Trail Info

TRAIL DISTANCE: 3.5 Miles
TRAIL HEAD / DIRECTIONS : route 43. sharp top lot
TRAIL TYPE: In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:   Strenuous (4)
TRAIL PARKING: 40 spaces
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes, ages 8+

You will love:  Beautiful rolling mountain scenery accented with a picturesque lake , camping and hikes a plenty. This is a perennial top 5 summit view in the state of Virginia
You need to know:​ Winter should be approached with caution for high winds, weather and accumulating precipitation. Camping available as well.

Need to pack

• 2 water bottle
• ​Lunch or trails bars and Light Snacks
• hiking shoes OR hiking boots
• bug spray (summer)

Extras

Southern VA Trail Finder

The Experience

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A personal favorite ! First the area, known as Peaks of Otter located off the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best weekend getaways in Virginia. The area is rich with activities such as hiking , fishing and camping. speaking of which, the Peaks of Otter campground with 80 camp sites that include campfire rings, lantern pole and a picnic table and  first world comforts of flushable toilets and drinkable water serves a perfect home base.
  Back to the hike, this 3.5 mile round trip quad burner is a fun trek up to one of the absolute finest summit views in Virginia.  the elevation gain is quick and ruthless of over 1,400 ft. via a single-track cocktail of stone, dirt and leaf material. Along the route there are small outcrops for teaser views just enough to keep you going to the top. The summit is a series rock outcrops encasing a stone cottage and showcasing robust views of the valley below. The rock outcrops are fun to hop and climb to find a private spot for lunch, snack or just sun soaking in the views. To return to your car or camp site, retrace your steps back down.

HIKE ON!