Flat Top Mountain is an amazing hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is one of three other peaks known as the Peaks of Otter. This peak compared to the other ones is special because it is the tallest, sitting at 4,001 feet, and also it comes with more solitude. Its sister mountains (Sharp Top and Harkening Hill) get a lot more attention than Flat Top does, but that’s okay! We love hiking trails that are less popular.
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Peaks of Otter
The Peaks of Otter is famous for three mountain peaks that lie within the Blue Ridge Mountains. These peaks include Harkening Hill, Flat Top, and Sharp Top (the most popular). In the area, there is the Peaks of Otter Lodge, Peaks of Otter Picnic Area, and Peaks of Otter campground along with 6 hiking trails. There is also a really nice shuttle bus that takes you to six different spots.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Flat Top Trail from Peaks of Otter Picnic Area
Location: Flat Top is located within the Jefferson National Forest in Bedford, Virginia.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,600 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2 to 3.5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Hard to strenuous depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail has dirt and lots of rocks.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
How to Get to the Trailhead
Flat Top Mountain is located in Bedford, Virginia. The trailhead for this hike is located at the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area. The parking area is pretty big. Front row parking right at the trailhead may fill up quick, but thankfully you have plenty of other options nearby.
Put this address in Google maps: Peaks of Otter Picnic Area, Peaks Rd, Bedford, VA 24523
OR
This address works too: Fallingwater – Flat Top Trail Head, Bedford, VA 24523
There is also parking available at the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Recreation Area. If you were to park in any of those parking lots, you would have to walk down a paved path passed the Lodge and Abbott Lake. Follow signs for the Picnic Area in order to reach the trailhead to Flat Top Mountain.
We parked at the Recreation Area the first time we hiked Flat Top because that’s what AllTrails told us. Nothing wrong with parking there! You just have to walk a little bit further.
It’s good to know where to actual trailhead parking is located because on a very busy summer’s day, the lodge/recreation area parking lots can fill up fast!
Trail Directions
The trail directions for this hike are easy to follow. Starting from the trailhead at Peaks of Otter Picnic Area, follow the Flat Top Trail. It will be a fairly steep uphill climb to reach the top. Take your time and drink plenty of water along the way.
You will see a “false summit” or two before reaching the actual peak of Flat Top. Keep going until you reach a sign that says “Summit – Flat Top Mt. – Elev 4,001 ft”.
From the sign you won’t be able to see any views. But there are a few rocky outcrops that you can scramble up onto to see some stunning views.
Once you’re ready to leave, simply retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Alternate Route
There is another route that begins on the opposite side of Flat Top Mountain. This is about a 5.5 mile out-and-back hike with 1,700 feet of elevation gain. This one is rated as strenuous. Apparently, this is the more popular route. My husband and I had no idea this route even existed until I had done more research for this blog post. 😅
The trailhead and parking area are located at mile marker 83 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a small parking lot, so get there early if you can! There is another mountain peak along the way called The Pinnacle. I’ve read the views are way better from Flat Top than The Pinnacle.
So, I guess you have a choice between a 4 mile out-and-back hike with 1,600 feet of elevation gain vs. a 5.5 mile out-and-back hike with 1,700 feet of elevation gain. Both rated as hard to strenuous depending on fitness level. If you have access to transportation at the other end of Flat Top Trail, you could simply do a one-way hike from one trailhead to the other. That would be about a 5-mile hike if you went that route.
We Vlogged Our Experience!
Hike More at the Peaks of Otter
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