Peaks of Otter (milepost 86) is one of the most popular stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia for good reason; it’s a beautiful spot filled with peaceful mountain views, iconic hiking trails, and hundreds of years of history. This visitor’s guide includes everything you need to know for a great visit including the best hiking trails, things to do, and places to stay nearby and when to visit.
In this Visitor’s Guide, I’m sharing the best ways to experience Peaks of Otter, including many of the best views, hikes, and other activities people have been enjoying here for hundreds of years.
Why is it called Peaks of Otter?
There is a little debate on where the name comes from. Peaks, refers to the three mountains surrounding Abbott Lake: Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. The ‘Otter’ part is disputed. According to the NPS, some say Otter is a reference to the Cherokee word for “High Mountain”, though, they say – it is more probable it’s named after Otterman, Scotland.
What makes Peaks of Otter so special
Peaks of Otter is a beautiful area to visit. The surrounding mountains tower over Abbott Lake making it feel like a mountain oasis.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just trying to get away from it all, Peaks of Otter has so a lot to offer. There are many trails to explore, plenty of history to discover, and hours of relaxation waiting for visitors.
Hiking
There are many options for hiking at Peaks of Otter, ranging from peaceful nature walks to strenuous mountain trails.
I’ll share a brief overview of the area hikes here, but we also have a full Peaks of Otter hiking guide with much more detail.
- Sharp Top – Sharp Top is the most popular hike in the area and definitely the toughest. You’ll also find some of the best views in Southwest Virginia here.
- Flat Top – Flat Top is just a little taller than Sharp Top. The round trip hike is a bit more than five miles and is good if you want to get away from crowds. Most of the view at the top is hidden by thick forest.
- Harkening Hill – Harkening Hill is the lowest of the three mountains. The hike to Harkening Hill is another good option if you like solitude, but there aren’t any views along the trail.
- Johnson Family Farm – This short trail connects to the Harkening Hill trail so you can combine the two if you like. This is a great trail for kids, the trail ends at the Johnson Family homestead. In warm months you can find volunteer tending to the garden and house.
- Elk Run – Elk Run trail leaves from behind the Visitor Center across the parkway from the lodge. The trail climbs up the mountain and features interlacing streams that slip down the mountain.
- Abbott Lake – Abbott Lake Trail passes around the manmade lake and is more of a stroll than a hike. You can bring strollers and wheelchairs on the paved path. You can also see Polly Woods Ordinary along the path.
Abbott Lake is a man made lake built in the 1960s. Many locals call it ‘Peaks of Otter Lake’ instead of Abbott Lake. And no, sadly, there are no otters in the lake.
- Fallingwater Cascades – Fallingwater Cascades is a short trail that leads to a two-tiered 100 foot tall waterfall. The trail passes under, up the side, and to the top of Fallingwater Cascades giving you a lot of views.
- Apple Orchard Falls – Apple Orchard Falls is a 200 foot waterfall that plummets down a steep rock face. There is a well constructed boardwalk and viewing platform at the base of Apple Orchard Falls.
We’ve hiked all of these trails and have found the view at Sharp Top to be the best, Apple Orchard Falls to be the kid favorite, and Johnson Family Farm to be the most pleasant because it isn’t too popular or difficult.
If you are limited on time and can only choose one hike, do Sharp Top if you are able to. It’s steep but beautiful.
There is a shuttle you can purchase tickets for that can take you most of the way on the hike. You will still have to walk about 1500 feet to reach the overlook but it is a good option for people not able to make the steep climb.
Other Things to Do
While popular for hiking, that’s not the only activity available at Peaks of Otter. There is plenty of history and other ways to relax for hours at Peaks of Otter.
History
There is a lot of information in the Visitor’s Center at Peaks of Otter. On one visit I spent close to an hour reading everything I could find.
Many of the artifacts are copies of hand written notes and letters from people writing to friends and relatives describing the beauty of the area.
In one letter I recall reading that Thomas Jefferson wondered if Sharp Top Mountain could be the tallest mountain in all of America.
That’s a silly thought now, but in the 1700s the Appalachian Mountains were frontier lands.
The letters, photographs, and art take vague people and ideas and make them real. If you’re interested in history, you could spend a lot of time reading through everything on display and learning a bit more from the amazing rangers that staff the Visitor’s Center.
Peaks of Otter is one of the best historic stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but not the only one. There are several more you may want to check out.
Fishing
Fishermen will find small mouth bass and blue gill in the lake. You can only use artificial bait and bass must be released per the Virginia Department of Wildlife.
There are no boats allowed in the lake so you will need to fish from the shore or the dock, opposite the lodge – accessible by the path around Abbott Lake.
Picnic
Normally I wouldn’t mention having a picnic as a ‘thing to do’ but the picnic area at Peaks of Otter is along a fast moving creek.
Little Stony Creek flows from Abbott Lake down the sloping terrain creating a series of short cascades that tiptoe toward being called a waterfall.
Picnic tables and bridges line the creek and a series of trails link them all together. For visitors that picnic here it is a beautiful surprise.
Where to Stay
There are several options for lodging near Peaks of Otter. Your budget and how close you want to be to the Peaks can help determine which option is best.
Peaks of Otter Lodge
Peaks of Otter Lodge was built in the 1960s and serves guests from May through October.
From the lodge you can gaze up at the three mountains that make up the Peaks of Otter: Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill.
The main building you see from the Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t actually the lodge. It’s the restaurant and gift shop.
Inside you’ll find a bar and lounge, a full restaurant, and a gift shop where you can find standard NPS fare but also books by local writers about the area.
The restaurant has an excellent menu and, having eaten here, I can say the food is quite good. Breakfast and lunch prices are fairly typical of most restaurants in the area and dinner is only slightly more expensive.
Rooms for the lodge can be as low $120/night in May or nearly $300/night in October.
Unlike many hotels you can bring your dog for a stay at the lodge. You will need to follow a specific check in process.
A stay at the lodge gets you the most complete, comfortable experience. If you plan on hiking, you can reach the trailheads for all three mountain peaks without ever getting in your car.
Peaks of Otter Campground
The Peaks of Otter campground at the base of Sharp Top Mountain has 88 tent sites and 51 nonelectric RV sites. The campground has several flush toilets and potable water. Even during peak season there is typically availability at the campground.
The campground is open from late May until the end of October and campsites, tent or RV, are $20/night.
One great thing about the Peaks of Otter area is how temperate the weather is. Camping is a great and inexpensive way to spend a few days around Peaks of Otter.
Graham Ordinary
Graham Ordinary is a late 1700s log cabin with two suites to choose from as well as two RV sites. Tents are also welcome, and the camp sites have electric hook up available.
The word ‘ordinary’ had only one definition to me before I read about Polly Woods Ordinary. The word ordinary used to refer to a place that met the ‘ordinary’ needs of travelers – lodging and food.
In addition to the lodging, there is also an on-site meadery open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Graham Ordinary is only a five minute drive from Peaks of Otter. This is an excellent option for people wanting a more unique experience.
Town of Bedford
The town of Bedford is less than twenty minutes away and is a beautiful community with a history that stretches back to the founding of the United States. There are a lot of lodging options including several bed and breakfasts and plenty of affordable hotels. Two of the more unique options are:
- Forget-Me-Not B&B – Forget-Me-Not B&B has just one room so you won’t just be another guest. You can feel at home relaxing on the wrap around porch, just a few steps outside of downtown Bedford. The owners also run the Graham Ordinary.
- Vanquility Acres Inn – Vanquility Acres Inn is a 10 acre farm that features suites and cottages. If you are visiting with children that love to swim they also have a pool available for guests.
- VRBO and Airbnb – There are quite a few cabins and whole home options in Bedford that you may want to research.
Surrounding Areas
In you have time to venture a bit further away during your time at Peaks of Otter, there are several things in the surrounding area that are well worth a visit.
The town of Bedford and the town of Buchanan are both less than 20 minutes from Peaks of Otter and each is filled with plenty of history and small town charm.
Bedford, VA
In addition to being a great place to find lodging, the Town of Bedford is also a great place to experience more history and relax.
Downtown Bedford is a joy to walk around and there are many antique shops and restaurants tucked away in historic buildings to enjoy.
If you are interested in history, the National D-Day Memorial is also in Bedford. The United States built the memorial in Bedford because the town suffered the highest per capita loss on D-Day.
You can purchase tickets for the D-Day memorial and Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s home, as a bundle. Poplar Forest is just outside of Lynchburg, Virginia, 30 minutes from the memorial.
If learning about D-Day is something that interests you visit the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. The small museum is in Green’s Drugstore in downtown Bedford.
Visiting the Bedford Boys Tribute Center is a celebration of the life of the men and women of Bedford that served during WWII and it is one of our favorite things we’ve done in Bedford.
If you are planning on spending time in Bedford check out our Visitor’s Guide to Bedford. For such a small town there is a lot to enjoy!
Buchanan, VA
The town of Buchanan is a small community north of Peaks of Otter, resting along the James River.
There are about half a dozen restaurants as well as a few antique shops.
If you are going to stop by the town, we recommend considering a kayak or canoe trip on the James River with Twin River Outfitters.
The business is owned by identical twin brothers and they offer a variety of trips along the upper James River. They provide kayak and canoe rentals and also shuttle services, so you don’t have to worry about logistics. There is even an option for a multiday glamping trip.
How to Spend One Afternoon at Peaks of Otter
There’s enough to do around Peaks of Otter to spend several days here. But if you only have time for a quick visit, here’s how we would suggest you use it.
Start your visit at the Visitor Center, not the restaurant. Check out the exhibits on history and the local flora and fauna. Budget at least half an hour to read through everything and feel free to ask the park ranger any questions.
Next, head up the trail to Sharp Top or Johnson Family Farm. Sharp Top parking is across the street from the Visitor Center and is our top pick for the view.
If you aren’t feeling the steep hike, you can take the shuttle most of the way.
Johnson Family Farm leaves from the Visitor Center parking area. It is a pleasant and easy hike that makes up for the lack of dramatic view with connection to history.
After your hike head to the Peaks of Otter Restaurant and grab something to eat. Check the hours of operation before your visit to time your hike so you can get something to eat. Come hungry because meals are large and tasty.
Finally, spend some time around Abbott Lake after you eat and stop by Polly Woods Ordinary. The walk around the lake is calming and beautiful no matter the season. Find a place to stop for awhile and take in this stunning place.
Peaks of Otter has been a famous place to visit for hundreds of years and will likely be popular for hundreds of years to come.
If you are visiting the area you may also want to check out some of the awesome things to do in Roanoke, Virginia and some of the best hikes in the Roanoke area.
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