Do you enjoy hiking up mountains to summits with beautiful views? If you answered yes, then add Sharp Top to your hiking bucket list! Not only does this hike lead you to the summit of Sharp Top, but there is also an extra surprise summit near the top called Buzzard’s Roost. Out of the three Peaks of Otter, Sharp Top is by far our favorite!
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.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road that takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains starting from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and ending in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The drive along the Parkway includes scenic overlooks, beautiful landscapes with diverse plants and wildlife, and amazing hikes.
Since the Blue Ridge Parkway is located at higher elevation, it can experience frequent closures during the winter. Sometimes closures happen in the spring and fall as well. Stay up to date on road closures along the Parkway here.
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
Sharp Top Trail
Location: Sharp Top Mountain is located within Jefferson National Forest in Bedford, Virginia.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 3 miles (plus 1,200 feet to/from Buzzard’s Roost) with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2.5 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, rocks, and lots of steps.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
How to Get to the Trailhead
Sharp Top Trailhead is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 86. The parking area is pretty big, but due to this trail’s popularity, it can fill up fast! I recommend getting there as early as possible.
Put this address in Google maps: Sharp Top Mountain Trailhead, Sheep Creek Rd, Bedford, VA 24523
Trail Directions
At the Sharp Top Parking area, you will see a sign to the left of the “Sharp Top Store” which is where the trail begins. Follow the signs and trail markers on the Sharp Top trail. You will encounter many steps along the way! But don’t be discouraged, you can do it! Take breaks, drink plenty of water, and take your time.
As you make your way up the mountain, you will come to a sign that reads “⬅️ Sharp Top 1,900 feet & ➡️ Buzzard’s Roost 600 feet”.
You can go either way first, but I definitely recommend going to both spots. Buzzard’s Roost requires a bit of rock scrambling so be careful! Continue towards Sharp Top to find awesome viewing platforms with a stone shelter (no camping allowed though). Find a spot to sit and enjoy the 360-degree views.
Next, make your way to Buzzard’s Roost where you will climb up and around huge boulders to reach the top. This was personally my favorite spot to enjoy the 360-degree views and soak in all the nature. You’ll see lots of Buzzards flying around – it is called Buzzard’s Roost for a reason! Don’t worry, they won’t bother you.
Retrace your steps back down the mountain to the parking lot then give yourself a pat on the back.
Congrats, you made it! 🥳
We hiked this trail on June 6th, 2022 and wrote a blog post about our personal experience. Sharp Top is our favorite hike of the Peaks of Otter! Interested in reading Our Adventure Journal post about hiking to Sharp Top and Buzzard’s Roost??
Shuttle Bus Option
This hike isn’t for everyone and that’s ok! It is considered hard to strenuous depending on your fitness level. However, many people still want to be able to enjoy the views from Sharp Top’s summit. Luckily, there is a shuttle bus option that takes out most of the hike!
There are two options: round-trip up and down the mountain OR one-way if you still want to do a little bit of hiking. The Shuttle Bus runs at certain times each day and comes with a price. It takes you most of the way up the mountain then stops a short distance away from the top in which you will have to hike the rest of the way (only 0.25 miles). Find out more information at their website here.
Watch Sunrise from Sharp Top Summit
Sharp Top Mountain is the perfect spot to watch sunrise (or sunset). We have watched sunrise from the summit one time before and it was quite crowded at the top! There were a lot of people watching the most beautiful thing take place. It was a wonderful experience, and we highly recommend making the trek up in the dark (with a group for extra safety) to watch sunrise from the summit of Sharp Top.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
We Vlogged Our Experience!
Hike More at the Peaks of Otter
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