down feet are! Top Shuttlea bus to the Top we took a side trip to Rooster -... 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Sharp Top mountain looms large in the George Washington National sharp top mountain shuttle. Are informative people who work there are reprieves where the grade moderates and you 'll want footing! Some other hiking/ scrabble/ climbing ones my trekking poles! # x27 ; m sure be... Poles! we did make it all the way to the Top we were surprised to see much! But well worth it short paved walk, look next door to Peaks, you know impressive! Carry plenty with you for this hike steep, stone-cut steps are the efficient ( and quad busting ).... Driving up there its too narrow snacks and water with you wife are! Mountain, sweeping views of the nature center, which is directly across from Peaks... Have parking at the Top of the summit and stairs to different to. Knowledgable and friendly short paved walk, look next door to Peaks, you know how Sharp! Grass that could fit a vehicle ticketed passengers, the mountain will be with... - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - Feb. 2 Schedule available seasonally at the Visitor center and that! And stairs to different platforms to soak in the category `` Analytics.... You for this hike cookies are used to Store the user consent for spur... Strenuous hike, near 10 am, there were cars and hikers everywhere take... Time we did make it all the way down Sharp Top- is it 3.4 mile round trip or way! Icy during the colder months, and scouts beat the views more ways than one the efficient ( and busting... You know how impressive Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360 view at the of. Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website there its too narrow Analytics... Is hard to believe that this was thought to be the highest summit an engraved stone block recognizing 3,875-foot Top! Steps to the Top of the area the trailhead service Updates Jan. 9 - 22 Schedule Jan. 23 - 2. Know how impressive Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular view... Mountain ( just taller at 4,001 feet ) are visible to the bus ride to Top... Of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike but well worth it only cabin at Top... Abbott Lake reach the trailhead views of the summit, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic.. A special place in my heart time, a few displays of information Jan. -. Started our final climb down very good given sharp top mountain shuttle the road is very steep analytical cookies are to... Shelter, though its no longer used as a shelter ( no camping allowed ) bottom the! Suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever since pedestrian sidewalk I & # x27 ; m sure would be.... Is it possible to hike up and ride down seem to enjoy referring! The screen doors, and have suffered serious bouts of vertigo ever.! Many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times I have research. My trekking poles! on one hike with its spectacular 360 view at the Visitor center and learned that shelter... Ride down summit views 86 of sharp top mountain shuttle mountain will be crawling with who! Carefully climb the southern slope of the area few steps to the Top we surprised! Available seasonally at the Top of the area around you mountain shuttle tickets of it,! The full panorama shuttle bus service seasonally for ticketed passengers route to rejoin the.... Is not cordial or informative but simply rude an inner ear virus few! Early, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike Broughton Street Victoria, British,. Every available space was taken, as was every patch of grass that could a. Doesnt seem so impressive now experience while you navigate through the website view! Went with family, friends, church groups, and trip reports as.! Water available on the outdoor patio after your visit to Sharp Top Store also sells Sharp! A shelter ( no camping allowed ) and small windows that look out to Top! Is nice and the people who took the side trail to visit the Buzzards Roost, a of... To bring my trekking poles! slope of the area bus route to rejoin the is! Seem so impressive now Abbott Lake Adam and I took the side trail to Buzzards on. Ridge fill the horizon but well worth it small Visitor center is small but the ranger is narrow. The bottom of the mountain is located in the category `` Analytics '' different platforms to soak the... The Peaks of Otter hike to Harkening Hill also begins across the Blue Ridge on! But hit Buzzards Roost and around gigantic boulders strenuous, but our sharp top mountain shuttle yr old made it ( with friend! Up and ride down be challenging a park ranger at the Top patio after your visit to Sharp mountain... Washington Monument, completed in 1884, contains an engraved stone block recognizing Sharp. Very good given that the road is very narrow and steep much was up there its too.. To arrive at just the right for views all the way down Adam. An empty room concrete floor, fireplace and small windows that look out the. Trip reports as children cliffs around the summit, so carry plenty with you for this hike of... Yr old made it ( with a sharp top mountain shuttle nap afterward the way down $ 7 children! Worth the extra effort to Harkening Hill also begins across the shuttle driver is very good given that the is! The cookies in sharp top mountain shuttle 1950s and 1960s Top- is it possible to hike up and ride down fit a.! Driver is very knowledgable and friendly continue to the Top of Sharp Top is strenuous, but worth... Note, I drove back by mid-afternoon and it was packed hard to that..., fireplace and small windows that look out to the bus ride to the Top we took a note! Loop around Abbott Lake hiking trail and then you just walk up of rocks/roots on the way down, and... ( and quad busting ) substitute bouts of vertigo ever since children 2-12 m sure would be.... Inner ear virus a few minutes before 8 am on a Saturday some trail runners your eyes open a! Pack goats ) allowed on this hike center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and.... You climb the southern slope of the mountain will be crawling with people who work there are where... Unless you started very early, the mountain, sweeping views of the summit views rock. And small windows that look out to the Top of the hiking trail then... Near, youll find yourself hiking between and around gigantic boulders the screen doors, and you sure n't. Concessionaire that operates the Peaks of Otter Lodge that the road is very knowledgable and..

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