Peaks of Otter Hikes

Saturday, we woke up and made the short drive over to the Flat Top Parking area at Peaks of Otter.  From here, we got on Fallingwater-Flat Top National Recreation Trail and headed towards the cascades.  Right after crossing the split, we went left to hike the loop counterclockwise.  The trail descended to Fallingwater Creek and we rock hopped at some scenic cascades.

Soon, we came to Fallingwater Cascades.

In high water, this one was looking very nice.  But we could only see the lower slide from the base and we could tell there was more waterfall above.

Back on the trail, as we climbed next to the waterfall, I spotted a path to go out near the top of the lower part.

Climbing around, we found a way to the top and could see the upper cascading portion of the waterfall.

I really liked this upper section and hadn't seen it on my previous visit.

The trail continued to the top of the waterfall, where there was a nice view.

The trail then crossed the creek back to the other side.  Some white wood aster was blooming.

Soon, the trail looped back around to the start and we got on Flat Top Trail and began a steady climb up the mountain.  There trail was almost all switchbacks, so wasn't too strenuous despite the steep climb.  The trail is very rocky and there were a lot of huge boulders as we got higher up.

Near the top, we reached Cross Rock near the Pinnacle.

There were nice views looking east from here.  The top of Flat Top was pretty crowded, but we found a spot to sit and have a snack while enjoying the view.

I scrambled out to a couple different spots near the summit.

Lots of white snakeroot was flowering around here, even at the top.

Then we started making our way back down.  On the hike down, we spotted some jack in the pulpit berries.

Soon we made it back to the car, much easier going down than up.

From here, we drove down the mountain and headed to the Peaks of Otter Winery.  After parking, we got a couple samplers of their various wines, most made with apples.  They were very sweet and had some delicious flavors.  We picked up a bottle of apple cinnamon and apple dragonfruit wine to bring home.  And their apple cider donuts were fantastic.

We drove back to the campsite and made an evening hike up Sharp Top.  It was quite crowded and the trail is steep.  Near the top, we first went right at the intersection and hiked to Buzzards Roost.

Great views looking down to the Piedmont and up to Sharp Top.

Then we made the final ascent up to the summit of Sharp Top.

The summit is rocky so great 360 degree views.

Abbott Lake was visible far down below.

Flat Top was visible across the gap.

We took a break up here and then headed back down.  It was much easier going down and we could enjoy views through breaks in the trees.

Back at the base of the mountain, Sandy and Alex went back to camp while I went for a sunset stroll around Abbott Lake.  Flat Top was beautiful in the evening light.

Circling around the lake, Sharp Top and the reflection were really stunning.

I stopped to enjoy the view for a moment, then continued around the lake.

It was a little early for fall color but a few leaves had changed.

I finished up the loop and hiked back to camp.

We built a nice campfire to stay warm as it got cold once the sunset.  Alex got in the tent early and helped warm it up for us.