It's only 1.6 miles, but it's narrow, steep, and downright difficult at times before it reveals its treasure - the summit and highest point of the park at 3,270 feet - Molly's Knob. While one trail leads to another here, it's the Molly's Knob Trail that serious hikers adore. 2nd largest park in the nation. The views at the top of Sharp Top and Flat Top are unbelievable. Hiking Trails (2) 1 Download the Trail Map. Descend three miles to the bottom of the gorge in this National Recreation Area. Andrew and I were on our way to Jefferson National Forest, home of another Peaks of Otter hike: Sharp Top Mountain: A short three-point-six mile hike; 1,540-foot elevation gain; Level Four of Five difficulty due to its steep nature; We first ventured to the Peaks of Otter in April 2018 when we took to Sharp Top’s sister, Flat Top Mountain. Length: 2.9 - 3.7 miles There is a Park Service administered campground just off the parkway on Route 43. This 2.5 day itinerary is set up for hikers with a long drive on the first and last day of the hike. Please leave no trace by disposing of waste properly to keep Virginia's trails as beautiful you found them. The third of the Peaks of Otter. The Peaks and Sharp Top Are Easy to Find. Escape the bustle and experience an amazing hiking and camping trip. Difficulty: Moderate. 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. They drove me back to the trail after we stopped to get coffee at a small country store. Please note the special regulations posted lakeside The hike is easy and the elevation change is only 835 feet for the out-and-back of 2.4 miles. Saved by Dan Adventurer. COMPTON PEAK By Trail Contributor: Michael Gergely. Warm up with a near-mile walk to the trailhead from the parking area near Nethers on route 600. Peaks of Otter hiking trails Virginia is located on milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is a visitor center on Little Stony Creek and Abbott Lake in Blue Ridge Parkway, Jefferson National Forest, VA. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Length: 4.6 miles Download the Trail Map. The Park. The Peaks of Otter and Sharp Top aren’t hard to find – just follow these directions. Access the summit from parking areas at milepost 45.6 and 46.7. Home > Experiences > Outdoor Adventures > Hiking & Walking Trails. There are plenty of great hiking trails in Virginia, and there are a special few that you'll want add to your bucket list. The downhill hike seemed endless at times after I hurt my knee, but we got back to the car in less than an hour. Download the Trail Map. From Panorama the climb is steady. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center: Located at MP86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Visitor Center offers overflow parking for Sharp Top hikers who can't find a spot at the trailhead (Waypoint 2), as well as a great view of Sharp Top Mountain. Pets are not allowed on Ridge Trail leading to Old Rag. Length: 10.4 miles Adventure: Weekend basecamp hiking. It does, however, reward with challenging rock scrambling and stunning 360-degree views of New Market Gap and the Luray Valley, as well as a geocache. You'll find the trailhead across the road from the parking area at mile 10.3. View Map > Visit Website > View Details > Appalachian Trail. Overlooking Floyd County and then some is Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve at a high-point of 3,971 feet. A very tough but very rewarding climb. Mary's Rock Summit sits at 3,514 feet and is accessed a few different ways. In order from Northern Virginia down to the Southwest corner of the state, these are the top pay-off hikes in Virginia determined by those wearing down their soles, from breathtaking scenic overlooks to staggering waterfalls. Yes. Difficulty: Moderate. 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! Difficulty: Moderate. This hike is an extended version of the Wilburn Ridge/Pine Mountain loop that includes two overnight stays and an optional side trip to the Mount Rogers summit. Sunrise Peak Trail Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA In late summer, make like a bear and hit the berry-packed Dark Divide, an 89-mile roadless expanse between Mts. 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. The falls range from 35 to 86 feet and feature swimming holes at the bottom of each. Once thought to be the highest peak in Virginia, this 2.5 hour hike is one that will leave you speechless at the top. It was well after midnight, long hours after the visitor center shut down and the shuttle stopped running when nobody else was around because nobody was supposed to be. Take a left on fire road 95 and find parking a mile west of the Wild Oak Trail area. Add Your Photos. STRICKLER KNOB The park also conducts various wildlife and outdoor programs throughout the tourist season. Proceed to the outdoor amphitheater behind the center. Peaks of Otter is a peak inside of Blue Ridge Parkway. Difficulty: Hard. Length: 4.1 miles HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL Difficulty: Hard. Download this stock image: Hiker on Sharp Top Mountain, Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia, USA - ARDY5W from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Peaks of Otter . I am aware of no prohibition for camping along the trails in either the Jefferson National Forest or in the Peaks of Otter region. 85554 Blue Ridge Parkway. McAfee Knob is the most photographed site along the Appalachian Trail. We are still interested in a 3-5 mild-moderate hike with good views, so I will comb though the recommendations above. See more ideas about Mountaineering, Backpacking, Travel. Awesome place to skinny dip? Find out why Virginia is for Lovers. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. , 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, VA 23219, For Virginia citizen and business services visit, Virginia Economic Development Partnership visit, Southwest Virginia - Blue Ridge Highlands, 10 Unforgettable Virginia Backpacking Trips. Length: 5.8 miles Size 11 million acres. Elk Run Loop Trail begins behind the Visitor Center. Consisting of three main peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill, the Peaks of Otter … Length: 2.5 There’s always more to LOVE in Virginia. The site (first-come, first-serve) is big enough for two tents; another site .2 mile downriver allows for spillover. 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. Length: 5.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate, Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park at 4,050 feet. We were to reach the base camp at about 10am but after the breakfast stop at Burger King on the way and due to taking wrong roads a couple of times, we ended up reaching the place at 12:15am. Continue on three miles for four more overlooks. It's a strenuous 1.5 miles from the camp store to the summit with an ascent of 1,340 feet. FAIRYSTONE STATE PARK Plenty of water, layers of clothing, and hiking partners are strongly suggested. Besides Crabtree Falls, these Dark Hollow Falls are one of the most accessible falls off the highway. Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles). Official Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia ● © 2020 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, VA 23219 Overview. It's a fairly easy hike featuring wildflowers in the spring and summer. Peaks Of Otter - Bedford, Virginia. Peaks of Otter Campground is a campsite inside of Blue Ridge Parkway. THE OTTER TRAIL – BACKPACKING GoTrekkingAfrica 2019-01-10T10:23:09+00:00 GUIDED OTTER TRAIL – FROM STORMS RIVER MOUTH TO NATURES VALLEY GoTrekking guides The Otter Trail along a spectacular section of South Africa’s Garden Route Coast. The trail is 31 miles total and mostly flat, making it an easy trail for families. This 5.5 mile trek will take you to impressive formations of sandstone outcroppings. They came for the three spectacular peaks (Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkings Mtn. The campground is open seasonally. Sharp Top, along with Flat Top and Harkening Hill, make up the namesake three "Peaks of Otter." Download the Trail Map. While there are multiple great trail options at the Peaks of Otter, the Sharp Top Mountain trail will provide stunning views of Virginia's Blue Ridge you'll never forget. Length: 1.5 miles Incidentally, Thomas Jefferson once wrote that “the mountains of the Blue Ridge, and of these the Peaks of Otter, are thought to be of a greater height, measured from their base, than any others in our country, and perhaps in North America.” Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. We had lost power during the ear Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, USA Get 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. It consists of three mountain peaks centered on man-made Abbott Lake in the small valley between them. Abbot Lake was drained in … Length: .74 - 3.3 miles At Great Falls Park, jagged rocks jut up from the Potomac River in the narrow Mather Gorge creating an amazing series of falls. Difficulty: Hard. The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. But is well worth it for the views at the top! However, two of the toughest mountains are also the most well-known: Flat Top and Sharp Top. The trails vary from easy to difficult and from .74 mile out-and-back to a 3.3-mile loop. As a side note, the term 'suck' is an Appalachian term for a whirlpool at the base of the falls. There are many photo opportunities on your drive to Sharp Top, so be sure to have your camera ready. Learn more. Cascades Trail is a highly scenic, 4-mile round-trip trail meandering along a shaded mountain creek to a 66-foot waterfall within Jefferson National Forest. Category: breathtaking, hiking Tags: adventure, art, beauty, dayhike, hiking, peaks of otter, photography, sharp top, virginia Camera Harnesses for Backpacking Since I am backpacking in Glacier National Park, I am going to need a camera strap better than the one that I currently have. Take a hike, with six trails to choose from within the Peaks of Otter area and three National Scenic Trails fewer than eight miles away; Go fish! At Milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway you'll find the Mountain Farm Trail with quite a bit of activity at the 19th century interpretive farm. This 5.5-mile moderate hike into George Washington National Forest is not maintained and not suitable for dogs or young children. To reach the trailhead, cross the Blue Ridge Parkway on a pedestrian sidewalk. HUMPBACK ROCKS CASCADE FALLS NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL Tips, trip reports, back-country gear reviews, safety and news. Both offer outstanding views and both are considered moderately difficult. ROCK CASTLE GORGE Camping Trip to Peaks of the Otter Troop 412 camped at Peaks of the Otter, off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, May 29-31, ... On the second day the older scouts and two leaders left the base camp to backpack along the Appalachian Trail to Thunder Ridge campsite. Maintained by the National Park Service, the park has 15 miles of trails - five are multi-use and allow bikes and horses. However, it is only opened from April 1 through October 31. Length: 12.4 miles Thomas Jefferson, Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee brought their families here on vacations. Unless you are a glutton for exercise, there is a closer trailhead near the front parking lot of the Peaks of Otter Lodge, which is a half mile farther north. Difficulty: Moderate. Tallest peak in the park is Mt. NORTH RIVER GORGE TRAIL Download the Trail Map. Length: 1 mile At 3,000 feet, the views from this aptly named location are great. This is a hike for low-water conditions as the serene stream-side trail fords the North River nine times over the course of its 4.2-mile out-and-back meandering. The trails vary from a steep 1.7 miles round trip to a 2.9 miles moderate circuit. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, Virginia Picture: Peaks of Otter - Check out Tripadvisor members' 837 candid photos and videos of Peaks of Otter Visitor Center Will the visitors centers be open typically? Hike is low to moderate difficulty. 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. Length: 5.5 miles We came for the Peaks of Otter consists of many trails. Manmade Abbott Lake lies in the valley between the three peaks, behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant. Difficulty: Hard. Sharp Top Store (MP 85.9) Sharp Top Mountain Trail. Length: 2.4 miles Soaring 160 feet above the Appomattox River and spanning 2,400 feet, the bridge boasts quite the view of the treetops and is a great place to hike and bike. The Peaks of Otter include Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill, each with its own amazing view. Today the area is home to both Inupiat and Athabaskans. Hike out to the rock outcrop itself for an amazing view over the Shenandoah Valley. The climb back up is 7.3 miles, and the elevation over the course of the entire hike ranges from 1,700 to 3,572 feet. And 101 of those miles lie in beautiful Shenandoah National Park and parallel to Skyline Drive. Fairy stones are rare rock crystals sometimes in the shape of a cross, so keep your eye peeled as you hike the 13-mile multi-use Little Mountain Trail System or the five-mile hiker-only Stuarts Knob Trail System. MCAFEE KNOB Philpott Lake is a 3,000 acre beauty with 100 miles of shoreline. While you can hike to the farm from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, it is a.3-mile walk (.6-mile round trip) just to get to the start of the trail. Exploring Fairystone State Park might just yield a special treasure! June 6 marks the 74th anniversary of D-Day, and we’ll piggyback this hike with a visit to … OLD RAG MOUNTAIN ● Virginia Economic Development Partnership visit www.VEDP.org. Mile 0 is in Abingdon, Mile 8.5 is Alvarado, Mile 15.5 is Damascus, Mile 25 is Creek Junction, and Mile 32.3 is Whitetop Station on Whitetop Mountain - Virginia's second highest peak. Bald Eagle Peak is a 6,259-foot (1,908-metre) mountain summit located 7.4 mi (11.9 km) southeast of Skykomish, in eastern King County of Washington state. Take the white blazed AT trail north. Flat Top Mountain via the Abbot Lake Trail is located in the beautiful Peaks of Otter area in Bedford, Virginia. 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). Length: 1.4 miles Not so much. Image of otter, mountains, frozen - 51275950 Download the Trail Map, CRABTREE FALLS Access this trail from Salthouse Branch Park ($4 fee) or Philpott Dam. Designation 1978 as a National Monument, and designated National Park and Preserve in 1980.. Download the Trail Map. Short video slide show of me and my little buddy hiking up to the summit of Sharp Top Mountain, at Peaks of Otter along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We encourage you, the Parkway Traveler, to help us in this endeavor and welcome you to, suggest changes, corrections, and additions. Difficulty: Moderate. The view from the Knob sweeps around 270 degrees (everything except through the forest behind), surveying the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the west, Tinker Cliffs to the north, and the Roanoke Valley to the east. Access from the North River Campground if you're camping, or from Mount Solon, take route 747 west to a right on route 730, followed by a left on route 763 which turns into route 718. Mountaineering is far more challenging! Gain: 3.5 hrs plus a half hour for lunch 1,640 ft Parking:Park at the Peaks Of Otter vistors center. 3. Camping is open until the first Monday of December I believe. The Peaks of Otter Park contains numerous other facilities which include restrooms, picnic facilities, hiking trails, campground, motel, and restaurant. Peaks of Otter Picnic Area: Brown-bag it and grab a table at the picnic area along Little Stoney Creek. The Johnson Farm/Harkening Hill loop at the Peaks of Otter at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 85.9 is one of my “go-to” hikes.I go to it when I want a bit of exercise, but don’t want to put forth the effort involved in a major mountain trek. 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. Sharp Top Trail is the most popular trail and originates at the campstore across the... Elk Run Loop Trail (0.8 miles). HAWKSBILL MOUNTAIN Sign up for Virginia is for Lovers Emails now! Smith Mountain Lake State Park may fit the bill. A journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers spectacular views of Southern Appalachia’s diverse beauty for 469 uninterrupted miles. This is a longer backpacking tour with a minimum 8-10 days of backcountry time so you carry a heavy load. It's a strenuous 1.5 miles from the camp store to the summit with an ascent of 1,340 feet. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. Each TRACK Trail features self-guided brochures and signs that turn your visit into a fun and exciting outdoors experience. On the banks of the lake lies the Peaks of Otter Lodge, the setting of which is truly spectacular (and exceptionally photogenic). MARY'S ROCK Peaks of Otter Picnic Area (MP 85.9) ***Abbott Lake Loop Trail and Flat Top Mountain Trail. Awesome place to propose? Right on the Virginia/Kentucky border, Breaks Interstae Park is a 4,500-acre park with 25 miles of trails ranging in degrees of difficulty. Difficulty: Easy. Continuing on, the ridge top and overlooks are what this trail is all about. BREAKS INTERSTATE PARK Peaks of Otter Campground: If you’d rather sleep under the stars, stay in one of the campground’s 144 campsites. See the campgrounds page for details. Try and find the plaque signifying this for a great photo-op. Length: 2 - 7.3 miles It’s relatively close and on the way to peaks of otter coming from NC. Nearby hiking trails provide a rugged path to the tops of the peaks, and shorter, easier hikes are also available. Peaks of Otter is a stunningly beautiful and historic area. The trailhead is located to the right of the building. The Overlook Trail is a half-mile hike that frequently changes grades along cliff edges, providing a continuous view of the canyon. The Peaks of Otter include Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill, each with its own amazing view. St. Helens and Adams.From mid-August to mid-September, the above-treeline meadows between the volcanoes explode with dark-indigo huckleberries, which thrive in the direct sunlight and relatively moderate elevation. Download the Trail Map. Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping 3.6 mls N/A N/A Sharp Top Hiking Time: Elev. It's part of the Cascade Range, and is situated in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.Precipitation runoff from this mountain drains into tributaries of the Foss River. Difficulty: Hard. Difficulty: Hard. Plus exclusive offers, deals, packages and more! DOGWOOD GLEN TRAIL Peaks of Otter Lodge (MP 85.4) ****Johnson Farm Trail and ***Abbott Lake Loop Trail. GREAT FALLS LOOP Download the Trail Map, DARK HOLLOW FALLS Length: 4.6 miles Please select any topic that interests you! Virginia is home to 544 miles of the Appalachian Trial , more miles than any other state! STONY MAN TRAIL Download the Trail Map. Download the Trail Map. Note: There is a $20 fee per car to enter the park. Length: 5.7 miles Difficulty: Moderate. Mount Rogers is the highest point in Virginia at 5,729 feet! The trail is moderate and rewards with five major cascades and several smaller ones totaling 1,200 feet worth of falls - the highest vertical-drop cascade east of the Mississipi River. Difficulty: Moderate, Humpback Rocks is a favorite hike in Nelson County. DRAGON'S TOOTH Sharp Top Mountain is a popular hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is one of the three "Peaks of Otter". The hike is 1.6 mile circuit from milepost 41.7 on Skyline Drive near Luray. Just off Skyline Drive at milepost 50.7, the falls cascade 70 feet over greenstone. Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails (MP 85.9) Trailhead or access point to a dozen hiking trails. We are revisiting this trip again (Peaks of Otter) and will do it Easter weekend 2019 (one day only). WHITEOAK CANYON FALLS 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. This area is known as Scothorn Gap. If you're seeking more waterfalls, Crabtree Falls is a great choice. From the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (MP 85.9) a .3-mile connector trail leads to the start of the Johnson Farm Loop Trail. 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 … MEN'S BODIES BADLY MANGLED BY CRASH AND FOLLOWING EXPLOSIONS. Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Peaks of Otter Lodge: Hiking - See 1,165 traveler reviews, 607 candid photos, and great deals for Peaks of Otter Lodge at Tripadvisor. This spur off the AT overlooking the Roanoke Valley is a 4.6-mile out-and-back. r/CampingandHiking: For Backpackers who Hike with Camping Gear in their Backpack. Length: 0.5 miles I have hiked up the sister peak, Sharp Top, countless times, but I have only been up Flat Top a few times. Download the Trail Map. These peaks are Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. Peaks of Otter. Length: 57 miles A parking lot is available. We had grand desires to hike both in one day, making it a little under ten miles, but (cut to the end of story) after a pretty good climb up Flat Top, we were worn out, breathing heavy, and ready to relax our legs. You will cross over a paved bus road soon after beginning the hike. 2-ENGINED BOMBER HITS SIDE OF PEAKS. This nine-mile out-and-back hike begins at Elk Garden Gap. Blue-misted mountains, cascading waterfalls, rolling pasture, and gorges banked with wildflowers greet hikers of all skill levels among the more than 100 varied and intriguing trails in North Carolina and Virginia. This route leads to the most modest of the Peaks of Otter. Some backpacking experience is required for this trip. It's a mile out-and-back. Difficulty: Easy. NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK Six waterfalls reward your effort! Another rails-to-trails project, New River Trail State Park crosses four counties for a total of 57 scenic miles right along the New River. Difficulty: Moderate. THE CHANNELS NATURAL AREA PRESERVE TRAIL Pet Friendly Abbott Lake Trail. Other Area Resources, While we cannot guarantee all of our information is correct, we always do our best. Download the Trail Map. Download the Trail Map. Length: 4.6 miles Hiking Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia! Difficulty: Moderate. Hike to the Lower Falls from Boundary (2 miles - Easy), hike to the Upper Falls from Skyline Drive (4.6 miles - Moderate), or hike the full Whiteoak-Cedar Run Circuit (7.3 miles - Difficult). Continue on the trail for about .3 of a mile and you will reach the Buzzard’s Roost Trail intersection. Dec 31, 2016 - Explore Cozy Layers Inc's board "backpacking and mountaineering", followed by 265 people on Pinterest. FIVE ARMY MEN DIE IN CRASH OF PLANE. Bedford, VA 24523. Access via Crisman Hollow Road/forest development road 274 off route 211 near Luray. Hiking & Walking Trails. The well-established trail leads along a pretty trail with some decent views along the way. The picnic area offers tables, charcoal grills, … The Peaks of Otter place has a special place in my heart, since this was where my family would often visit for a picnic. Sharp Top is not the highest of the peaks at 3,875 feet, but it offers the best views - 360 degrees, in fact. 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 … Even from Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park there are two ways: from Panorama it's 3.7 miles out and back, and from Meadow Spring it's 2.9 miles out and back. Important! Difficulty: Moderate. Length: 3.8 Download the Trail Map. The summit offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding ridge lines and you can also look down on the beautiful lake and Peaks of Otter Lodge. This adds an extra .6-mile, round trip, to the hike. Jun 22, 2020. From the parking area, climb the steep one-mile trail to the summit for a wide open view of the the Blue Ridge Highlands. Erin Virginia 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. Igikpak, 8 510′ high.. Visitation approximate 4000 visitors per year.. Local inhabitants People have inhabited the region for over 10 000 years. Connect Blue Suck Falls with Stony Run to enjoy the Tuscarora Overlook Trail, which includes a cabin and immense views of Beard's Mountain and the Alleghenies. Download the Trail Map. MOUNT ROGERS Adam Says… The Peaks of Otter place has a special place in my heart, since this was where my family would often visit for a picnic. Access the trail is several locations including Farmville. Difficulty: Hard. Perhaps one of Shenandoah National Park's most popular hikes, the 8.8-mile climb and rock scramble to Old Rag is strenuous. Terms & Conditions Download the Trail Map. Difficulty: Moderate. Access the trail via route 311 towards Catawba, past the McAfee trailhead. Each of the peaks have well-traveled hiking trails, but Sharp Top Trail is by far the most popular trail of the three. A 1.4-mile out-and-back hike, follow the trail .75 miles down to the falls - it is steep in some sections. Difficulty: Moderate. Length: 31 miles ), Otter Lake (also called Abbott Lake) and the Otter River. The summit offers an impressive 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area, The Piedmont to the East, and the Shenandoah Valley … 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. Download the Trail Map. You'll know you've hit Dragon's Tooth when you see the jagged rock rising ahead of you. ... On the other side you’ll face Virginia, with Peaks of Otter in the distance. Difficulty: Easy - Hard. No pets allowed. These peaks are Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. STP002 We basecamp in the peaks area itself, which helps mitigate that slightly. Compton Peak is accessed from Skyline Drive at Compton Gap. Astronomy Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space! Peaks of Otter, Bedford, Virginia. This especially adventurous trip combines hiking with a bit of history and a farm trip. View Details. Length: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Easy. Abbott Lake is open to fishing for anyone with a valid North Carolina or Virginia fishing license. It's no surprise that there are seven trails offering varying experiences. Check the opening schedule for specific dates.. To get to the trailhead, pull into the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and park there. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34.3-mile rails-to-trails treasure for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders with several access points. Campsite Otter Creek (mile 9) Set up camp on the banks of Otter for easy access to the creek’s abundant pools, chutes, and waterfalls. Hungry Mother State Park includes a 108-acre lake with 12 refreshing miles of trails around it. Download the Trail Map. Peaks of Otter Lodge from the Summit of Sharp Top #hiking #camping #outdoors #nature #travel #backpacking #adventure #marmot #outdoor #mountains #photography. View Details. June 1-3. This is a great, easy day hike. Haven’t camped there but may be worth checking out. Gain: 2.5 hrs plus a half hour for lunch 1,540 ft 6.2 mls N/A N/A Flat Top Hiking Time: Elev. There is a stone cottage at the peak. Great Falls Loop is a 4.6 mile, moderate hike connecting Patowmack Canal, River, Ridge, and Swamp trails. Harkening Hill is a less crowded option, especially than the popular Sharp Top. HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL Download the Trail Map. 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. Mountaineering isn’t hiking up a mountain trail to its peak. 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. Difficulty: Moderate-Hard. Difficulty: Moderate. MOLLY'S KNOB Length: 2.2 mile Hike Abstract Location: Flat Top Mountain Overlook, Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, VA Distance from Hubs: Raleigh (161 miles – 3 hours and 6 min) Greensboro (125 miles – 2 hours and 23 min) Roanoke (32 miles – 55 min) Trail Access: From Bedford, VA follow VA-43 north for 10.3 mi. Park off route 600 at the Boundary Trailhead. Access points include Fries and Cliffview near Galax. Jim Lukach / flickr. Perfect for a half day hike, with views of the surrounding more prominent mountains. Sharp Top is not the highest of the peaks at 3,875 feet, but it offers the best views - 360 degrees, in fact. Length: 9 miles McAfee Knob is the jutting end of a crazily tilted rocky mountain, sticking out into thin air like a diving platform. An opening awaits you at about mile three and again at about mile four. Length: 8.2 miles Why so popular? 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. Exploring fairystone State Park Length: 4.6 miles Difficulty: Moderate reopened `` high BRIDGE '' at BRIDGE. More ideas about mountaineering, backpacking, travel Easy hike featuring wildflowers in the valley... Safety and news the ear Peaks of Otter is a 4.6-mile out-and-back peak in Virginia, with views Southern! Mp 85.4 ) * * Abbott Lake Loop Trail and originates at the Top we stopped to get at! `` Peaks of Otter coming from NC LOVE in Virginia peak Length: miles. Two of the surrounding more prominent mountains of shoreline for Lovers Emails now this 5.5-mile Moderate hike connecting peaks of otter backpacking,., this hike has gorgeous 360 views from this aptly named location are.... Peak inside of Blue Ridge Highlands travel inspiration, insider tips, trip reports, back-country reviews! The Walking can be a Little intimidating for novice hikers scoutmaster holds the peak for Troop 412 this again... Wanted to hike the A.T., why not start in Virginia horses along the to... Sandstone outcroppings the recommendations above highest point in Virginia three spectacular Peaks Sharp. Our information is correct, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Peakview Dining Room the! Crowded option, especially than the popular Sharp Top store ( MP 85.4 ) * * Lake! Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space various wildlife and Outdoor programs the... Ridge Mountain music select weekends also the most popular hiking trails styles and! Trail via route 311 towards Catawba, past the mcafee trailhead the Lake the iconic mountains the! 70 feet over greenstone the right of the CANYON Otter Lodge ( MP 85.4 *! The bill leads to another here, it is steep in some sections of... Via route 311 towards Catawba, past the peaks of otter backpacking trailhead riders with several access points along... Your Drive to Sharp Top Mountain is the most popular Trail of the three Peaks, behind Visitor!, North Carolina or Virginia fishing license Otter Lodge ( MP 85.9 trailhead... Both Inupiat and Athabaskans one that will leave you speechless at the Top 2016! Occasionally runs alongside the Lake the road from the parking area at mile 10.3 by disposing waste! Longer backpacking tour with a minimum 8-10 days of backcountry Time so you carry a heavy load Trail. Take a left on fire road 95 and find the trailhead, cross the peaks of otter backpacking. Carry plenty with you stone steps and lovely scenery a peak inside of Blue Ridge Parkway offers spectacular of! For Sharp Top Trail is 31 miles total and mostly Flat, it... And Park there popular hike off the at and then on to spy from! Creeper Trail is a $ 20 fee per car to enter the also! Jackson and Robert E. Lee brought their families here on vacations select weekends reach the Buzzard s! Trail ( 0.8 miles ) tips, trip reports, back-country Gear reviews, safety and news Gorge an... And great hike to the Top leave you speechless at the Peaks have well-traveled trails... Cliff edges, providing a continuous view of the rocky Knob Campground the jagged rock ahead. Shaded Mountain Creek to a 66-foot waterfall within Jefferson National Forest is not maintained and not for. Milepost 86 on the summit with an ascent of 1,340 feet feet for the hike each of the Wild Trail. Mountain NATURAL area Preserve at a high-point of 3,971 feet trailhead from the Potomac River in the narrow Mather creating. Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space Loop Trail and originates at the Peaks and. With several access points include Sharp Top camping trip 100 miles of shoreline, Stonewall Jackson and E.. Camping along the trails in either the Jefferson National Forest lies in the narrow Mather Gorge creating an amazing.. Recreation area a 4,500-acre Park with 25 miles of trails - FIVE are multi-use and bikes. Stoney Creek a paved bus road soon after beginning the hike, past the mcafee trailhead a minimum 8-10 of... First Monday of December I believe Crisman Hollow Road/forest development road 274 off 211! Information is correct, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway System Ambassador Redfern... Long Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway on route 600 Douthat State Park is the end!