Hiking along the bus road is prohibited. On our last morning at Peaks of Otter, we decided to enjoy a relaxing stroll around Abbott Lake. A gain of just under 1000 feet from the parking lot makes it a decent hike still, and it's not for the faint of heart even if it is the smallest! The make-up date of July 27-29 coincides with the full moon, which should make for a great dinner atop Sharp Top Saturday night. This woodland trail climbs to a ridge where distant views are rewarding. At its foothill is where Emerson Creek Pottery is headquartered. This route leads to the most modest of the Peaks of Otter. Flat Top Mountain: Sharp Top Mountain: Near Bedford, Virginia, on the Blue Ridge Parkway are two magnificent twin peaks known as the Peaks of Otter. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Sharp Top, along with Flat Top and Harkening Hill, make up the namesake three "Peaks of Otter." Home > Experiences > Outdoor Adventures > Hiking & Walking Trails. Like many mountain homes, this one was improved a number of times over the years. Pictures between Peaks of Otter and the James River this October. Blue Ridge Hiking. Peaks of Otter . You can stay in the nearby Peaks of Otter Lodge or campground, or in Bedford (20 min drive away). The one linked here begins at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Each TRACK Trail features self-guided brochures and signs that turn your visit into a fun and exciting outdoors experience. It consists of three mountain peaks centered on man-made Abbott Lake in the small valley between them. Be the first to submit your climbing note! @kimzplace. The Peaks of Otter, which consists of Sharp Top and Flat Top mountains and Harkening Hill, have been well-loved for hundreds of years. Peaks of Otter - Flat Top Mountain FLAT TOP MOUNTAIN at Peaks of Otter. Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails 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 Peaks of Otter Park contains numerous other facilities which include restrooms, picnic facilities, hiking trails, campground, motel, and restaurant. Famous naturalists and such notable historic figures as Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee wrote about or visited the Peaks of Otter during their lives. What to Do . Historic Peaks of Otter offers picturesque views and historic legacy among the Blue Ridge Mountains. Peaks of Otter Lodge (MP 85.4) ****Johnson Farm Trail and ***Abbott Lake Loop Trail. Get info on PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND, North Carolina including image gallery, interactive map, directions, activities & campground reservations. I have hiked up the sister peak, Sharp Top, countless times, but I have only been up Flat Top a few times. T he 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. Of the three Peaks of Otter in Bedford, Virginia, Harkening Hill is the smallest (at an elevation of 3,364 feet) and most underrated of the three mountain peaks.. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 85.6, the Harkening Hill trailhead begins (or ends) just behind the Peaks of Otter visitor center.. Kids can even earn prizes for tracking their adventures through the Kids in Parks Program! Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles) Not as steep or rocky as the other 2 peaks. Sharp Top Trail Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails The mountains of Peaks of Otter all have trails ranging from less than a mile to more than four miles, and there is nearby access to the Appalachian Trail. 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Join with me on a hiking tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the State Parks of North Carolina . The Peaks of Otter are three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains, overlooking the town of Bedford, Virginia, which lies nine miles (14 km) to the southeast along State Route 43.These peaks are Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill.. Manmade Abbott Lake lies in the valley between the three peaks, behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant. The 4200 acre Peaks of Otter Recreation Area is a popular destination for Blue Ridge Parkway visitors, whether to spend the day, stop for the night or enjoy a weekend. The hikes can be done in combination or separately. You will cross over a paved bus road soon after beginning the hike. It boasts thousands of fruit trees, grape vines, creeks, ponds and majestic views. Begins behind the visitor center. #apple orchard trail #blue ridge parkway #peaks of otter. The trail is steep and strenuous at times. Add Your Photos. View Map > Visit Website > View Details > Appalachian Trail. A moderate 2.1-mile trail that leads to the Johnson Farm, which has been restored to represent regional life in the 1930s. Sharp Top, along with Flat Top and Harkening Hill, make up the namesake three "Peaks of Otter." These majestic spires dominate the skyline and the scenic vistas for miles around, making them the crown jewels in this pristine forest and recreational oasis. kimzplace. Johnson Farm Trail. Sharp Top is the shorter of the two summit hikes and the most popular (and crowded); but even at 3.6 miles the elevation gain is quite steep and the workout is strenuous. Living history demonstrations are done seasonally. Sharp Top Mountain is a popular hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is one of the three "Peaks of Otter". Details. Retrace your steps to return to the Visitor Center for lunch/bathroom break or take a … Live Entertainment Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends! See our Eating & Sleeping page for more information. There are a number of hiking trails at Peaks of Otter but The Johnson Farm Trail is a favorite because of the farm and because it connects to the Harkening Trail which passes Balance Rock. Fallingwater Cascades Trail the other segment of the National Recreation Trail, is a loop trail which takes hikers along cascades on Fallingwater Creek with its huge rock outcrops clothed in rhododendron and large hemlocks. Peaks of Otter Winery and Orchards, a six generation family farm locate in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the foot of the Peaks of Otter. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads. There are three main peaks; Flat Top, Sharp Top, and Harkening Hill in order from highest peak altitude to lowest peak altitude. Ride and Recharge. The Johnson Farm Trail is a loop that takes visitors past a restored mid-1800s farm. Photos of Peaks of Otter Recreation Area - 6. Peaks of Otter’s Lake View Restaurant is a renowned destination for dining with a menu featuring fresh and organic local ingredients and regional specialties. Please submit any useful information about climbing Peaks of Otter that may be useful to other climbers. Enjoy a scenic shuttle ride to within 1,500 of Sharp Top summit! Johnson Farm Trail. Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails (MP 85.9) Trailhead or access point to a dozen hiking trails. T he 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 summit offers an impressive 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area, The Piedmont to the East, and the Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny Valley Mountains to the west. Peaks of Otter Climbing Notes. Trails lead to all three of the peaks, Flat Top, Sharp Top, and Harkening Hill. Sunday, August 16, 2015. Asheville, NC Because fewer feet tread this trail, you'll likely find it to be in better shape than others in the area. Abbott Lake Trail At milepost 86 are the Peaks of Otter, Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center: Good Hiking... - See 155 traveller reviews, 179 candid photos, and great deals for Virginia, at Tripadvisor. Please submit any useful information about climbing Peaks of Otter that may be useful to other climbers. The Appalachian Trail (Section 75) is located on the Peaks of Otter topo map. Peaks of Otter - Sharp Top Mountain SHARP TOP MOUNTAIN "You can can never feel the real power of mountains until you start climbing their summits" - Mehmet Muran ildan. News. An easy 1-mile trail through woodland forests and an open field, looping around beautiful Abbott Lake. Blue Ridge Parkway Peaks of Otter Trails SHARP TOP TRAIL 811/ National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior HILL 70 1.6 (LOOP) JOHNSON 1.6 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Department of the Interior - 43 00 0 ó0NY CREEK TO 70 0 > 70 Photos of Peaks of Otter Recreation Area - 6. Pet Friendly Abbott Lake Trail. Note: This trip was originally scheduled for June 1-3, but postponed due to weather. Hiking & Walking Trails. On the banks of the lake lies the Peaks of Otter Lodge, the setting of which is truly spectacular (and exceptionally photogenic). Escape the bustle and experience an amazing hiking and camping trip. Flat Top Trail The trailhead is located to the right of the building. This route leads to the most modest of the Peaks of Otter. These can be done as separate hikes or combined to make a hike of 9.8 miles. Sharp Top Store (MP 85.9) Sharp Top Mountain Trail. Set on the Peaks of Otter Lake, this scenic, pared-down hotel is a 6-minute walk from Johnson's Orchards and 11 miles from the town of Bedford. Easy camping near Peaks of Otter? The old family homestead Elmo’s Rest is the perfect place to start your marital journey. Park at the Peaks of Otter Nature Center (which is now closed). Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzard’s Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. From the Peaks of Otter Campground, Virginia, a visitor can easily explore the iconic mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. From the Peaks of Otter Campground, Virginia, a visitor can easily explore the iconic mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Peaks of Otter Lodge (MP 85.4) ****Johnson Farm Trail and ***Abbott Lake Loop Trail. View Details. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Trail Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return. At the visitor center you can get trail advice and maps and also join ranger led activities. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. It consists of three mountain peaks centered on man-made Abbott Lake in the small valley between them. Johnson Farm Trail Peaks of Otter - 10.40 Miles - From Don and Angela’s Cabin/Rt.43 @ 1441.1 To Wilson Creek Shelter - Day 142 was a good day after my cabin stop with Donny and Angela. It's a segment of the Fallingwater - Flat Top National Recreation Trail. Bedford, VA 24523. On the banks of the lake lies the Peaks of Otter Lodge, the setting of which is truly spectacular (and exceptionally photogenic). Directions: The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is located at Milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trailhead is located to the right of the building. Trail head begins at Peaks Visitor Center. Sharp Top Store (MP 85.9) Sharp Top Mountain Trail. The Peaks of Otter Recreation Area is a popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway and fortunately it is open all winter because VA-43 follows the parkway south of the junction for 5 miles. Experienced hikers/trail runners might rate this as moderate; others would probably say it's demanding. A spur path near the summit leads to Balance Rock, an immense boulder balanced on a small rock. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. The Peaks of Otter is one of the most iconic views in central and south Virginia. Beginning at the north end of the visitor center parking area, the trail leads 1.1 miles to the Johnson Farm, originally built in the 1850s. The Peaks of Otter place has a special place in my heart, since this was where my family would often visit for a picnic. 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. Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360° view at the top. Peaks of Otter is formed by three mountains with Abbott Lake in the center valley - Sharp Top Mountain (3,875 feet), Flat Top Mountain (4,001 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,372 feet). Living history demonstrations are presented on a seasonal basis. View Details. Harkening Hill is a less crowded option, especially than the popular Sharp Top. The park also conducts various wildlife and outdoor programs throughout the tourist season. The least difficult of these trails, is a one-mile loop around Abbott Lake. Sunday, June 23, 2013. The 24-acre lake features a one-mile loop trail, and is stocked with smallmouth bass, catfish, golden shiners, sunfish, and blue gill. You will cross over a paved bus road soon after beginning the hike. Some shorter trails explore the area around Peaks of Otter Lodge, located at the base of the peaks. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sleeping and Eating: Peaks of Otter Lodge: This historic lodge offers 63 rooms, a full-service restaurant, and lounge.The lodge is typically open from spring to late fall, as well as weekends in the winter. Thank you for signing up for email alerts! This short hike will get you winded soon, so be sure to pace yourself as you ascend up several series of steps made out of rocks. The 1-mile loop around the lake was easy and very … Recreation Additional Information: There are multiple hiking trails, including the popular trails to the summits to Sharp Top Mountain and Flat Top Mountain. Peaks of Otter Trails SHARP TOP TRAIL 811/ National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior HILL 70 1.6 (LOOP) JOHNSON 1.6 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Department of the Interior - 43 00 0 ó0NY CREEK TO 70 0 > 70 . Hiking Abbott Lake Our hike around Abbott Lake with Peaks of Otter Lodge in the background. Yes, and it's free! Bedford, VA. How to find us. Hiking Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! Download the Peaks of Otter trails map. Of course, these trails all require significant amounts of climbing. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. A nice, often-forgotten or ignored trail at the Peaks of Otter. Astronomy Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! We visited Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway once before and climbed Flat Top Mountain. Just past Peaks of Otter, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I do recommend you drive to the bottom and hike UP to the falls. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit). The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Peaks of Otter, as … There are many photo opportunities on your drive to Sharp Top, so be sure to have your camera ready. Retrace your steps to return to the Visitor Center for lunch/bathroom break or take a … The primary activity at Peaks of Otter is hiking. 28803. Still, the views and scenic overlooks are well worth it. There are multiple trails in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area for all fitness levels but we decided to tackle the 2 toughest: Sharp Topand Flat Top. Nearly every visitor will find a hiking trail at Peaks of Otter to suit their desires and abilities. We had lost power during the ear Add Your Photos. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! Unfortunately this trail is not along this stretch, so if you’re hiking in the winter the parkway might be closed beyond Abbott Lake. The low-key rooms feature coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs (no cell-phone service); most also have lake or mountain views. The Peaks of Otter and Sharp Top aren’t hard to find – just follow these directions. Begins behind the visitor center and across from the amphitheater. Escape the bustle and experience an amazing hiking and camping trip. Be the first to submit your climbing note! Peaks of Otter hiking trails Virginia is located on milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. View Details. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also available at the lodge (and in Bedford) and there is a bar in the lodge. Behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge is Abbott Lake, named for Stanley William Abbott, the Parkway’s first resident landscape architect and planner. The Fallingwater Cascades Trail is located at Milepost 83 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, three miles north of the Peaks of Otter. The well-established trail leads along a pretty trail with some decent views along the way. View Details. A moderate 3.3-mile trail that leads to an elevation of 3,375 feet. Was designated with Fallingwater Cascades trail as a continuous National Recreation Trail in April 1982. The Pinnacle and Cross Rock are names given to such formations. Experiencing this mountain cascade is well worth the effort. They drove me back to the trail after we stopped to get coffee at a small country store. Join with me on a hiking tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the State Parks of North Carolina . You can see them for miles and the most fun is when you arrive ready for a hike. Park at the Peaks of Otter Nature Center (which is now closed). The summit offers an impressive 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area, The Piedmont to the East, and the Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny Valley Mountains to the west. The Johnson Farm Trail is a loop that takes visitors past a restored mid-1800s farm. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd But starting there adds an extra .6-mile, round trip, to that hike. Follow. It is a moderately strenuous trail and is self-guiding with written displays describing the forest community. The Otter Creek Campground is about 25 miles from Peaks of Otter at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 60.8. Kelly J. Mihalcoe photo Visitors to Peaks of Otter follow a long-standing tradition of tourism. Apr 18, 2012 - We had heard of Peaks of Otter for years but had never visited it. The Peaks of Otter TRACK Trail follows the Abbott Lake Trail for an easy 1-mile loop around the lake, and then the Johnson Farm Trail for a 1.8-mile loop that passes through Johnson Farm - a mountain farmstead that exists today as it did in the 1850's. 85554 Blue Ridge Parkway. Stone staircases were sporadically placed for the last half mile, but I'm not really sure why. Harkening Hill Trail A gain of just under 1000 feet from the parking lot makes it a decent hike still, and it's not for the faint of heart even if it is the smallest! There are multiple trails in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area for all fitness levels but we decided to tackle the 2 toughest: Sharp Topand Flat Top. Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails (MP 85.9) Trailhead or access point to a dozen hiking trails. Alright, been driving up to PoA, Lynchburg, and Roanoke area a bunch from NC this fall to do some AM hiking and finally working up my nerve to giving camping a shot....but it sounds like the big campgrounds are closed for the season. Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails, not only along the Parkway, but also in Virginia. 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. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Hiking the Peaks. (TRACK trail). A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 4.4 hours in one direction and in 4.7 hours in the opposite direction. Johnson Farm Loop portion is more traveled than the Harkening Hill part. Peaks of Otter Lodge: Hiking - See 1,165 traveler reviews, 607 candid photos, and great deals for Peaks of Otter Lodge at Tripadvisor. These can be done as separate hikes or combined to make a hike of 9.8 miles. It’s not uncommon to see deer feeding alongside the road, and they are usually more … The summit offers an impressive 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area, the Piedmont to the east, and the Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny mountains to the west. Let us be part of your enchanted story. Warnings. There are multiple trails in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area for all fitness levels but we decided to tackle the 2 toughest: Sharp Topand Flat Top. Peaks of Otter Picnic Area (MP 85.9) ***Abbott Lake Loop Trail and Flat Top Mountain Trail. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Peaks of Otter, as … The 24-acre lake features a one-mile loop trail, and is stocked with smallmouth bass, catfish, golden shiners, sunfish, and blue gill. Flat Top rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. Just taken with my phone. Southeast Topo Map: Peaks of Otter, VA KML Custom Maps AT074T.kmz is a free KML custom map of the Appalachian Trail (Section 74) that you can download and view in Google Maps®, Google Earth® and Garmin® handheld GPS devices including the eTrex®, Colorado and Montana series. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. This isn't where the actually trail begins, so you can either drive to the "overflow" parking past the first Lodge parking, walk past the Polly Woods Ordinary site on the paved path/road, OR 2) come in from VA-43 and park closer to the actual trailhead. This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. Jan 23, 2013 - We had heard of Peaks of Otter for years but had never visited it. Peaks of Otter Picnic Area (MP 85.9) ***Abbott Lake Loop Trail and Flat Top Mountain Trail. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. Visit the Peaks of Otter Lodge website to see available dates and book reservations online (you can also call 866-387-9905). Peaks of Otter Lodge A loop trail, approximately two miles long, which follows a section of the Harkening Hill loop trail. Once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia, this 2.5 hour hike is one that will leave you speechless at the top. Is there an Appalachian trail map? Harkening Hill is a less crowded option, especially than the popular Sharp Top. The National Park Service offers a campground, picnic area, camp store, rest rooms, visitor center and a restored mountain farm that are usually opened from May to the end of October. The Peaks of Otter TRACK Trail follows the Abbott Lake Trail for an easy 1-mile loop around the lake, and then the Johnson Farm Trail for a 1.8-mile loop that passes through Johnson Farm - a mountain farmstead that exists today as it did in the 1850's. So much beauty, so little time! For a leisurely walk, allow one hour. A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. Bedford, VA 24523. Apr 27, 2014 - We had heard of Peaks of Otter for years but had never visited it. Flat Top Mountain via the Abbot Lake Trail is located in the beautiful Peaks of Otter area in Bedford, Virginia. The view from Milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Partway is dominated by three imposing mountain peaks: Flat Top, Sharp Top and Harkening Hill. Peaks of Otter Climbing Notes. Peaks of Otter - Milepost 85.6 Sharp Top Mountain, named for its pointy summit, looms over historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake. If you stop at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (MP 85.9) a .3-mile connector trail leads to the start of the Johnson Farm Loop Trail. I hiked Harkening Hill on a cold February day with a friend, 3.3 miles, moderate difficulty, thick leaves covered the trail. © 2020 DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc. Trail is ADA Accessible.This is also a kid-friendly TRACK trail. Peaks of Otter Standing guard over the lush woodland forests that engulf the famed Blue Ridge Parkway are the three Peaks of Otter: Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. These can be done as separate hikes or combined to make a hike of 9.8 miles. This moderately difficult loop trail is approximately 1.7 miles. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. Peaks of Otter hiking trails Virginia is located on milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. 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