Peaks of Otter Visitor Center Reviews

This hike falls into the high moderate range for two relatively fit 50-somethings. It is a steep hike with lots of up, up, up. Some of the trails are on the soft forest floor. But, most of the hike either on rocks or uneven stone steps. As we were climbing up, several hikers who were on the way down said, "we looked like you on the way up." Was that supposed to make us feel better? haha. We saw lots of younger kids and lots of flip flops on the trail. I would recommend neither. Several of the kids were pretty miserable and this is definitely a "proper footwear" trail.

The Sharp Top trail holds tightly to its treasures until the very end. As you get closer the summit, you can see that the light gets brighter through the trees. You know you HAVE to be close. As you climb the last set of stairs, the summit delivers incredible 360 views - well worth the work. Plan to stay for a little while, have some lunch or a snack. Savor every moment. The Shenandoah Valley is gorgeous and the other Peaks stand there, posing for pictures.

One final note: Be SURE to get clear directions to the trail head. We had two different locals give us wrong directions and there's no cell reception for GPS.

If no TV, internet & limited cell phone service is your thing, this is the place for you. Pay phone in Lodge. I visit the Peaks of Otter a couple times of year, mostly hiking with my dog on a leash. Trails range from stenuous (Sharp Top) to easy (Abbott Lake Loop). Sharp Top shuttle bus runs extended hours in the Fall. Lodge area is gorgeous. Rooms/Restaurant look out on the lake/reflecting pool for Sharp Top mountain. Deer, particularly at twilight, after dark they come right up to the lodge to graze. Access road from Bedford is kept open year 'round, except right after a serious storm. Have seen the lake frozen over/snow covered, cold, peaceful,and beautiful to the max.

If your able this is the way to go especially with young kids. The bus is fun and the driver was super interactive. He would show us where bears usually hangout. Spectacular driver seriously that road is small with shear cliffs on one side. It is a short but rocky hike from the bus to the top. View...out of this world. We decided to hike back down. It’s hard no joke but it was fun. We did it with 4 adults and 4 children (9, 6, 3, 1). Younger two in hiking packs.

We stumbled across POO when travelling from DC to the south. We wanted to grab something to eat at lunchtime, so we grabbed sandwiches from the cafe at the lodge hotel and restaurant. They were perfectly decent. The restaurant was a bit pricey, or we would've eaten there, but it was beyond that day's budget. However, we were well filled for our walk around the lake - so peaceful, loads of beautiful butterflies and deer too! Kids enjoyed getting some fresh air even though the littlest didn't fancy a walk at first. Very manageable - you can do more challenging walks up to the Peaks if you are feeling energetic!

Great place to stop off and admire the views and maybe eat lunch.
Staff are a little quirky but maybe that was because it was out of season.

This is a National Park, with a campground and a lodge with a ski-area feel and great dining. We are going back this weekend. We bring our dog and stay in the fabulously retro Inn which has doors that open right up to the lawn overlooking the lake. The hike up Sharp Top tends to be crowded, but the trail winds steeply up the mountain, so you don't notice how many people are on the trail with you.

I think this is a hike that a lot of people just do without researching. It is a strenuous hike...for real. It took my friend and I 2.5 hours to hike up and back with maybe 30 minutes at the top. The view up top is worth it though. There is a shuttle that will take you to the top and back, if you can't make the hike. There are only one or two scenic points along the trail before the summit - there are some nice rock formations though. The leaves on Oct. 14th were still mostly green.

Our group split in half to get to the top of sharp top- half hiked it (2adults+kids ages 6,7,8), half rode the bus (2 adults+kid age 10). Both had a great time. We hiked around the lake and loved watching families play and picnic around the lake and down the stream. The kids loved stomping in the ankle- deep water. Camping in the campground was primitive, but very nice. The ranger was over the top friendly and helpful! All around a great weekend! Worth the 750 mile drive!

First trip time trip to Virginia and one of the places that we visited is Peaks of Otter. It was just a day trip and we only managed to visit the Lake area and did not manage to do the hiking trails. However, the view of the Peak is beautiful from the lake. The place is so tranquil and serene.
The grounds are disable friendly and good for picnics and relaxing.
There is a gift shop and Lodge Restaurant there and also rooms for rent.

A fully handicapped accessible path around the Peaks of Otter Lake (maybe it's a pond?) perfect for a leisurely stroll. My husband and I were visiting our daughter in Lynchburg and she took us to this site. Very pretty and peaceful.

If you want a quiet getaway whether it be for a weekend or a week The Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia is the place to go. There are no TV's or cell phone service there, WONDERFUL! You can hike the trails or climb the peaks it's a 1.5 mile hike or take the bus to the top for the most beautiful panorama of views of anywhere on the parkway. reasonably priced and a great restuarant in the lodge with a view of the lake. The rooms all have a patio or balcony on the lake with the mountain right behind it. If you like nature this is the place!

Beautiful lakes and views !!. The ride up on the Park Way was awesome! . They offer buffet style dinner or menu items . On Fridays there is a special price for over night stay with Prime Rib and seafood buffet with breakfast the next morning . Lighted path ways at night make for a nice walk around the grounds

This hike is one for my record books. It was very strenuous, up hill, & treaturous at times climbing up rocks. But at 3785 feet, you see such a glorious 360° view of the Blue Ridge. Absolutely breathtaking!

If this lodge were anywhere else, I would give it 3 stars. Because it's sitting next to Abbott Lake, overlooking Peaks of Otter, I upgraded it to four. The staff was very friendly and the lodge is beautifully designed with views of the lake. The accommodations reminded us of a cross between a 1960s motel (which it is) and summer camp, complete with cinder block walls, window air conditioning, and dual entrances, one to the parking lot, the other to the lake. The rooms felt damp, but given the location and the humid Virginia summer it's to be expected. We got a large room with a king bed which was extremely comfortable! The room was clean and appeared to be recently freshened up with new paint. Loved the retro tile in the bathroom. Had trouble getting the wifi signal, but keep trying. It will connect. Needed to call home when we arrived. They weren't kidding about no cell phone service! (Actually quite lovely!). There is a phone at the reservation desk that folks can use to call home. I felt the room rates are high, given the quality of the room itself, but when you wake up to views like this, that all melts away.

When we arrived, we had dinner at the lodge dining room. The food was average and I felt very overpriced. Again, you're paying for the views. Our waitress was friendly, but spent more time hiding in the kitchen than serving our dinner. I had the trout which was lightly battered and fried. Very overdone, but the fresh veggies were delicious! My husband enjoyed the fried chicken which was very moist and nuclear hot!

All in all, a nice layover on the Blue Ridge Parkway!

We stayed for one night, and we were not disappointed. We expected a rustic hotel. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. We saw many deer around the lake, and at night the fireflies were amazing to see! We went up Sharp Top, the view is worth the climb!

We always enjoy stopping in at the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway when traveling from Texas to Washington, DC. The Lodge is comfortable with a beautiful setting on the lake and the fall color just magnifies the ambiance this time of year. There's a lovely walking path around the lake and we've seen the otters out playing in the morning every time we have visited. I'm sure we'll be back.

Unlike some of the reviewers this is listed as just the peaks. Not the restaurant. Not the hotel. Which might I add is in the mountains to the one who complains of cell phone reception. 😧

Anyhow for a traveler/backpacker/hiking loving/out doorsy this is a must see spot. The views are a necessity especially up the trails. There are 3 to choose from with different levels of burn in the thighs. Technically 4 but I don't count the path around the lake like some do. All are pretty in there own way and I can't knock a single one.

You owe it to yourself to enjoy the outdoors. To breathe in fresh air and get the exercise your body craves. Please visit this beautiful piece of nature. It's truly one of my favorite spots.

Two great hikes starting in the Peaks of Otter area. The most well-traveled is the Sharp Top trail. It is 1.5 miles up. Up, UP. It is a steep hike but the trail is extremely well-maintained. The view at the top is worth every step of the journey. We made the hike up in 45 minutes at a good clip. A slower moving group could do it in under an hour and a half. At the top, there is a tower of sorts built on the peak with a low wall. This allows a safe 360 view. It can be quite windy so even if you are warm on the hike, you may want a windbreaker if you stay at the peak long.

The other hike is the neighboring mountain that is slightly taller- Flat Top. The hike is about 5 miles round trip. Since it is longer, the ascent is more gradual. The trail winds around the peak but there is no break in the trees to admire the view.

The Peaks of Otter is a nice and relaxing place to visit with a rustic lodge/restaurant/gift shop. Take a stroll around the Lake after a meal or just relax on the patio outside your Lodge room. You can take a bus ride up to Sharp Top Mountain or make the climb yourself! Lots of wild life in the area and just a relaxing place to is visit!

My family and I hiked this trail Valentine's weekend. Bitter cold and plenty of wind. This was the best hike I have ever done!! and I live and hike in the Adirondacks of New York. Any spot that was steep or rocky had man made steps to climb. There were a number of flat or nearly flat walking distances for a good breath catch. I am in my 50's and out of shape, but still found this to be a nice easy hike. The steps at the steep parts made all the difference. We came down the bus road in order to get back to warmth as quickly as possible. The view is 360 degrees with a number of great views on the way up. Probably wouldn't see much of a view until the summit during the foliage seasons though.

Bring hiking shoes, water bottle, maps, binoculars. Gorgeous views. Terrific hiking trails - some strenuous. Breathtaking area.

As soon as you pull in the parking lot, you relax! It is such a laid back place with lots of trials to explore. Rooms are nice with great views of the pond.
Only stayed one evening and would definitely go back to enjoy a longer stay.
Loved how they gave the option of the screen doors to keep open but with still keeping privacy.

A pleasant stop while driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. The walk around the lake (1 mile) is pretty and easy; some of it paved and the rest easy walking through the woods. The Johnson Farm Loop is an easy 1.8 mile loop with self-guided signs and brochures. There are other terrific hikes; moderate to strenuous. Sharp Top Trail has an incredible 360 degree view! We didn't have time to do this; but, there are astronomy programs as well with Greg Redfern, an adjunct professor/instructor of astronomy since 1984 and a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador. My sister-in-law has been to these and really enjoyed them. We also had lunch in the lodge restaurant which was very good.

Located at milepost 85.6 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We visited in late May so the weather was changeable. Best time is early morning as it can get pretty hot. We decided to take advantage of the bus to the top parking lot. The 1st bust leaves the visitor center at 10am and we were fortunate and only had 4 other couples with us and of the same age group. One of the highlights was seeing a Momma Bear and her cub cross the road in from to the bus. The driver stopped and allowed us to take pictures from withing the bus. The hike from the bus stop to the top is not to strenuous even when recovering from a broken leg and in our 60's. Take your time, wear good shoes and bring some water. There is a 360 degree view from the top and since it was early in the day, we had clear skies with just a slight haze.

This is a moderate hike that has impressive views of the cascades and the forest. We went to the right and the trail made a steady descent down rocky steps to the cascade where a bridge crossed the creek. The trail follows the edge of the creek and continues down to an area where your feet will get wet when you cross the creek again, this time over stepping stones. The path meanders upward through the forest which were blooming with columbines and violets when we were there. The 1.6 mile loop us a little over one hour. Hiking boots are recommended.

I live about 40 minutes from this trail and I try to go up every couple of weeks. I'm an older hiker in reasonable shape, and it takes me 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top. I've met older hikers and very young ones along the way, it's mostly a matter of pacing yourself. Take a breather when you need to, the summit is well worth it! A clear sunny day is fine, but I've been up there when there are clouds, and it's stunning. Note: this trail is very crowded on summer weekends, sometimes it's as though you are walking in a line, not hiking! If it's not possible for you to avoid the weekend, I suggest you start at dawn, seriously. Bring plenty of water, this is a strenuous hike with no water sources. At the top there is a stone hut, in case you get caught in bad weather. For some reason, when the wind is calm at the summit, there are tons of flies, so you might want to bring bug spray if you want to linger up there. In the summer, there is also the option of a shuttle. That makes the great views at the top accessible for those who can't make the hike. You can even take it only one of the ways, if you wish. Just be sure and pick up your tickets from the visitor center right across the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can access this trail several ways: parking is available at the base of the trailhead; you can park at the visitor center and walk across the Parkway; or you can walk over from the Peaks of Otter campground. There are restrooms at the trailhead and the visitor center, but ONLY during the summer! There are restrooms available at the Peaks of Otter Lodge the rest of the year.

Hiked this with our 4 kids (10, 8, 6, 4) and they did great. It took us about an hour to get to the top, not rushing. It was challenging for the little ones but they made it! Bring plenty of water, there are no water sources on the trail. We saw deer, a turkey, a black snake, many different butterflies, and a black bear! It was a great day! We packed our lunch and ate at the top enjoying the views.

THIS was a surprise on a rest stop,they had a very nice restaurant and gift shop even a motel a path around a large lake a nice area to sit by lake will worth the time to stop and look around.

Traveled down the Blue Ridge Parkway and stayed the night at this Peaks of Otter Lodge. First and foremost the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most splendid highways in America...and I have driven them all. Our drive was in the fall at the peak of autumn leaves(October). Unfortunately the Peaks of Otter Lodge does not match the magnificence of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We were traveling with a dog so the room we received was a "dog" room facing Abbott Lake(and the island within). The room was okay, reasonably clean, but sadly outdated. Forget the internet and cell phone because neither work very well, if at all, in these rooms. Also , I would not recommend showering in the bathroom as ours was none too clean. That said, the location is exceptional with plenty of trails to walk the dog or walk yourself around the well kept paths around the lake. If you're lucky you can see the Milkyway allign with the island in the lake at night...it's that light free there. The restaurant serves acceptable local food, nothing fancy, but very edible. Overall the place is worth visiting for a night but not much longer. It is overpriced at $200+ for what is essentially a barracks room. BUT it's location,location location....

We did not do the main hike as there was thunder around and we did not want to get caught out in the rain. There are a lot of different hikes in this area that you can choose. The man in the visitor center pointed a few out and we took the Falling Water Cascade trail. It was a great hike – the more so as it started to pour as we neared the end of the loop so we barely got wet.

Sharp Top, Flat Top, Harkening Hill - Johnson Farm loop, Cascades, Abbott Lake Trail and Trail from Lodge to Picnic area are all excellent hikes within a few minutes drive of the visitor center. Being so close to both Roanoke and Bedford, VA, one can also combine activities like movies with an "outdoor" vacation. You can stay in the nearby Peaks of Otter Lodge or campground, or in Bedford (20 min drive away). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also available at the lodge (and in Bedford) and there is a bar in the lodge. At the visitor center you can get trail advice and maps and also join ranger led activities. Often there are demonstrations at the Johnson Farm. Summary: there is a lot for a several day family vacation that can fit into even small budgets for spring, summer, and fall. (Facilities at the Peaks are closed in winter, but the trails are open. In winter, use Bedford as your base of operations.)

A nice hike -- the Sharp top may get crowded and a better place to stop is Buzzard point, check it out on the way up or down.

You can go to the sharp peak by bus (running some days a week) or by hiking. We (2 adults and 8 + 15 year old kids) hiked and used in total 3 hours up and down from the lodge at the water. Bring water and good hiking shoes. The view from the top is absolutely amazing so remember your camera.

My wife and I wanted to spend a nice fall day in the mountains. So, we drove out to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and headed south to the Peaks of Otter. As the fall foliage was just about at peak, we stopped at some of the overlooks, to take in the marvelous views and colors.

Reaching the Peaks of Otter, we opted to take the shuttle bus to the summit, rather than hike from the base. The hike up can average about 2.5 hours, an neither one of us are in any shape to test our stamina. The shuttle bus cost $10 each for a round trip, and takes you within 1500 feet of the summit. You will still have to hike this distance to get to the summit, and it is steep and slippery is many spots along the trail.

The effort is definitely worth it. The 360 degree views from the summit are breathtaking, especially with the fall colors all ablaze. You have to be aware of your time, as it takes about 15 minutes to hike down back to the shuttle stop to catch your return trip to the base.

Once back at the base, we headed over to the lodge for a nice lunch before heading back to Richmond. We will definitely be back again to experience this wonderful adventure at other times of the year.

We have been Peaks visitors and lodge fans for thirty years. Last year was disapointing--but management didn't care. They only had a few months left on a contract--that they didn't want to renew. We just stayed again this week. We found the exterior and grounds to be nicely cared for. The king room with basic cable was great. Check in was easy and friendly. The dining room and menu choices are the pits. Lack of staff caused many of us to hold pagers when the dining room was only half full. Waitresses were working their tails off--and now have the added task of taking care of your tab. The front desk staff had always done that. While we sat with our pager several unhappy diners asked to speak to the manager. They were told the manager will report next week. How in the world can they open back in mid July without a manager? I really felt sorry for all the employees. None were rude while working their tails off. The menu needs to come back to the real world.Many favorites are gone and diners are left with fancy food choices. I had the lobster roll. It had one piece of lobster meat and clearly had been filled with tuna. My husband and I had 2 sandwiches and a cup of soup with one ice tea and the tab came to $40.00. The restaurant will not last with this menu or those prices. I saw people outside their lower room making sandwiches from items in a cooler. Their family could not afford the dining room.

Seems like lots of people take the bus when they could have hiked, but I also saw plenty of people on the way up who should not have walked. I tried to give my water to one poor woman.

This is a strenuous hike with very uneven ground and steep inclines. If you are fit, you can easily do the 1.5 miles in an hour, but it could take as much as 2 hours.

From the top, the view is spectacular, so regardless of how you get here, it's well worth it.

There are 2 buildings to explore besides if you want to stay at the lodge across the way. Inside the mini museum there are some historical things to learn as well as a few hands on things for the kids to do. Then go next door for a snack before heading back on the Parkway.

A small visitor center with a few displays of information. It was closed for lunch break so we hiked the Elk Run Trail. By then it was open. It is manned by one Ranger. He was so friendly and personable! He helped us make plans, helped my granddaughter with Jr Ranger and shared how he came to be a Park Ranger. We are glad we stopped in and very much enjoyed our visit.

The Lodge at the Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway (near Bedford, Va.) is always a pleasure to visit -- an older lodge with only TV screens now in the rooms (years ago there were no TVs at all in the rooms--and today there are still no phones and what cell phones you have usually won't work, and there's no WIFI and no computer to share in the lobby -- not for the high-tech folks). Where else can you wake up and see the beautiful twin peaks that make the Peaks of Otter, with fishing if you want to do that, and walking trails? The Lodge is an inviting place with a spacious dining room, small bar, sitting rooms with fire places, downstairs game room and even places for meetings, a small gift shop, etc. You have a balcony view with nice chairs behind each room.
I have stayed at the Lodge only once before (15 years ago), and have no complaint of the rooms. Plenty of towels, etc. The bathroom is small but then again these are very old buildings.
My disappointment was with the quality of the meals in the restaurant. Part of the attraction of the Lodge at the Peaks of Otter was the restaurant; unfortunately, they must be under new management. I arrived rather late, but they said the food was availabe til 9 PM. I ordered soup/salad. The salad was all iceberg lettuce and the carrots were the type you can buy short and pre-shreaded at Wal-Mart. Absolutely no flavor at all to it. The soup was out--I asked if they could refill it. 20 minutes later it still was not refilled. So I asked the waitress if I could have a sandwich instead, which was OK with her. The sandwich was filling, but I would rather have had the soup. For breakfast, I had cheese grits, 2 eggs, bacon & toast & coffee. The bacon and grits were fine; however, my eggs were really overcooked. My toast tasted like the bread had sat overnight. The coffee was really strong to the point that 2 creamers would not change its color (If coffee is made right, 1 creamer should change the black coffee to a light brown). The meals were a big disappointment. Maybe the new staff will learn.

you have to love the scenery excellent food at the restaurant and we picked up some amazing seasonings and BBQ sauce that was from Peaks of Otter Peppers in the gift shop

During a recent trip to Smith Mountain Lake, we drove over to see just what the Peaks of Otter were. The drive from Bedford up to the Parkway and the Peaks was quite something with lots of hairpin turns and lots of trees. Then you just come out there, at the visitor center and the Peaks. To get our bearings, we first went in the visitor center, the gift shop, and the facilities. Then we opted to hike up to the Johnson Farm, which was staffed that day. Up at the farm, the volunteers told us all about the farm's history and the family. Back at the bottom, we meandered over to the lodge to eat and then back to the visitor center to make a donation and to hope on the Parkway. We drove north about 10 miles to visit several lovely overlooks and then turned south and went back to Bedford. But, we for the rest of our trip, I looked at those lovely Peaks, from the lake and from the DDay memorial, and day dreamed about going back soon.

We spent two soggy rainy nights in this wonderful, funky lode. It's not for everyone - cinder block construction, no cell service (yay!) and no real amenities. But the setting on Abnot Lake couldn't be more beautiful , and it was peaceful as can be. Very dog friendly, too. We had terrible weather, but spent much of our time on the small covered patio just relaxing. Restaurant was ok and very convenient. Nearby town of Bedford was a nice place to walk around , and we had the best home made peach ice cream at Sweet Frog. There's also an original DQ owned by the same family for more Han 50 years.

We see the Peaks every morning............from our breakfast table.
Walking trails, Sightseeing Bus provisions & many Hiking Trails for the adventurous. Bring your cameras, for those once in a life time moments.

The trails are very nice and offer plenty of photo opportunities... It takes about an hour and a half to climb to the top... some parts can get strenuous... Good hiking shoes are recommended because it gets rocky... but my wife did climb in tennis shoes... At the top are several rocks to climb and enjoy the view.... Its a good place to take the family or animals for some exercise....

Less than a hour drive from Roanoke, this place is amazing. Beautiful grounds and very peaceful. Several places to picnic at where you can by a roaring creek, which is great for kids to play. The hike to Sharp Top is awesome, and the views at the top are well worth the hike.

A large group of us went up there over the Memorial Day Weekend to hike and have a picnic. The hike was amazing, there are multiple peaks on the same trail, which have great views. The trails are about what we expected, they are rocky, and have rather steep areas, but that is to be expected on a mountain trail! I will be going back for this hike again in the future!

It was difficult to determine what amenities are available here. In our room there were cables for a TV, but no TV. There were listings for phone numbers to call in the guest directors; but no phone. There was no Internet either in the rooms or at the main lodge.

But, given the price and the beautiful surroundings, once we came to grips with being off the grid, we decided to relax and enjoy. The dinner in the dining room was first rate and the bar area is light and airy.

This is a recently re-opened property and the check-in procedure is a little rocky. I suspect everything will be done in the near future, but it was not quite ready for prime time when we were there

We hiked this mountain on a Saturday in March. It was fairly crowded but not enough to be a bother. The hike took a little over 90 minutes to reach the top. The trail is easy to follow and very safe. There is a nice viewing area at the peak and many people rested and ate snacks or lunch. If the climb is too much for you, there is a shuttle bus that goes almost the to peak. You need to climb the last few hundred feet on your own.

Peaks of Otter ( Sharp Top), is a great hike. My girlfriend and I had a great time and the view is breath taking. It's a 1.5 mile hike up. During this time you can definitely see all the fall colors. It's definitely deer season, there were so many running around. It was the closets I ever been to a deer. Once you get to the top, there a place to take pictures by the shack and when you look to your right, you will see Turtle Mountain...it actually looks like a turtle and you have to climb it. Love it

We stayed at the Peaks of Otter Lodge on July 31 and August 1. They had been open under new management for about 2 1/2 weeks. Our room was lovely with a balcony overlooking Lake Abbott. We had a great TV in our room and a Kuerig coffee maker! No phone access or internet in the room but they said it was coming soon. Many of the staff were from the previous administration and were very friendly and helpful.
The house keeping staff was also friendly and eager to please. The bus trip to Sharp mountain was great! If you choose to go all the way to the top be prepared for a lot of climbing up rocky stairs to get to the spectacular views. My husband and I are in our mid-70's and we made it. Just be sure you are in good physical condition. So why did it not get a top rating from us? Well...the dining room. Service was unusually slow On July 31 we began to wonder if anyone was even going to take our order. Then we really wondered if we would ever see any food. Others around us were also waiting. The food was okay when it finally arrived.The next night we went to Bedford and ate at Liberty Station (prompt service and delicious food). We ate two breakfasts at the Lodge. The service was better. Quite a few items on the menu were not available. This attractive room has great potential. They need to work on the wait staff. Overall: yes I would go back again. I think the various problems will be smoothed out. They are on the right track. It is in a beautiful setting

At Mile Post 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll find the scenic Peaks of Otter: Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. There is a lot to do here, especially for hikers; there are six trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Two "Easy" trails: Abbott Lake Trail and Elk Run Trail. Two "Moderate" trails: Harkening Hill Trail and Johnson Farm Loop. And two "Strenuous" trails: Sharp Top Trail and Flat Top Trail.
Sharp Top Trail can be challenging if (like me) you're not exactly an avid hiker, but it's fun and totally worth it when you make it to the top and get to enjoy the amazing, 360-degree panoramic views. The trail is 1.6 miles to the top from the Visitor's Center. Don't be fooled by the easy start, it gets pretty steep in some places. As someone who is somewhat vertically-challenged, I found a walking stick extremely helpful with the steeper stone steps, and coming down. Don't forget your water - you'll need it. And this last time, I found bug repellent helpful as well. If you really want to see the top but you're not feeling quite ambitious enough to tackle the full hike, there's a bus service to within a quarter mile of the summit (Wednesdays to Sundays only from June to Oct 28). I cannot comment on the other trails, as I truly love Sharp Top & just can't bring myself to spend any of my limited time in the area on any other trail.
The Visitor Center is a great resource; the Ranger there will provide maps, and helpful tips & advice. Also, if you have the National Parks Passport Book, there are two cancellation stamps available here. And of course, clean bathrooms are always a bonus. If you're in the area, this is a must-see!

We came on a hot 95 degree in Roanoke. Temp at Peaks was low 80's. Really nice picnic area and several shorter hiking options from moderalty easy to steep and strenuous. Hike views would be better in seasons when leaves are off trees. Still good place to beat the heat with good views in summer! We did not ride tram to top or visit the lodge.

Late posting but wanted to remind travelers to Virginia just how nice the Blue Ridge drive is below Shenandoah National Park. Not a long drive from Interstate 64 junction on the Blue Ridge to the lodge. Getting late so plan accordingly before the snows arrive. The Ridge may be closed at the top, so check if traveling in the
Winter.

The Visitor Center was closed when we were there but we really came for the hike anyway. The trail for Sharp Top said strenuous and it was definitely difficult. But is well worth it for the views at the top! Gorgeous views of the Peaks of Otter and great hike to the top.

We decided to take the Peaks of Otter shuttle bus to the drop off for Sharp Top, we climbed the hand hewn stone steps to the top, the views from Sharp Top were absolutely Heavenly!

Recommend appropriate footwear for the trail, water to drink, check for ticks after hiking.

Leave no trace behind.

The signs say 1.5mi to the peak from the bus parking area. You feel every foot of it. It's a lot of rock/steps to climb but worth it at the top. Very well maintained area, safe parking at the bottom, great views. Don't go expecting an easy hike because it's not but you'll be happy you went once you're at the top. They have a bus that takes you pretty far up but I don't know if it costs anything or anything about it because I've never ridden it.

We had a lovely walk around the lake, as the bus wasn't running when we were there. Although it was chilly the sun came out while we were there and gave us some fine views of our surroundings. The lodge looks like a good place to stay, but it appears to be closed down, unfortunately - hopefully they can find a buyer.

Had a great time traveling to Peaks of Otter. Not too crowded while we were there, which is always a good thing. Best time to go is during the week when traffic on the parkway not heavy.

We visited Peaks Of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall. Peaks of Otter is the center point of a group of hiking trails that will take you the top of Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Falling Cascades waterfall.

There is quite a bit of history surrounding Sharp Top, from Civil War through the great Depression. Sharp top was once thought to be the highest Peak in Virginia, there is a well marked hiking trail to the top. It is a steep trail, and it took about 1.5hrs to get to the top. Once up on top, the views were amazing! There are plenty of places to rest at the summit and if you pack a snack / wine/ tea / lunch you can enjoy it up in the clouds.

Hiking to the top of Flat Top is longer plan most of the day. The hike to Falling Cascades is short, about 10 min, but it is a bit steep on the return trip to the parking area, going down is a breeze!!

Stopped in to get another of the 10 activity sheets that make up the jr ranger program. Walked out to the Johnson farm and spoke to a pair of knowledgeable docents. The walk out may leave you questioning your trail sense , as the farm just sort of appears perched on the hill.
Spoke with a ranger at the VC who was a wealth of information . Mr Swoopes was tremendous.

Right on the Blue Ridge Parkway...what could be bad. The view of the Peaks and a lake is beautiful. The rooms are rustic but very comfortable. The TVs are large and new. Not many channels (13). But great reception. There is absolutely NO phone service. The only negative comment is the wifi. There IS wifi, but so slow it doesn't always connect to the sites. Very very frustrating. So, even though they claim to have wifi, if you NEED it for work or family connections, forget it! It doesn't always work. Most of the time it doesn't. But, that won't keep us from coming back.

A great place to eat, my partner and I had a great dinner, not to mentioned the fact that you can buy local painters art at a really good price! The Driving is beautiful and there are not words to describe how clean the air is there!

This is our second visit, and we were even more pleased this time. The food on first visit was fine, but this trip was excellent! The fried chicken was TOP NOTCH! Enough for husband and me, although he had another dinner. The sides were excellent, too. I love this place--all the emphasis is on the natural beauty, and there is plenty. Very comfortable and clean rooms, and the best, dog friendly!

Just before you get to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left. Small gift shop, restrooms and info on hiking. Several trail heads start behind the center.

We hiked the harkening hill loop trail 3.3 miles, it’s a lot of uphill walking followed by a lot of downhill. I wouldn’t call it an easy hike.

We also did the Abbot Lake Trail (1 mile), the trail is paved the entire way. Only took us 15 mins to walk the entire thing. Very easy walk, wouldn’t call it a hike more like a stroll.

Sharp Top Store is directly across the road on your right. Purchase shuttle tickets inside the shop. Start of the hiking trail is there also.

Shuttle goes up to the top of sharp top on the hour. Last shuttle is at 4pm. Once at the shuttle stop at the top, there’s a 15 minute walk up many flights of stairs to get to the top. There’s a shaded structure just before the peak for shade. The shuttle stop at the top has a shaded alcove with benches so you can wait for the return shuttle.
The day we went, an elderly woman who was a nurse and recently replaced a hip decided to try and hike the entire way up (not smart). She fell and had to have the ranger service carry her down the mountain. We almost didn’t get to go up because the road only allows one car up and there’s no room to pass. They allowed us to be shuttled up. Then we had to wait for the return shuttle.

My wife and visit this area quite often. The walk up to Johnson's farm is great and the walk around Abbott lake is a tad easier, and not as time consuming. The lodge offers great food

Peaks of Otter is on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Va. The Peaks of Otter is a beautiful, majestic mountain peak that has a natural beauty all its own!A Visitor Center, store and restaurant and next to the restaurant is a lovely mountain lodge or cabins can be rented . Plenty of hikeing trails and wildlife to admire.The lake is stocked with fish. In the Spring the Mountain Laurel is at its finest. Take a camera and take plenty of pictures to share .

Fantastic views any time of year, but especially gorgeous in fall. Many hiking trails and picnic areas, park rangers are friendly and informative. Quiet camping area. Gift shops, restrooms, exhibits. The hike to the restored Johnson farm was well worth the hike, its like you have suddenly gone back in time. Don't forget your camera!. Have been visiting the peaks and parkway for sixty years and intend to go back soon. The Lodge is under new management and updating and renovations long past due are being accomplished! Bus ride available to summit of Sharp Top, hiking trails to Sharp Top and Flat Top are strenuous but worth it. In my opinion. makes the Grand Canyon look like a big hole in the ground and the Rockies look like a huge pile of rocks!

Nice visitor center, across the street is the trail. It is rated strenuous and it was. Unless you truly love to hike I suggest you take the tram up ( which we did not know about until after, only a very small sign indicated there was one) and then walk the trail down if you want to see trail. The views were great.

We stayed here as one of our stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway and I'm so glad we did. The accommodation, in a lodge, was very comfortable and clean, the food in the restaurant was good and the view of the lake was lovely. We especially enjoyed the live music on the porch outside the entrance to the reception building in the evening - the musicians who played for us were very good and it was a treat hearing their country and Celtic music in a warm summer's evening. The next morning, we walked around the lake (an easy walk of about a mile) and returned to catch a man playing a dulcimer in the entrance hall. Well worth a visit or a stop-over if you have time.

We hiked the Sharps Mountain trail and really enjoyed it. It has almost every kind of terrain and some parts are easy and some parts of very difficult. We had our hiking sticks and think they are always a good idea. Near the top we took a side trip to Rooster Rock - this is worth the extra effort. Great views and some fun climbing. Once we got to the top we were surprised to see how much was up there. The view was very nice and it's a good place to enjoy your lunch although it probably could be crowded on some days. The only sour note is the ranger who mans the visitor center. He is not cordial or informative but simply rude. We are a group in our 60's and wondered about the trail difficulty etc and virtually couldn't get any information from him. He was and is in a position to help the visitors to this area and he only gets in the way of enjoying this wonderful space.

My Wife and I did a trip and hiked two of the trails. Both were well marked and easier for anyone to make. We tended to rush up and back down for the fitness aspect of it and the views at the top were well worth it.

I'll say right up front we didn't stay here, we came just for the view from the lodge and to check out the pond. We hadn't been in four years now. They have updated their trails around the pond making it a lot nicer and easier for walking and it impressed me enough I had to share that bit of info on here. It's miles above what it used to be from years ago. Where in the past you had to walk among the weeds and step into them to let others pass near the lodge itself, they have upgraded the path now where that is no longer a problem. No longer do you need to worry if the pond's water level is up either. They have provided walkers with a nice raised wooden path where you can avoid water and mud. They have even paved a trial through the grass so anyone can now go the entire circumference of the pond even if in a wheelchair. Which I say bravo! A huge improvement over what was either just dirt, mud or a hard to find trial to begin with. My hat off to them. They have made it a real pleasure to walk on and we hope to make a return trip again soon. Maybe even making a purchase in the gift shop for a Christmas present or two.
Maybe one day we'll get the chance to actually stay here, but until then we'll just have to admire the beauty they have to offer.

My brother and his girlfriend were coming in from out west for their yearly visit and they like to hike. I asked them if they would like to go to the Peaks. She had never been there and wanted to go.

Well; I can't say enough about the adventure. We took the bus up part way. We were amazed about the knowledge and kindness of the buss driver.My brother and I have been climbing that mountain since we were young.That gentleman told me facts about the mountain that I never knew before. They were fascinating. He also recommended a book about the history of the Peaks.

If you have never had the pleasure of the view then that would be in my "must" column. Just a note for you. Bring some water with you as there is none. We went through four bottles.Also it is a climb but well worth it. All of us would like to go back again.

We spent the day in the Peaks of Otter area. Started with a hike to the Sharp Top summit - moderately strenuous hike for somewhat active 40-something. Amazing 360 degree view at the top. Hike took approximately 1.25 hours for us to get to the top. Slightly less time to descend. Also hiked the Falling Water Cascades trail and strolled around Abbott Lake before enjoying some amazing Fried Chicken at the restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Really great day!

It takes about two hours to hike this mountain. When you get to the top its worth the hike, its beautiful. I love it here. Its very peaceful and plenty of wild life around. The dears are not afraid, they just walk right up to you. We have stayed at the camp ground and the lodge and have enjoyed both.

I was traveling from Hampton Roads, VA to Lexington, KY and my cousin suggested that I do this hike along the way. I am from Vermont and have done a lot of hiking so this felt very comfortable to me.

You have 3 hikes to choose from and I chose Sharp Top Peak which has an elevation of approx 3,800 feet with a vertical rise of 1,500'. The trail is 1.5 miles and is a pretty steady uphill. It is rated as strenuous but for experienced hikers, I would say moderate. I saw young children at the top. It took me a bit under an hour to hike up and that included a couple of short conversations with other hikers coming down. On the way down, I took the road which is closed to hikers during the summer season so I was able to do a loop instead of an up and down on the same trail. Again, about an hour and easier on my creaky knees..

The day I hiked, the sky was slightly overcast so the view from the top was not as spectacular as it would be on a clear day but it was still well worth it. I can imagine that during the tourist season the area is probably crawling with travelers.

Stopped in on a Friday in mid october. Fall is taking its time this year, and only about 15% of the trees have changed. Beautiful spot, nice lake, nice walking path around lake too.

We loved the visit! Breathtaking views from Sharp Top--pretty strenuous hike, but our 4 yr old made it (with a 2hr nap afterward! ;). And, the Johnson Farm hike was a lovely walk through the woods. The hotel exceeded our expectations of a rustic mountain lodge. Pretty basic accommodations, but we found the hotel to be a charming retreat and very comfortable and clean. The beds were surprisingly comfy. Loved the screen doors, and you sure can't beat the views! Each room has a beautiful lake view. The keurig in the room was a nice touch. It was nice to just be able to walk out from our room to fish. All of the staff were extremely nice and friendly. Food was good. The only criticism we had was related to slow service in the dining room. It seems they may be short-staffed, and the waitstaff and bartender were extremely nice and apologetic but obviously overwhelmed. The hostess had to pitch in to help serve us. This could be due to the fact they have just reopened and are under new management. Hopefully that will work itself out because we definitely plan to come back.

We missed the bus to the top of the mountain by minutes so took the walk to the Johnson Farm on the last day the attendants were there; so interesting to learn of the experiences of the time. Caught the mountain bus a couple hours later. In our late 60's; a somewhat strenuous climb to the top from where the bus lets you out, but so worth it. You can buy a bus ticket one way for $6 and round trip for $10. We rode up and walked back down - took about 90 minutes to walk down. Don't try this unless you are sure-footed.

Beautiful surroundings, welcoming atmosphere. The sun-dappled trails were beautiful in the late afternoon. Trails vary in difficulty, but in moments I was away from the cares and worries of 21st century life, picturing Native Americans trekking around these scenic mountains centuries ago. Definitely going back!

I have hiked three of the trails around the peaks and enjoyed them a great deal. They are scenic and a great way to get some exercise. Not to mention the views from the mountains are awesome. Now if wildlife is what you are looking for you will find the deer in the area are so tame you can get within twenty feet or so of them. On a couple occasions I have asked the park staff questions, they have always been helpful and friendly. I would highly recommend this for anyone wanting to spend time outdoors.

Camped at Peaks of Otter campground, sites were fair, and we were there on an uncrowded off-season time. Plenty of hiking trails, but if you are in good shape take the hike up to the top of Sharp Top, OUTSTANDING 360 deg. views. Just lovely. You can even treat yourself to a dinner at the Lodge across the street, if you are tired of camp food!

The location is beyond beautiful. It is a five+. The outdoor activities are excellent if you like hiking, biking, and nature. We stayed at the lodge which is a 1960's vintage facility. It was quaint and appropriate to the natural setting. However there were signs of dilapidation that went beyond reasonable wear and tear. Why they put tv's in the rooms I don't know, they are wired only for the local channels. The phones in the rooms connect only within the lodge facilities. Cell service is not available. No phones and tvs make this a true getaway from the things that fill up our normal lives.

We went camping at "Peaks of Otter campsite".
The environment is deep wild, we were not so lucky to see bears, but we could see several deers.
We hiked on the tracked trail till the flat top, with our time we hiked for 6 hours taking a 30 minutes pause to enjoy the view from the top: simply amazing!
Just a funny note: we have discovered why "Blue Ridge mountain" have this name.... they are really blue!! Don't you believe me? Go and check!!
Of course the rate is 5: you cannot give anything less for wildlife.

Hiked to the peak of Sharp Top with my family recently. It's a 1.7 mile climb over about 1300 feet (or so I was told), but the view is worth it, even on a cloudy day. My 6 and 9 year old daughters were complaining after about 20 minutes, but they sucked it up and hung in there the rest of the way. I was very proud of them! The trail is almost all uphill, somewhat steep at times, with plenty of rocks, roots and stairs along the way. It will definitly make you sweat, especially on an 80 degree day. Plenty of shade though. The views from the top really are oustanding, they have several areas with railings and stone walls so it's not too dangerous (though the kids were scared).
Pros: Excellent views, good workout, fun trail to climb, and their is a bus/shuttle that will take you most of the way if you can't or don't want to make the climb.
Cons: Plenty of nats/bugs in certain sections, and as I said, a pretty steep slog up to the top.
Recommendations: The hike is moderately strenuous so take the bus up and/or down if you don't have the energy or time. Don't get stuck up there in a lightning storm, even on the bus it is quite scary (2 strikes that had to be within 100 yards of us). Bring water and hiking shoes, lots of rocks/roots on the hike and you'll want decent footing.

We stayed in the Peaks of Otter campground in our 28' travel trailer. This is an old campground, obviously designed when a "camper" was something that you slid into the back of a pickup truck. The site is on a heavily wooded hillside and is very pretty. There are some short back-in and loop drive through sites, though most are not level. Big rigs should go elsewhere. There's a dump station and water. The toilet house has no lighting, no hot water and no showers. No electricity, of course. The restaurant at the lodge is nice and the Friday night buffet is a good value. Hiking up the "peaks" is the thing to do, and there's a shuttle to the top of one of them, weather permitting. The Johnson Family farm, which has been restored and preserved is worth the short hike. The volunteers there are very friendly and knowledgeable; bring the kids, but there are no farm animals. Cellphone reception (Verizon) is spotty, but we got a number of off-air TV stations. The lodge has wi-fi, but it's slow.

Delightful rooms adjacent to the lake. Good food, large rooms and quiet atmosphere make Peaks of Otter a delightful place to stay when traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Since the Peaks of Otter Lodge has been taken over by new concessionaire, it has dramatically improved--both in terms of the rooms and overall service. The rooms are spacious, have air conditioning, and good TV. Moreover, the wI-fI reception in the rooms is excellent. The restaurant in lodge is very good, and not overly expensive. Whether you are interested in hiking, cultural history, or just simply relaxing, Peaks of Otter Lodge is a very good location. We highly recommend.

If you are an avid hiker you would say this is a 5 rating. We are not hikers and the trolley didn't run on Mondays so we were disappointed. The only thing to do was to view the peaks from the lodge. It is beautiful to see but really wanted to go to the top.

The hike is just 1.6 mile one way but climbing it is really strenuous. It was worth because of the view. We saw a mama bear while hiking. Many hikers got to see her cubs. Don't miss this hike if you visit blue ridge parkway. This hike is suitable for any age because there is a shuttle bus.

Set by the lake it is absolutely charming. Restaurant was excellent, both for dinner and breakfast. Room was basic, not fancy. Would like to have had a telephone in the room; had to make calls from outside common phone.

We enjoy going there in the spring for the blooming foliage and in the fall for the leaves and nearby apple picking. A good family attraction and a nice fishing lake.

We hiked the peaks of otter and loved every moment of it. Hiking around the lake, creeks, hills, mountains and all was incredible! If you are on blue ridge parkway take the time to appreciate this area and hike its fun trails! Make sure you have proper shoes those, flooding is a common thing in this area and a few times my boyfriend and I had to find ways around the trails since they were under water.

Stopped here to get a little closer to some of the beautiful scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail around the lake was beautifully laid out and very easy to negotiate - just wish I had had time to do one of the more strenuous trails up to one of the peaks...

The lake trail takes you through the edge of the woods and around the lake and past the accommodation. The views across the lake to the peaks were lovely and the weather was very clement - in the 60s. Very restful and a great introduction to the Peaks area.

This is a national campground right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It offers wooded tent and RV sites with running water and toilets.

Each site offers a picnic table and fire ring or grill. It's in walking distance to Peaks of Otter Restaurant and Lodge as well Sharp Top (quite a hike). It's about a 30+ minute drive to Peaks of Otter Winery.

I have seen Sharp top many times, but had never been up it. We took the bus to the lot near the top. It is a very steep and kinda treacherous hike to the top. Should you have an emergency, I don't know what you'd do. But... it was very nice when we got up there. little pricey at $10 a person though.

I enjoyed my stop at the visitor's center and the grounds. It is a much needed rest stop when you are on Blue Ridge Parkway. It has bathrooms, a gift shiop, food, a gas station, and a lodge. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, especially in the fall. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was because the gift shop had very boring items, but the woman working there was very nice.

We never made it to the visitor center as we really came for the view at the top of Sharp Top Mountain, but there is no page to review the hike/ride to Sharp Top. It has some of the best views in central Virginia. Warning, this is a weather dependent activity. If it's been raining or foggy, it's best to come back at another time if possible as there will not be a view to see. You can hike the entire was to the top, but we chose to ride the bus up to the 2,500' point and then hiked to the top, another 1,500'. It is not a hike for the out of shape or inexperienced. Also, if you are afraid of heights or these make you uncomfortable, you might want to pass this one by. Also, bring bug spray. There are many on the hike and at the top. If the weather cooperates, you will be glad you came for the view as it is fabulous. You will not regret the hike....

We decided to participate in a special program w/ Thomas Jefferson aka Bill Barker through Peaks of Otter, Poplar Forest, and the National Park Service. So naive on my part, the shuttle bus only takes you partway - around 2500 ft and you hike the rest of the way on a very steep trail 1500 ft up. It's a tough walk, especially if you have any issues with your knees but I had my cane which helped immensely. It's not a long hike, about 30 minutes or so but it is very steep. Bring bug spray, I had forgot mine and the insects are relentless. We were very lucky it was a gorgeous day and we had terrific views of the surrounding area including Abbott Lake & the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Check w/ the Lodge regarding the shuttle schedule, it only runs certain days and certain hours depending on the season. The shuttle driver is very good given that the road is very narrow and steep. Lots of other folks hiked the whole way which I'm sure would be challenging. The views are truly spectacular. The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center is small but the ranger is very knowledgable and friendly. If you are a serious hiker, Sharp Top Mountain is a definite must do.

We went to see relatives in North Carolina for Easter Weekend and came back to Virginia via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Being Spring, the trees and flowers were blooming on the parkway and everything was lovely. We stop at some of the overlooks and it just felt so good to see the world waking up after a long winter's nap. We also stop at some of the gift shops and such along the way. By the time we got to the Peaks of Otter it was getting late but we stop to check it out anyway. Did a little hiking, some some interesting sights and then jumped back in the car and was on our way. We will certainly being going back again this summer to check more out. Well worth the trip.

Our hike up Sharp Top Mountain and our stop at Buzzards Roost was well worth the climb. The trail is easily navigated most of the time, but it does get very steep. There are rock stairs built into the trail along much of the path. Our entire hike, including the 30 or so minutes we stayed on the mountain, took about 4 hours. I'm not an avid hiker, but I am in decent shape. The hike is more than a stroll in the park; its a workout. Even though the hike down is easier, watch your footing. It is a little hard on the knees at times too. The path is mostly shaded by the trees, but I am glad we visited in the fall when the weather was cooler and breezy. If you wonder if you should do this, yes, do it. You can easily turn around if you want. There are other less strenuous trails on the grounds tool. The lodge, gift shop, and cafe are charming. Lovely paintings for sale (guessing by local artists) line the walls of the lodge.

The Blue-ridge Parkway drive in was lovely. Spring in Piedmont Virginia is always gorgeous. Enjoyed the hikes and leisure walks. We took our pet dog and she was very welcome.

On a very hot Saturday in late September, my wife and I decided to visit the Peaks of Otter area on the Blue Ridge Highway. We opted for the Sharp Top trail - the ascent was described in the park guide as 'strenuous' and we heeded the sensible advice about wearing stout walking shoes. The terrain was a mixture of dried mud, loose rocks and roughly hewn steps. At places there were handrails. Views along the route were scant due to the presence of the tall trees, but the upside was the dappled shade which was most welcome.It would have been good to have way markers along the route so we could know how much further we had to walk. Similarly it might have been helpful to have a few benches along the way. As it was, it took us 1 hour 20 minute to complete the climb. The views from the top were sumptuous - credit to the National Parks for providing such a platform to appreciate the vista. It was rather scary to see some of the younger walkers nervelessly climbing the nearby rocks, with huge free-fall drops if they were to slip.
On the way back down we took the side route to Buzzard s Roost. There was no viewing point here, so clambering over rocks is necessary to see anything worthwhile from this point. The walk down took about an hour- tough on the knees and the calf muscles.

We spent three nights camping in the park service campground at Peaks of Otter. The campground was not crowded -- perhaps 15% full on three weeknights in July. The campground was very clean, as was our site (though we chose a site too close to the road). While we were there, we hiked to the top of Sharp Top, one of the peaks that gives this place its name. The hike to the top was strenuous (a 1500 ft gain over 1.5 miles), but the view was well worth it. Be sure to take plenty of water and maybe a snack on this hike.

Hiked Flat Top one day last week, then did Sharp Top the next day. Steep, rocky, difficult hikes, almost as difficult coming down as going up. But the views at the top are incredible and make it worthwhile.

Harkening Hill, on the other hand, was less rocky and had a more gradual ascent, but there was really no view at the top. Didn't think it was worth the time and effort it took to hike to the top.

One word of warning: the observation tower on Sharp Top was swarming with flies and gnats. Even insect repellent was ineffective. NOTE: Sharp Top is closed on weekdays for much needed trail repairs. Which means crowded trails on the weekends. So go early to beat the crowds and the heat.

Be sure to take plenty of water, take a hiking stick and wear sturdy shoes. It's a LONG way to the top.

Loved our short stay here. The setting is lovely, located on a lake, and some fall leaves are turning. The room was a basic motel room, but the lodge and restaurant are adjacent to the motel. Best thing is we didn’t need to get in our car.

Yes, Sharp Top is strenuous, but well worth it. The view at the top is incredible. If you like the stair master at the gym, you will love the ups and downs of the hike. Beware of ticks and flies at the top. We actually opted to walk the gravel road down the mountain to save my knees for the next hike. Still a long way down a decline. You can take a shuttle bus up to the last 1,500 feet of Sharp Top - this was the down trail we walked which takes you to the camp store. We then drove a short ways the other direction from Peaks of Otter to the Cascades Trail Hike. This was also a lot of fun, not as strenuous but still a work out. We then opted to return to Peaks of Otter for a shower and dinner.

A wonderful, peaceful place to rehab from life's troubles. The views can cure the ennui we have been dealing with! Our creator definitely knows how to bring us back to life by getting back to nature. Great place to views of wildlife - deer, bears, birds,frogs, fish, etc. Wonderful food in the dining room, too.

I have hiked these peaks numerous times over the past 30 years, and the area still retains its natural beauty and breath-taking views. The climb is rigorous, but still doable, even for people over fify, if you are willing to take it slowly. There are plenty of rocks along the trail where one may rest and take in the view of the surrounding hills.

There are two peaks, Sharp Top and Flat Top. Both are beautiful, but they are not equal climbs. Although Sharp Top is taller, it actually takes longer to climb to the top of Flat Top because it has a longer grade. Also, the view atop Sharp Top is, in my opinion, better and worth the steep climb, which is made easier by switchbacks. More important, at least for those who are less athletic, there's a bus that will take you most of the way up Sharp Top. Those who do not want to climb as high can follow a side trail to Buzzard's Roost. We spent 30 minutes on this outcropping just enjoying the view and eating our lunch. The leaves were beautiful, although they had not reached their peak color for the year.

This is a review for the tent campground only.
We were surprised to see the campground almost empty when we arrived on a Thursday night, I called ahead for help with choosing 2 sites side by side to reserve for 6 of us camping together including 4 teenagers. The ranger was not friendly - or helpful. We did make reservations and when we arrived we decided on other sites. Be aware that the campground is on a mountain so be prepared for steps to your tent site. We did find 2 sites that worked out nicely but not without some discontent from the ranger. In fairness, he did accommodate us moving our sites. Next time I won't reserve ahead of time without knowing the site. The staff was very attentive helping us jump our battery when our car wouldn't start.
Here's the review:
Sites are spaced nicely and not stacked on one another.
Lots of shade and lots of underbrush.
Bathrooms are clean with running water - no hot water.
The bathrooms have bright lights on the outside that shine into the campsites.
Some bear boxes - but not on the sites.
No bears (darn!!) - but did see a 5' to 6' rattlesnake so be aware!
Quiet.Some sites are closer to the parkway but traffic is minimal after dark.
Close to parkway activities but not close to towns. (see car problem)

If heading north on the parkway the visitor center is on the left. Has a gift shop small museum and maps. If you go up on the right there is the lodge. This is a great area for a photo of the peaks with the creek in the foreground.

Peaks of Otter is a recreation area on the Blue Ridge Parkway just north of Bedford. As the name suggests, there are three prominent peaks - Flat Top, Sharp Top, and Hearkening Hill. You can hike to the top of each for fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, but the hikes are strenuous with significant elevation gain. For those not up for a hike, a bus is seasonally available to bring visitors to near the top of Sharp Top. Thomas Jefferson believed that Sharp Top was the highest point in Virginia (it's not - Mount Rogers is the highest point in Virginia and even Flat Top is higher than Sharp Top) and rocks from the summit were sent to DC for the construction of the Washington Monument. There is a visitor center along the parkway where park rangers can tell you more about the natural and cultural history of the area and there are several historic buildings and farms to check out. For accommodations, the park has a developed campground with flush toilets and running water, and there is a lodge for those looking for a less rugged experience, situated right on Abbott Lake, nestled between the peaks. Another spot worth checking out is Fallingwater Cascades, a small waterfall. Drive just a couple miles north on the parkway to Fallingwater Parking Area and follow the 1.6-mile loop to the cascades. It was a rainy, cloudy weekend when we visited, so the pictures I have aren't the greatest. I'll have to return when the weather is a little nicer.

Peaks of Otter is a really beautiful National Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nature Center is very informative -- ask for Aubrey -- he is a wealth of interesting topics about nature. Hiking trail is steep but very doable -- they have a shuttle bus that will take you up the popular hike located at the nature center. There are places to overnight and a nice restaurant. We did not eat there as it was packed. Great ride with plenty of vistas to enjoy. Pack a picnic!!

Fellow couch potatoes beware. I'm in decent shape but this Sharp Top kicked my butt. You may want to train a little before you spend your day here. I definitely had to stop a couple of times but it is worth it.

Had another great stay in late March 2008 at Peaks of Otter Lodge. This is probably our 5th or 6th visit since our last review. We manage to get up here at least once or twice a year and the stay is always great. This is not a 5 star hotel, but for the price, this place can't be beat. Rooms are spare & basic but very clean with beautiful views overlooking the lake and mountains and with deer everywhere. ( the lake was drained on our last visit due to a dam repair job).No TV or radio or phone, but we have learned to bring our Scrabble game. Bathrooms are tiny old fashioned 1960s style, but are also very clean. If you are looking to step back a bit to 60's retro, with National Park style lodging...clean but basic...you will LOVE this place. The rooms on the 2nd floor have cathedral ceilings so we like those the best., but whether you stay on the first or second floor you will have to walk up and down steps. We have stayed once in one of the "accessible" rooms in the main lodge and they do have an elevator to those rooms and those rooms have a TV ( the others don't), but they are not as private and quiet. The restaurant serves a nice dinner and the lodge has a beautiful gift shop with locally made crafts.
We stay in hotels about 7-10 nights a month and prefer Fairmont, Marriott & Hilton and are very picky about decor & cleanliness and even though Peaks of Otter is not a high end hotel, it is full of simple rustic charm .

Stopped at the park to go hiking and picnicking. Though closed at the time, it was a good starting point for our day at the park. Wealth of information posted and a good spot to park for our hike to the Johnson Farm (1.1 mile one way from the visitor center)

Picked this out for our honeymoon. Turned out to be great choice. The room was a little dated could use an upgrade but clean
The food was the best. I am a steak snob, but the steak was the absolute best steak I have ever had and my bride loved the trout as well.
the wait staff was excellent and the overall stay was Great!!

Located in central Va this place is an outdoor lovers place to visit. Known for the two hiking trails nicknamed "Sharp top" and "Flat top" that both offer different hiking experiences.

Sharp Top is 1.5 miles and has some steep inclines but a great 360 degree view from the top.
Flat Top is 4.4 mile steady hike to the summit. Plan a day to explore the trails.

Several other trails as well. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There is a ranger station and several public bathrooms at the base. Camping can be done at designated areas near some small creeks.

You can often see wild life including deer that will walk right up to you. Occasionally a black bear as well.

While Virginia is filled with great places to hike, Peaks of Otter are a must...as the name implies, there are 'peaks', three in fact, each with their own particular appeal. We visited on a gorgeous winter day (temps were in the 50's & quite unusual for the area) & of course hikers were out in droves but that didn't make the views any less appealing! GO!

Beautiful lodge: stopped for lunch in the restaurant: Marissa was excellent waitress. Beautiful indoor seating with a view of the lake. Nice menu and very reasonably prices. Healthy food options. Salad bar/soup with bread. Recommend taking time to walk around the lake: saw deer, turtles, and lots of birds. Very tranquil.

My wife and I recently hiked the Peaks of Otter Trail. Wait. Let me clarify.

I hiked up from the bottom to the top; she rode up in the van and hiked the rest of the way to the top. Then we both rode down in the van.

I have hiked for many years, but I enjoyed the steep hike. It should be noted that this is not a flat, low-impact hike through the woods. There are sections that are a bit challenging, you should pace yourself. They said the 1.5 mile hike should take an hour and a half; I made it in about 45 minutes, but I wanted the exercise.

The view from the top - well worth the hike, or van ride as my wife did. Truly, the 360 degree view you can see from the top is incredible. We were both glad we made the effort to get to the top.

If you didn’t know, as I mentioned, you can take a van to “close” to the top, about a 15 minute hike from the van. Still a bit challenging, but not as much as from the trailhead.

Taste over 20 wines @this winery that was established in 1996. They celebrate their anniversary this year. WE GOT complimentary wine glasses and we did purchase several bottles of wine as well as souvenirs. They have the Apple orchard and of course the grape vineyards. Magnificent property with all the fruit on the "farm" harvested as wine or you can purchase raw. O... Don't forget to visit the animals and feed and pet. Friendly staff..really down to earth ppl. I recommend this for any couples getaway or a family trip if you have young ones and a DD.

I can’t wait to take my family here. amazing. As a note, no cell service with sprint. But they have aim great WiFi and normal landline phones.

We hike to the top ever year in the fall. Not a more beautiful place on earth. Not a hard hike if you take your time. Also dog friendly. Trails are well marked and at that time of the year well populated.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of those rare and beautiful roads that is easy to enjoy. At milepost 86 are the Peaks of Otter, Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill. You can see them for miles and the most fun is when you arrive ready for a hike. I hiked Harkening Hill on a cold February day with a friend, 3.3 miles, moderate difficulty, thick leaves covered the trail. Seems like you go up forever, and winding around the Hill you get many good views of Sharp Top (ST). The hike left us wanting to tackle ST, so we returned in June '08. We hiked to within 100' of the top (1 1/2 miles, strenuous) and a thunderstorm dropped buckets on us. We dashed into an old, dark, stone building at the summit and waited for the showers to pass. When the sun came out we climbed on the rocks, enjoyed to majestic views then began the hike down. During the summer months, you can catch the bus up, down or both. The visitors center has bus tickets (non NPS concessionaire) trail maps, restrooms and other information. We also walked the 1 mile easy trail around Abbott Lake, adjacent to the PoO Lodge, the trail had several spots under construction but no problems. The lake was extremely low due to several years of drought. A hiking stick or trekking poles are helpful due to incline/decline (for HH & ST), especially if the trails are damp. Hope to return for Flat Top soon. We found several websites that provide very good trail descriptions and maps as well as other helpful information:
www.blueridgeparkway.info/peaks_of_otter.htm
www.nps.gov/blri (click on brochures, find Peaks of Otter on list)
www.peaksofotter.com (this is the Lodge website)
Happy trails.

Beautiful view from the top. At one time this was thought to be the highest point in Virginia. It's not but its up there. Make sure you budget enough time to get back down before it gets dark. We didn't and it's a bit tricky in low light. You can take a bus a great deal up but the trail by foot is much better.

The visitors Ctr is nice and the people who work there are informative. Peak of Otter shouldn't be a designation. Just enjoy a little of the Blue Ridge Pkwy and then get off. The Lodge is also over priced for what they offer.

The Visitors Center was closed. We decided to brave the Sharp Top based on the reviews. It was a painfully strenuous 1.5 mile hike up dirt paths, rock scrambles and steps. I managed it with breaks every few hundred feet. It took me 2 hours (posting states 1.5 hours) and hiking boots and poles were helpful. As expected, the views are spectacular and it was such a sense of accomplishment to complete. Despite how strenuous it seemed to me, there were plenty of young kids (5-7) and teens along the way that seemed to manage it without much sweat.

Gorgeous hike. Short but steep. Beautiful views with the changing leaves. The views from the top were spectacular! It was windy but we had a picnic at the top!

Peaks of Otter is a beautiful area on the BRP with the man-made lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, and nearby stream. We intentionally visited in late May when the wild Mountain Laurel, Spiderwort, and cultivated Rhododendron bloom. They are magnificent mile after mile. The Peaks of Otter Lodge is a classic old park lodge with great views and walking trails. The peaks themselves are unusually sharp in contrast to the rounded mountains of the Blue Ridge. Continue your trip south to Mabry Mill (or start at Mabry and spend the night at Peaks).

I took relatives to the lodge at Peaks of Otter after Natural Bridge going the overland route and had a nice visit. We hiked and ate but wanted to hit the Crabtree Falls over the north ridge before mid afternoon. Just a nice drive. The lake behind the lodge makes for a good picture with a nice view of the peaks.

The lodge itself was excellent in terms of location and rooms but my experience in the dining room and staff attitude was disappointing.

There is no alternative to on site dining and the choice was limited and the service was extremely slow - I was not alone in waiting for my meal as I could see several other diners in the same position. The staff in the gift shop were unfriendly and rather surly.

TomC

Our family came and had Brunch at the Lodge before our climb. At 62, I was not sure about the climb. It had been fifty years since I did this. Our family had a blast. The hike is steep and I had more trouble coming down than up. The kids ran up and down. Oh, what 50 years can do to your joints.

As we were driving south on the Blue Ridge we decided to stop at Peaks of Otter to check out their visitor center and walk to the Johnson Farm. We were disappointed to find out that the farm had just closed for the season the day before. You can still walk to the farm but you can't go inside the buildings and there are no attendants. All the building contents are also taken out. Needless to say, we didn't take that walk. The kids were disappointed. If you want to see the farm when it is in full operation, call first or check online.
The visitor center was pretty small, but had some interesting exhibits. There is also a very small gift shop. Restrooms were available. You can purchase food a short distance away.

We thoroughly enjoyed the short, easy trail at the lodge. It was a beautiful hike. I had a delicious smooth at the restaurant. Wish we had stayed there, perfect location. Will return.

It was a strenuous hike. Most of it is stone stairs and a steep incline, but the view is amazing. Climb the rock at the end and get a perfect 360 view. The "cabin" at the end makes for a great lunch/snack spot to give your legs a break. For people not able to make it, there is a shuttle that brings you a good ways up. There is also buzzards roost that is a hop skip and a jump from the trail crossing of the bus and sharp top. That also offers a view but definitely can not be compared to sharp top.

We have been going to the Peaks of Otter for decades, and it never disappoints. Sometimes they are well planned excursions, reunions, meeting other friends/family there, etc. and sometimes, like this weekend, it was quite impromptu! It was a beautiful day, so we threw together our picnic gear, fishing poles for the kids, a football to throw, and a few magazines for the non fishers among us and hit the road. This time we just grabbed subs from The New Yorker on the way, and took sides and dessert to go with them. And Smores, of course! Usually we grill burgers and hot dogs, and have even gone early to make breakfast. There were very few people there this weekend - it was sunny but chilly - so we had our choice of picnic tables. We got one in a clearing and felt like we were alone on the mountain, it was so quiet! The boys enjoyed romping across the creek, gathering sticks for firewood, and roaming around until time for lunch. Afterward, they went fishing while mom and I relaxed. It's sad that the Lodge isn't open right now, but we recently heard that it will be again soon. The rest of the area is still VERY well maintained by the Park Service, including the restrooms in the picnic area. Camping must be the big thing to do right now, because the campground seemed pretty full when we passed by. That is my son's next goal, to camp there. I will stay home for that one!

Great mountain resort with a terrific restuarant. Many hiking trails a huge lake and beautiful foliage colors. Very peacful resort for the golden oldies age range, but kids are welcome too. Would venture out there again real soon! Try it you'll LOVE IT!

I was so happy to have arrived to the Peaks of Otter at the time it was getting dark, after a long drive. It felt great – as if you were escaping (and you really are!) from the wilderness into a comfortable and safe oasis full of people.
The place itself is not Ritz as someone correctly mentioned, but the rooms are adequate and the bed is comfortable. The best thing is the view from your room – you look at the window in the morning and the time stops…

To summarize, the Cons:

1. No fridge in the room; however, they stored my food together with my fabric cooler, in the common fridge located in the central building.
2. I found two stink bugs in my room – they are harmless agricultural pests, but I got scared of them as I did not know what they are. Be careful not to get them into your luggage not to bring them home. The stink bugs are not the problem of this hotel, but the whole Virginia state and other states, so the hotel is not to blame – they are fighting with these bugs but there is only so much they can do against their increasing population. You can find same bugs in other hotels as well.
3. There is no phone to connect to the reception – if you want to ask anything, have to walk to the reception as even your cell phone does not work in that area.
4. Wi-Fi is almost non-existent– zero streaming but you can get your emails through in a slow speed which is amazing considering that you are in the middle of nowhere where even cell phone does not work.
5. There was some small faucet issue in the bathroom which was not that important.
6. Bad soundproof between the rooms. My neighbours had a passionate night, and it felt as if I were standing right next to them in their room.
7. Pricy.

Pros:

1. Location, location, location.
2. The lake view from the window/balcony.
3. Friendly reception.
4. Availability of the restaurant if you have no food with you. I did not attend the restaurant but it seemed not cheap at all.
5. Beautiful trail around the lovely small lake located right in front of the hotel.
6. Feeling of being safe and with people in the middle of the forest.

The pros of this place, with the location being the paramount, much outweigh the cons, so I would certainly recommend this hotel.

We drove from Bedford on a spring Sunday morning for brunch at the lodge and to walk around the grounds at the visitor center to take pictures. It was a delicious meal and a relaxing time. The view of Sharp Top is great. Do not forget your camera. There are plenty of spots for photo ops.

By reading several horrible reviews I was skeptical on just how magic this trip would be for my wife. Upon arriving we were met at the check in desk by two lovely and friendly girls. They were very cordial and expressed any concerns we may have. We went to our room to find a TV cable hanging from the wall, my wife went back to the desk and as we had heard they were in the proccess of receiving all new TV's. We were immediatly given another room with a nice wide screen TV. We went into Bedford for dinner as I again paid to much attention to previous reviews. We went to the dining room for beakfast the following morning and could have not experienced a more enjoyable greeting, waitress and meal. The food was all as we asked. The waitress was really cordial, made several trips to assure we were ok. I will be back and have already contact friends about going back on a Sunday for the country buffet. Upon check out we were even sung a polish anniversary song by a lady at checkout.

We hiked Sharp top one of the two peaks at Peaks of Otter. I am a fairly experienced hiker and must say this is not an easy hike. Elevation change of 1340 feet over a short course of 1.5 miles. There are a LOT of stairs and the trail is steep. We went in February when there was a nice weekend. Got on the trail at about 9:30am there were a lot of people but it was not very crowded. Got to the top and there were not many people, great views well worth the strenuous hike. Started down the hill and all I can say is I am glad we went early!!! We passed a ton of people on the way up and they probably had more than 12 dogs going with them. I can only imagine the zoo at the top!
Good walk but GO EARLY.

My hubby discovered & treated me to this awesome weekend in the mountains. We LOVED it! It was the aftermath of the Blizzard of 2016 so the pond was frozen and there was snow everywhere BUT it made for a spectacular view. So relaxing for the both of us. Peace and quiet...Just what the doctor (hubby) ordered! The employees were super friendly and accommodating. The food was great. Our only complaint was the foods temperature. It could been a little hotter when they brought it out. Other than that small detail....We had a great time...we've told a few couples about it and plan to go back again...SOON!

Went with my husband for our anniversary. This hotel looks like a blast from the past, 1960's. But it is well maintained. we had a beautiful view of the lake. The food at the restaurant was good also with good views. There was TV, but no cell service. Was able to stay connected through the available wi-fi. Rooms were very comfortable. I would stay here again and recommend if you want a nice tranquil place to get away, but not a 4 star resort.

I stayed at PoO in September 2010 . I felt it was over priced and dated. Rooms are dated no phones no alarm clock no TV. The bathroom was dated who disposes of razor blades by putting them in the wall? Who uses flat razor blades anymore? The shower is like taking a shower with a pressure washer. Just a room with a view and good location. No problems with the resturant, food was good staff was nice. For the money I would try some place else next time.

We rode the bus almost to the top of this mountain, but to get to the very top, you have to hike up a steep winding trail. My wife and are senior citizens and taking our time we did make it all the way to the top. The view from up there is spectacular and you look down on to the lake in front of the Peals of Otter Lodge. The view from the top on a clear day you can see mountains in all directions. So the trip to the top is well worth the cost and hike.

This was our third trip to the Peaks of Otter, and we have yet to be disappointed.
We also have yet to climb Sharp Top~ lol

We haven't yet climbed Sharp Top because we are in love with Johnson's Farm.
If you park at the Peaks of Otter Lodge (plan to eat at the restaurant!) and then walk down to the creek tunnel under the Parkway, you'll be on your way to Johnson's Farm.
The hike is about 7/10 of a mile, and it is not strenuous. It winds through meadows and woods and up the side of the mountain the easy way. (The hard route begins near the visitor's center and it is a much harder route- we've done it twice.) Due to hubby's tender ankle we had to do the easy route- both end up at Johnson's Farm.

The house is open thanks to the Park Service from Spring through mid October.
The farm seems to me to sit in a "saddle" between two mountains, and includes an orchard, garden, outbuildings, spring house, etc.
This place is like something out of the Waltons...

You'll feel like you stopped in for a visit with Gran'pappy Johnson if you visit it in season.
We have also enjoyed it in early November- no open house but not many people either. :)
You can imagine what it must have been like to live in such a beautiful, remote place, how folks had to be able to be independent and self-sustaining to live here, and they had to appreciate their own company.
Unless they had a quantity of goods to go to market, they rarely used a wagon but walked up and down the mountain when they needed to go somewhere.
Yes, we wish we could live there too...

Consider packing a picnic, but plan to pack out your trash as well.
We had never visited so early in Fall before- be sure to take the bug spray- the gnats were a pestilence we could have done without and since we had no spray, we shortened our stay... looking forward to going again soon!

The Blue Ridge Parkway is full of great stops, hikes, stores, and of course Rangers. The parkway is beautifully maintained, the overlooks are amazing, complete with elevation signs.

The visitors centers are incredibly informative with great displays.

Review of Campground only. Arrived at campground and chose the B loop of the tent camping sites. Campground almost completely empty. Camp site was nice. Road around loop B in terrible condition. Was told once at the campground that generators were not allowed. Does not indicate that on website so very misleading. We did without but was disappointed and when asked ranger about it, he was rude.

I have had fond memories of this campground when stayed there in my younger years. Disappointed it has gone down hill now. Might be why it was virtually empty.

Wife and I (60+) made a day trip to check out this stop.

Not surprised to learn that the bus shuttle which takes people closer to Sharp Top doesn't run until later in the season (after Mother's Day). The trail to the peak would have been too much for us right now so we chose an alternative.

We ventured a hike to see the Cascade. To shorten the walk we followed the trail to the right from the parking area. This was mostly down hill to the Cascade bridge. After a few pictures, we returned up the trail the same way we came. (This eliminated going further down and a longer climb back up.)

This was a quiet, serene, trail with far fewer hikers than the one to Sharp Top. The Cascade is a quick drop off of water, pleasant but not spectacular, rolling down the rocks. (The Cascade in Pembroke, VA. is much more of a sight to see, an actual waterfall.)

We enjoyed our brief visit and then made a late afternoon stop in Buchanan, VA.

My friend and I visited here recently. We had a great buffet lunch with a peach cobbler to die for! We walked around beautiful Abbot Lake and then sat there in the sun and just took in the scenery and fresh air. We did not take the bus tour up to Sharp Mountain because of time. Would highly recommend this attraction!

On the whole we quite liked Peaks of Otter. The location is beautiful and were treated to visits by the Otters and an Osprey. The first room we were given was dirty and we when we asked to be moved were told that this was because it was a pet room and that a lot of people don't realise they are booking a pet room when they book it online!!! (Surely the website should make it clearer then... and surely it should still be clean!) The second room was ok, rather run down but at least clean!
We were also disappointed that they were digging up the pathways outside the rooms which we didn't know about until we turned up (booking made nearly a year in advance) and although we were told by reception that the work would be carried out between 9am and 5pm it was starting at 7am and was going on until dusk so really affected our stay!
The restaurant had a very limited menu for dinner but the food was good and the staff were lovely. But we were then disappointed when after two days the rather good a la carte breakfast menu was taken away and replaced by a buffet - which was not kept covered, didn't seem as good and at $15 was expensive. We couldn't even get just a bagel unless we bought the whole buffet. When we asked about this we were told it was because it was the busy season and it made things easier for the guests (how?) although out of the 20 odd people that were there when we were only one actually chose to have the buffet!! We were booked in for seven nights and stayed four... after that the noise and the smell of the tarmac was too much so we moved elsewhere - which was a shame as we really wanted to be able to relax and explore the area fully.

Small visitor center with very small museum. The museum is primarily focused on flora and fauna of the region, definitely good for kids.

Good site to get information on nearby activities, particularly hiking. The walk around Abbott Lake, 1 mile, was enjoyable and scenic and a chance to stretch your legs if not staying nearby.

We stayed 2 nights in our RV in the Campground, which is in need of repairs.

We hiked almost to to Flat Top on the trail. Rated less strenuous than Sharp Top Trail we didn't quite make it to the top only a few views to west on the way. We would have had to make last 400 vertical feet to be above tree line for the views (senioritis).

Raining hard on second day so we left in the morning. Will be back someday to get to Sharp Top on the shuttle and hike down,hike Fallingwater Cascades Trail and Harkening Hill