Visit Website > View Details > Elk Run Loop Trail. To get to the trailhead, pull into the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and park there. The trail is un-blazed but is well worn. Note: Visitors Center closed today due to gov't shutdown and Parkway access from north might be restricted as well. Yes, this trail is also known as Appalachian Trail. There are lots of switch backs on this part of the trail with the final leg being quite straight to the Parking area. 1-2 water bottle hike. Behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge is Abbott Lake, named for Stanley William Abbott, the Parkway’s first resident landscape architect and planner. 85554 Blue Ridge Parkway. sergei@visitbedford.com, Botetcourt County Chamber of Commerce They drove me back to the trail after we stopped to get coffee at a small country store. Sharp Top is the most famous hike with its spectacular 360° view at the top. This is Sharp Top Mountain; picture taken from the Peaks of Otter Lodge. I was very mistaken. Visit Website > View Details > Falling Creek Park. Important! Take plenty of water and some light weight snacks. A little confusing if you follow the directions it takes you to the Just after crossing Route 43 there is an intersection on the left that leads to the Lake Trail. There are multiple trails in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area for all fitness levels but we decided to tackle the 2 toughest: Sharp Top and Flat Top. 877.453.9822 No real mud to speak of. We did this as a sunrise hike this morning--what a great hike! 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. There is a stone cottage at the peak. Blue Ridge Parkway – Peaks of Otter Trails. To save time and effort, park at the lower lot (near the road) of the Peaks of Otter Lodge, which is just a half mile north of the Visitor Center. I'm glad I did. This loop offers venues that are all within sight of the Peaks of Otter, named for the three peaks at the headwaters of the Big Otter River. It's not about rushing to the destination, it's enjoying the trail as well. You can access the trail at two locations. A very little bit of ice along the way with the major challenge simply being exposure at the top. 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 Astronomy Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! Continue on the trail ignoring the next intersection, bear to the right at the next one heading across the earthen dam of Abbot Lake. I dispise climbing down stairs. Retrace your steps to return to the Visitor Center for lunch/bathroom break or take a … Abbot Lake was drained in … MPO01: James River Heritage Trail at Percival’s Island Natural Area, MPO03: Blackwater Creek Natural Area and Hiking Trails, MPO11: Claytor Nature Study Center of Lynchburg College, MPO11A: Johnson’s Orchards-Peaks of Otter Winery, Greater Lynchburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber of Comerce, Lexington-Rockbridge County Visitor Center, © 2020 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. 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. Still, the views and scenic overlooks are well worth it. We were able to find the B25 but out of respect to the airmen who died we will not publish directions/coordinates to the wreck site. However, we both really really enjoyed ourselves and the view from Sharp Top is so very worth it. I took my time, stopped every 30-40 feet and totally enjoyed every moment. We're both 31 and in reasonable shape. In another 0.6 miles you will come to the spur trail on the right for the Flat Top peak and some great views towards Bedford and the Bedford reservoir. Sharp Top is very popular and can get quite crowded due to its’ proximity to the Lodge and the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). 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). So if you are in shape or pace yourself this is a beautiful and fun trail to hike, the summit offers spectacular views. Continuation Route: From the Spur Trail take a right onto the Flat Top Trail, staying on the trail to the Flat Top Parking Area. We ran into a gentleman the day before our adventure up Sharp Top. The first half was accomplished using flashlights to avoid the various rocks and roots along the way. From the Peaks of Otter Campground, Virginia, a visitor can easily explore the iconic mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. 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. info@lynchburgchamber.org, COVID-19 & the VBWT: Be Safe While Outdoors. DGIF encourages you to be safe while outdoors. In contrast, you will probably run into very few hikers on Flat Top. Stay on the sidewalk and the trail head is to the left of the Camp Store. 540.463.5375 Retrace your steps to return to the Visitor Center for lunch/bathroom break or take a … Once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia, this 2.5 hour hike is one that will leave you speechless at the top. If a site is still open, maintain CDC social distancing guidelines while enjoying the outdoors. chamber@lexroclchamber.com, Lexington-Rockbridge County Visitor Center Beautiful. The start of this trail begins around mile marker 83.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, north of the Peaks of Otter Lodge. I run a few miles on the treadmill every day and he weightlifts. Perfect for a half day hike, with views of the surrounding more prominent mountains. He showed us a small plastic container behind a tree and under a rock behind the Polly Woods cabin to record our information and leave a message for others. This is a loop that is sure to satisfy every wildlife-watching aspiration in the mountain region of Virginia, including views of the James River, stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway, historical sites, and large areas of neotropical breeding grounds. This loop offers venues that are all within sight of the Peaks of Otter, named for the three peaks at the headwaters of the Big Otter River. But is well worth it for the views at the top! The place is closed in the winter so there are no bathrooms or privy...at least I could not find one. We had lost power during the ear lexingtontourismdirector@rockbridge.net, Lynchburg Regional Chamber Spectacular views! What is the length of the Appalachian Trail (Section 74)?. The length of the trail is 10.2 miles (16.4 km) or 22,660 steps.. How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail (Section 74)?. The other engine is nearly 500 feet further down the mountain. This is what remains of the right wing. Neither is as dramatic as the Flat Top peak but they are good. There are a couple more overlooks, one called The Pinnacle and one called Cross Rock. MEN'S BODIES BADLY MANGLED BY CRASH AND FOLLOWING EXPLOSIONS. Proceed to the outdoor amphitheater behind the center. 1257 County Farm Rd. This would be a great place to spend the weekend either at the Lodge or the nearby Campground. The 24-acre lake features a one-mile loop trail, and is stocked with smallmouth bass, catfish, golden shiners, sunfish, and blue gill. Other than that, the Sharp Top adventure was very exciting to experience. The views at the top of Sharp Top and Flat Top are unbelievable. Passing the crowded parking lot at the trail head, we were forced to park at the nearby Cascade lot thus extending the hike … We will be back. You will pass through thickets of Mountain Laurel that will be absolutely beautiful when they bloom in the Spring. The view from the top is well worth it and the view from Buzzard Rocks was pretty good as well. Overall, a great way to spend part of the day and relax. If you dislike stairs and want to see the view, take the bus from the lodge to the top (in season). Be advised that some sites, even if still open, may have certain public facilities closed during this time. He said that if we go to the Buzzards Roost trail, just a few feet inside the beginning of the spur to the left there was a little deer trail and if you follow it, you will find the plane wreckage from a B-25. Harkening Hill is a less crowded option, especially than the popular Sharp Top. The primary activity at Peaks of Otter is hiking. FIVE ARMY MEN DIE IN CRASH OF PLANE. And more on deck when I returned to the parking area. Pretty darn amazing!!! On the banks of the lake lies the Peaks of Otter Lodge, the setting of which is truly spectacular (and exceptionally photogenic). We started the sharp top hike around 10:50 and it was quite solitary. FAQ Is this trail known by any other names? Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce If you know your WW2 history, Bedford lost 19 young men during the 1st phase of the D-Day landings in Normandy, more than any other city in the U.S.A. of a comparable size. It's a pretty view, but there are better payoffs that aren't as crowded and don't have any stairs. Escape the bustle and experience an amazing hiking and camping trip. We met a few groups on the way down that were only a 1/4 of the way to the top and hiking the easiest part and were already taking breaks and asked us if they were halfway there. They are short, but sweet, and by sweet I mean tough, about as tough mile for mile as you'll find anywhere in the state. Tough workout with great payoffs on both mountains. 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. I live close-by and head over to the Peaks whenever I fancy a quick workout. office@amherstvachamber.com, Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce 434.936.0990 This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health. 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. There are three main peaks; Flat Top, Sharp Top, and Harkening Hill in order from highest peak altitude to lowest peak altitude. Views are magnificent though and definitely a must do for anyone hiking in the mid-Atlantic. of Tourism Go about 0.1 miles and take a left crossing Route 43 again heading towards the lake. Intense elevation and many, many stairs. 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. bcchamber@cablenet-va.net, Bedford City & Couty Dept. Bedford, VA 24523. My wife was gracious enough to meet me at the Flat Top parking area after hiking Sharp Top earlier in the day. Cathy standing by the remains of one of the engines. We eyeballed each other, and he (or she) proceeded to scoop out lunch out of a tree stump. We stayed at the Lodge on our vacation and were very intrigued by the possibilities for adventure. You will use this route later if you decide to do the Flat Top hike. Below: The trailhead sign; The Sharp Top bus takes riders close to the summit and is a great option for those not physically able to do the full hike; The trail starts off smooth and gentle – things soon change! Flat Top Hike: From the Visitor Center cross back across the BRP and then Route 43 taking a left at the intersection with the sign to the Lake Trail. Inside the Peaks of Otter lodge. I saw them mentioned in the review, but I thought there were just a few. This was a hard trail. 53 year old, pack a day smoker. Information regarding closures is typically posted on a site's own website. These can be done as separate hikes or combined to make a hike of 9.8 miles. News. Might be closed more going forward so check Parkway website for info. Bear left and go about 0.2 miles to the top (we did not go to Buzzard’s Roost but it is supposed to also have good views). A D-Day Memorial was established in 2001 in Bedford to commemorate this sacrifice. 434.845.5966 This link has additional information about the Peaks of Otter area and about halfway down has an interesting story about a WW2 B25 Mitchell Bomber that crashed into Sharp Top Mountain in 1943. Bedford, Virginia --Five men of the armed forces, four lieutenants and one corporal, met instant death Tuesday night a little before 10 o'clock when a twin-engined army plane crashed into the Peaks of Otter on the southwest slope of … There is a parking lot on the eastern side and you will see a brown sign denoting the beginning of the Flat Top 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! Of particular interest to nature enthusiasts may be Warbler Road, known as a great migrant “trap”, as well as breeding habitat for songbirds, or the Peaks of Otter, which is home to the endemic Peaks of Otter salamander. Beginning of the trail after we stopped to get to the Peaks of Otter Visitor was. If you are in shape or pace yourself this is the most modest of the most famous with. As the Flat Top peak but they are good too bad but there are a couple overlooks. 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