In this most wonderful state of ours with so much natural beauty, the Peaks of Otter area stands out as one of my favorites. Since randomly coming upon the area on a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway many years ago, I have been captivated by its magnificence. Hiking and camping in this area has been high on my to do list for some time, and this past weekend, we checked it off of our list. And, I am pleased to say the experience lived up to my expectations.
I will keep this post short, and let the pictures do the talking on why you should do this hike!
In this direction, you can see the Peaks of Otter Lodge
And if you look far into the distance, you can see Smith Mountain Lake. We really enjoyed seeing that as we had just spent the weekend there!
A couple of main points:
1) This hike is one of the few that is accurately reported on the distance. It is 1.8 to the top. That accuracy is probably promoted by the fact that it is so close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a big draw to the Peaks of Otter Lodge so it is immensely popular and often traversed. So, lots of double checking.
The rocky trail!
2) It is also accurate reporting to say this hike is HARD, even though on the short side in terms of distance. Not only is the climb pretty intense (reported anywhere from 1,300-1,600 feet)…..but it is also ROCKY. And full of lots of steps that burns the legs and the lungs. The way up is intense. But, I would contend the way down provide a different, but just as ample of a challenge. Wear proper hiking shoes, and hiking poles would also be a big asset.
3) It is cold at the top! We happened to hike this on a brisk fall morning….with a whipping wind. But, we started the hike at almost 50 degrees below, and encountered ice at the top. It is no wonder, however since Sharp Top is one of the highest elevations in Virginia. (4,001 feet) and at one time thought to be the highest!
4) Plan to spend some time exploring at the top. There is a really neat cottage up there. It is maintained by park services, and it appears to get some good use. It had wood in the fireplace that had recently been burned. I imagine there is some sort of registration process to use the cottage, and it is likely not for public use. But, I cannot find any information on its current use. This peak, however has an interesting history…..used way back to the Indians for a lookout point. So, I am sure that cottage has seen lots of interesting things over the years.
5) This sign provides insight into some of the history of this area….”From it came the Virgina Stone in the Washington Monument, which is inscribed: “From Peaks of Otter Summit, Virginia’s loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginia’s noblest son.”
6) There is also a shuttle to the top should you not have the time, or inclination to go on foot!
This is located at just under 1,400 feet. Wow!
7) I spent much of the hike amazed at the steps and paths and guardrails along the trail in various points, and especially at the top. It would take a lot of work to not only maintain – but imagine even getting the tools and materials into the trail to even begin the process. And, for that I am thankful to the countless people over the years who give of their time to make the explorations of countless others possible.
Along the way, you get lovely views of the other peaks in the area.
8) There were a lot of twists and turns and you keep thinking you are at the top, but you are not. That is a bit annoying to keep thinking you are almost there as you huff and puff up, but you are not! It will be very obvious when you get to the top though….so just keep hiking!
Apparently on our hike, we just missed seeing a small black bear at the top of the mountain. The trail was quite crowded and many other hikers that were just ahead of us saw the bear. But, we just missed him to our dismay.
I look forward to heading back to this area sometime and doing some of the other trails and exploring all the recreation possibilities in the glorious niche of the world. Our ‘good time’ friends who we had the pleasure of joining on this hike went to the lodge for lunch afterwards and said it was wonderful.
Our rating: 4.5 (out of 5 for Sharp Top Summit)
Minnie: 5 – Amazing, one of the best!
Mickey: 5 – One of my favorite hikes ever.
Billy: 4 – It was a hard hike, and I kept waiting forever to get to the top! But, the top is really cool.
JJ: 4- It was so hard. But, really cool at the top. (As a side note here, a funny quote from JJ at about 2/3 of the way to the top: “I have learned a lesson on this hike…..when a shuttle is provided to the top, it is probably for a good reason. You should take it”!
J-Wow: Did not go, because we were away for the weekend, and she was at the kennel. I think she would have liked it a lot but would have been really tired. The rocky parts would be a challenge for her….but she is part mountain goat, so she would have done well. Or friends brought their dogs…and they were in sniffing heaven. But the slowed down a lot at the end. Which is a good thing, reminds me of a quote from Cesar Milan when we first got J-Wow: ‘A tired dog is a good dog!”
One last cool picture, a view overlooking the cottage at the highest peak.
virginiavinesandtrails 