Peaks of Otter - Sharp Top Mountain SHARP TOP MOUNTAIN "You can can never feel the real power of mountains until you start climbing their summits" - Mehmet Muran ildan. 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 . Join with me on a hiking tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the State Parks of North Carolina . 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-43 and park closer to the actual trailhead. 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. Sharp Top is the shorter of the two summit hikes and the most popular (and crowded); but even at 3.6 miles the elevation gain is quite steep and the workout is strenuous. There are multiple trails in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area for all fitness levels but we decided to tackle the 2 toughest: Sharp Topand Flat Top. 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. Sleeping and Eating: Peaks of Otter Lodge: This historic lodge offers 63 rooms, a full-service restaurant, and lounge.The lodge is typically open from spring to late fall, as well as weekends in the winter. The Peaks of Otter Recreation Area is a popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway and fortunately it is open all winter because VA-43 follows the parkway south of the junction for 5 miles. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Peaks of Otter, as … Bedford, VA. How to find us. The Johnson Farm Trail is a loop that takes visitors past a restored mid-1800s farm. 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.These peaks are Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill.. Manmade Abbott Lake lies in the valley between the three peaks, behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant. Because fewer feet tread this trail, you'll likely find it to be in better shape than others in the area. Apr 27, 2014 - We had heard of Peaks of Otter for years but had never visited it. The trail takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake. Bedford, VA 24523. Concession-operated bus service (one-way or round trip) to within one quarter mile of the top is available seasonally. Visit the Peaks of Otter Lodge website to see available dates and book reservations online (you can also call 866-387-9905). Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Enjoy the varied instruments, styles, and sounds of live Blue Ridge Mountain music select weekends. Peaks of Otter Lodge (MP 85.4) ****Johnson Farm Trail and ***Abbott Lake Loop Trail. Details. Just taken with my phone. It boasts thousands of fruit trees, grape vines, creeks, ponds and majestic views. 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.. 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.. The well-established trail leads along a pretty trail with some decent views along the way. Alright, been driving up to PoA, Lynchburg, and Roanoke area a bunch from NC this fall to do some AM hiking and finally working up my nerve to giving camping a shot....but it sounds like the big campgrounds are closed for the season. The trailhead is located to the right of the building. Kids can even earn prizes for tracking their adventures through the Kids in Parks Program! Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails (MP 85.9) Trailhead or access point to a dozen hiking trails. You will cross over a paved bus road soon after beginning the hike. Follow. There is no drinking water available on the summit, so carry plenty with you. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also available at the lodge (and in Bedford) and there is a bar in the lodge. Add Your Photos. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit. Peaks of Otter . Of course, these trails all require significant amounts of climbing. 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