Sharp Top Trail, VA

This hike almost did not happen . . . It was so odd. On Thursday, VA had record high temperatures in the upper 70's and then, the next day (day right before the scheduled hike), it snows! However, that did not stop us. One of my teaching friends from WV and her fiance came to visit and make the strenuous climb to the top of Sharp Top. It was a wonderful hike despite the drastic climate change half-way up the mountain. We enjoyed a picnic lunch at about 3,500 ft. above sea level. The hike is actually called "Sharp Top Trail" but many from the area call it, "Peaks of Otter." The mountain has two major rock formations: Sharp Top and Flat Top (This is on a completely different mountain in the area) . . There is one other rock formation that spurs off the main trail a bit but it is worth the climb, it is called, "Buzzards Roost. "

When we got to the fork in the trail, I said to myself, "It is not about choosing which one . . . it is about visiting both rock formations regardless." I could not rest easy knowing that I made that hike and did not experience the peak and Buzzards Roost. Hence, I went to both of them and the view from either point is breathtaking!

Fun Fact:

Sharp Top is a jumble of house-sized boulders and it is the highest point of the mountain. Its elevation is at 3,875 ft. above sea level.

Buzzards Roost's elevation is somewhere between 3,000-3, 500 ft. Something that made Buzzards Roost exciting is that you have the chance to do some rock climbing because nothing is developed there. You can scramble up to the top of the huge boulders (much more fun than concrete steps and handrails) for another great view.

I def. won't forget my 2007 St. Patrick's Day . . . it was incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!