Flat Top Mountain, Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

ABOUT THE PARK:
Peaks of Otter - National Park Service

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates for Flat Top Parking: 37.468368, -79.580441

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The Flat Top Trail can also be accessed from it's opposite end to be done in conjunction with the Sharp Top hike.

TRAIL MAP:  Peaks of Otter - National Park Service

HIKE DISTANCE:  5.65 miles

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

Sharp Top (left) and Flat Top (right)

Trail becomes more rugged and switchbacks up.

At 2.1 miles come to an intersection with a trail to Cross Rock.  This trail descends very steeply so remember you have to climb back up.  Other hikers told me it is not worth it so I did not take that trail.  Do look around the intersection for some rocks to scramble up on for views.

Apple Orchard Mountain (with white ball on top) from Cross Rock intersection.

View from Cross Rock intersection.

No views from the actual summit but wander around the maze of trails at the summit and scramble up rocks for views.

Rock scramble to western view.

Western View

Eastern View

Sharp Top from Flat Top

White-spotted Slimy Salamander

Eastern Towhee

HIKE SUMMARY:
[  0.00]  Start Flat Rock Trail from parking lot
[  2.10]  Intersection with trail to Cross Rock; rock scramble to views
[  2.55]  Short side trail to left to rock outcrop with view
[  2.65]  Keep right at multiple intersections to summit sign; right to rock scramble to view
[  2.80]  Explore maze of trails at summit for rock scrambles with views on both sides; start back from summit sign
[  3.15]  Intersection with trail to Cross Rock; rock scramble to views
[  5.65]  Back at parking lot

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