Sharp Top Mountain in Virginia

Sharp Top is one of the most popular trails in Virginia as well as one of the most famous mountains on the East Coast. A testament to this is the trailhead has its own store called the Sharp Top Store devoted to all the hikers. Although short, the trail is a strenuous hike for most people to reach the rocky summit. The reward on the summit is truly stunning as the mountain rises above the flatlands in a striking way. On the way up or down, you can also take a side trail over to Buzzards Roost, another great viewpoint.

It is even possible to take a concessionaire shuttle bus service up a narrow road that drops hikers within 0.25 miles of the summit. The Sharp Top Bus Road is closed to hiking and biking due to the narrow road and limited sight distances. At one time, the summit hosted a fire lookout but it has been removed. A stone block from the summit is part of the Washington Monument. At the time in 1884, it was believed that Sharp Top Mountain was the tallest mountain in Virginia and the stone inside the Washington Monument is engraved saying such. How this happened seems ridiculous given the next two mountains over are clearly higher….like much higher in elevation. There is a lodge on a lake at the trailhead and from the summit, you can look down at it. This would be a nice place to stay if you were on a Blue Ridge Parkway vacation.

Sharp Top Mountain, VA