June 6th, 2022: The Best Hike of the Three Peaks of Otter
Most of me and my husband’s favorite hikes we did in Virginia are located in the Shenandoah National Park. However, there is the Jefferson National Forest which is home to one of our top 5 favorite hikes in Virginia – Sharp Top Mountain. Sharp Top is very popular and is known as the best hike of the three Peaks of Otter.
The trail to the summit of Sharp Top is a little over 3 miles long and is considered a “strenuous” hike. I do remember there being lots and lots of stairs to reach the summit so I could attest to this rating for the average hiker. Also, a fun bonus to Sharp Top is that the trail splits towards the top in which one trail (the main trail) goes to Sharp Top and the other goes to Buzzard’s Roost. I’ll talk more about that later (*spoiler* it’s the reason this trail is our favorite).
The hike up to Sharp Top was a steep climb but nothing too crazy. Like I said above, just a bunch of steps. Before reaching the top, you will see a sign that says, “Sharp Top” towards the left ⬅️ and “Buzzard’s Roost” towards right ➡️. I had never heard of Buzzard’s Roost until we got there. The distance to hike to Buzzard’s Roost from that point was super short (600 feet) so we thought we would veer off and find out what this Roost was all about. Let’s just say, we were FAR from disappointed!
To get to the top of Buzzard’s Roost (after hiking for a short distance), you have to rock scramble up these big boulders. It was a short scramble but so much fun! And the views at the top were breathtaking! Also, I get why they call it “Buzzard’s Roost”. There were like a dozen or more Buzzards circling that area. They don’t bother you or come close to you but they’re there.
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We sat at the top and soaked in all the beauty of nature. Plus, we had the little place to ourselves, so it made it more special. If you are ever hiking up to Sharp Top, please PLEASE take the time to check out Buzzard’s Roost. You will not be disappointed. Just be careful of course. There are no guard rails while you are standing on the summit (basically a big boulder but definitely not enough room for a bunch of people. So, take turns and be safe).
After checking out good ole’ Buzzard’s Roost, we made our way back to the main trail and finished up the hike to reach Sharp Top summit. First thing you’ll see when you reach the top is a shelter made of stone. You can’t camp in it, but you can explore inside of it if you like.
Next, you’ll see a sign that talks about how Sharp Top used to be considered the highest peak in Virginia, but that is not the case anymore. As you keep climbing the stairs (yes more stairs), you’ll eventually get to various lookout platforms where you can (once again) soak up the beauty of nature. Once you’re done ✨soaking✨, then you’ll retrace your steps back down to the start of the trail.
We had the best time hiking up Sharp Top along with a surprise from Buzzard’s Roost. I think Buzzard’s Roost was my favorite part because 1) I was not expecting this to be there, 2) my husband and I were the only 2 up there (we don’t like crowds), and 3) the 360-degree views were spectacular! The 360-degree views on top of Sharp Top were just as spectacular as well!
Our Rating of Sharp Top & Buzzard’s Roost
We give this trail a SOLID 10/10!
What we liked: beautiful 360-degree views from both summits; little rock scramble to Buzzard’s Roost; well-marked and well-maintained trail; challenging, fun trail; stone shelter (looks cool but no camping); nice viewing platforms at Sharp Top summit.
What we didn’t like: it’s a very popular trail and can become quite crowded, but the day we went there was hardly anyone else there! It was perfect sooo there wasn’t anything we didn’t like 😊
