- Highlights: rocky summit, views, fall foliage, rocky summit
- Distance: 2.8 mile out and back
- Elevation change: 1,200 feet
- Difficulty level: Moderate/Difficult
- Trailhead Parking: Blue Ridge Parkway, mile post 85
- Website: National Park Service
- Beer Pairings: Parkway Brewing : Get Bent IPA & Ravens Roost baltic porter
The Hike:
This is a great Blue Ridge Parkway hike. It’s a short hike but has a major elevation gain. This is a popular hike as it is located close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and has fantastic views from the summit. On busy weekends during the summer, you will definitely have plenty of company on this hike. The trail is well marked and easy to follow.
The hike begins near the Peaks of Otter Country Store. The trail is well marked, but it is rocky and steep in many places. Stone steps and switchbacks help as you climb to the summit. There is an optional junction to the right at about 1 mile for a lookout at Buzzard’s Roost. Continue to the summit for great views of Abbot Lake, Peaks of Otter Lodge, and the valley below. Just to the right of Abbott Lake is Flat Top Mountain. Flat Top’s elevation is 4,004 feet, about 150 feet higher than Sharp Top. We will make a post on our Flat Top hike soon. There is a stone shelter at the rocky summit. Retrace your steps and return to your vehicle.
Hike Photos:
Click on an image below for an enlarged view.
Beer Pairing:
This hike is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, so a beer from Parkway Brewing in Roanoke is a perfect compliment. Get Bent Mountain IPA is a West Coast style IPA hopped with Cascade, Columbus and Cluster hops. It has favors of citrus and pine balanced by bready malts and score a respectable 67 IBUs. Ravens Roost is a robust porter with notes of chocolate, caramel and toffee. One great hike and two great beers. Life is good.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe and be responsible.