Waynesboro, VA is 4 miles west. This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. The campground is usually open April to the first week of November. Located about a mile off the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 27. 61.4: 760 ft: Terrapin Hill Overlook picnic table - Otter Creek Trail. READ MORE: 15 Places You Must Visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails. Your help supports necessary Parkway educational and interpretive events, maintains and improves Parkway lands and assets as well as major Parkway sites ABOUT US FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a membership-based, National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway partner organization, that provides volunteers and funding for projects, special events, and NPS programs along the Parkway. Packages and Specials Hot Rates. Somebody had torn down a fishing regulation sign and used it to extend the bridge to the land. The Blue Ridge Parkway Guide is a privately owned website authored by Joe Veler and Sarah Cooke, who began work on the site after discovering their shared love of the Parkway. About the Campground: Otter Creek Campground is the northernmost of the parkway’s campgrounds. Notice that the trail rarely skirts the shoreline, and most of the time it’s not even close to the lake. If you parked by the dam, you have another tenth of a mile beyond that. You work your way up a steep hill to climb high above the lake for a promising photo opportunity only to find yourself in a forest and starring at a partially blocked overlook. Blue Ridge Parkway - Photo of the Day | Galleries Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway through breathtaking photography. Blue Ridge Parkway : Otter Creek & James River trails / National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Sites for 42 tents and 26 trailers. Code Type . The trail is easy to walk and crosses the creek numerous times on stepping stones and pedestrian bridges. At one of the many overlooks of the twisting Blue Ridge Parkway. The James River/Otter Creek recreation area is one of five developed areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is located near two highway crossings, state routes 501 and 130. VA 130 JCT. Length: 1-mile loop Virginia Trails‐ Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost Trail Mileage Difficulty 5.9 Mountain Farm Trail (self‐guiding, from Humpback Visitor Ctr to pioneer farm stand) .025 Easy 6.0 Appalachian Trail … Coordinates for the hike: 37.4731200,-79.5806050 Parking / … Facilities include water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks. View: ♦ ♦ ♦ / 5 Search. Otter Lake did not exist at that time being built when the Blue Ridge Parkway … This 3.5 mile trail meanders along the creek and Parkway motor road from the campground to the visitor center. Trail head begins at Peaks Visitor Center. It also has a wonderful view of the James River water gap. However, 85 years later, the forest has reclaimed the land, and many of the scenic views are now obscured by vegetation. About halfway around the loop is the overlook, and while you can see Otter Lake, the view is partially blocked and you can’t get a decent photo. If you plan to hike the trail, park at the smaller parking lot located at the right side of the lake near the dam. Virtual Blue Ridge Parkway, Free source for information, photos and maps of the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding areas. There are two creeks that flow into Otter Lake, with one being Otter Creek. A large parking area borders the lake, and a smaller parking lot is located to the right of the lake near the dam. However, this only counts the actual earthen trail. You will also see a trail sign at this point. Shortly after passing the cabin is another intersection with the Otter Creek Trail. I also completed two trails at the visitor center. The Otter Lake Loop Trail is one of the victims. Final walk back to your car along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Next Stop South | Next Stop North | Otter Creek and James River Hiking Trails | Scenic Overlooks, © 2020 Copyright Steven L. Markos. The Otter Lake Loop Trail is for those who want to get some exercise, not for those who simply want to get a nice photo of Otter Lake. It encompasses some of the oldest sites of both prehistoric and early European settlement in the country. Blue Ridge Parkway / Otter Creek Campground in Bedford is rated 5.9 of 10 at … Picnic Tables: None. Create lists, bibliographies and reviews: or Search WorldCat. Otter Creek Trail (begin at Otter Creek Campground) 3.5 Moderate 63.1 Otter Lake Trail (around Otter Lake) 0.8 Moderate ... Virginia Trails‐ Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes to Waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway From nearest to farthest from the Rockfish Gap Tourist Center Milepost 19.9‐ White Rock Falls‐ moderate 1.8 mile roundtrip. All Rights reserved.Designed by www.orange-themes.com. Blue Ridge Parkway / Otter Creek Campground in Bedford, Virginia: 6 reviews, 0 photos, & 0 tips from fellow RVers. For a really easy jaunt, head to the James River Visitor Center at Mile 63.6 and take the 0.2-mile James River Trail to the restored James River and Kanawha Canal lock, built between 1845–51. Otter Creek Trail. Peaks of Otter (MP 86) near the Peaks of Otter Lodge, Abbott Lake, the restored 1930s Johnson Farm, and a magnificent trail system. … While the trail loops around the lake, you’ll rarely get a glimpse of the water. Blue Ridge Parkway Dining Peaks of Otter’s Lake View Restaurant is a renowned destination for dining with a menu featuring fresh and organic local ingredients and regional specialties. Book early and save with great discounts off hot mid-week dates! During my October 2020 hike there was no problem, but back 2015 when I did the hike, the bridge came up short. Otter Creek Trail. Otter Creek Trail is a nice little out and back that meanders alongside its namesake creek. The 0.4 mile Trail of Trees has signs that identify many of the trees and shrubs of the river valley. Otter Creek was a heavily used travel route from the mountains above to the James River and above the threat of flood. To get to the trail, cross the creek via one of two bridges, each on opposite ends of the parking area. … Heavy logging had taken place within the Blue Ridge Mountains at the time construction on the Parkway began in 1935. The trail is primarily used for hiking, … Fishing & Hiking on Otter Lake. COVID-19 Resources. Area hikes include: Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop and James River Canal Trails. When done, return back to the overlook sign and continue hiking straight on the trail. 2: Strenuous: 8.4: Catoctin Loop Trail Leg stretcher. It is part of the James River/Otter Creek Recreation Area/George Washington National Forest. However, the camp is lovely and a great place to stay a few nights to hike and enjoy the Parkway. This hike is quietly beautiful from end to end. North Carolina Highlights Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost Elevation Highlights along Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia (north to south) 0.0 1909 ft Rockfish Gap – US 250/I-64 and Skyline Dr Jct. 84 to 87 Peaks of Otter are three mountain peaks which have been popular viewing sites since the days of Thomas Jefferson. The first half of the trail descends to and then follows Fallingwater Creek as it tumbles down a rugged gorge, then the trail ascends into a cathedral like grove of trees. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. Kids who hike any of these trails can register their hike at kidsinparks.com to win prizes to make their next outdoor adventure more fun. Trails: Otter Creek Trail The parkway, which is America's longest linear park, runs for 469 miles (755 km) … Time: 45 minutes No showers or hook-ups. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas. The visitor center is a good place to get acquainted with the history of the area. A shuttle bus provides service to Sharp Top. Things to do: Otter Creek is near James River, which is both Virginia's longest river and the Blue Ridge's Parkway's lowest point. The Blue Ridge Parkway contains almost 400 miles of hiking trails that aren’t just a natural wonderland but offer a remarkable window into the history of the first hundred years of this country as … 58 to 63.6 Otter Creek runs 10 miles (16 km) down the Blue Ridge to the James River. Check Rates. Old cabin ruins on the Otter Lake Loop Trail. This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. Escape the bustle and experience an amazing hiking and camping trip. The inquisitive visitor will discover the Otter Creek Trail. Not to worry, for the walk to the overlook is done via a short loop, so whichever way you go, you will end up back where you are now. The bridge over a wetland comes up short during high water periods. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas.RecreationThe James River/Otter Creek recreation area has a campground, picnic area, hiking trails and fishing in Otter Lake.FacilitiesBoth RV and tent sites are available at this well-kept campground. The Trail follows near the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway from Shenadoah National Park to near Roanoke, VA. Several short sections of the AT can be hiked from the Parkway. Please select travel dates . Trails: Otter Lake Loop Trail, Otter Creek Trail 0.3: Moderate: 8.8: Greenstone Trail Self-guiding; Greenstone geology formation. It’s located near Lynchburg, Virginia, by the James River.Since the Parkway is numbered from north to south, you’ll find Otter Creek … Very rarely does the trail wander out of hearing distance of the Blue Ridge Next Stop South | Next Stop North | Scenic Overlooks, © 2020 Copyright Steven L. Markos. Directions to the trailhead: From Lynchburg, take US 29 north to SR 130 and turn left on SR 130. While I did not hike this trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Guide rates it as an easy hike. Although it is a loop trail, we were unable to hike the loop around the lake because water covered the stepping stones to the far side of lake loop. Head out on the Lake Trail, now circling Abbott Lake, named for the Blue Ridge Parkway’s chief architect. I completed the scenic 0.9 mile Otter Lake Loop section. 61.4 760 ft Terrapin Hill Overlook picnic table - Otter Creek Trail. If the trail wasn’t but a mile long, heading back to the parking lot wouldn’t be a bad idea, but stick it out, for you are pretty much done with the uphill climbs. Flat Top and Sharp Top rise in the distance. Milepost 71 - Petites Gap to Cave Mountain Lake , seven miles off the Parkway … It is a part of the Virtual Blue Ridge Network, which aims to share the Parkway experience with long-distance viewers and to enhance it for visitors and residents. Follow SR 130 for 15 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway and enter north on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Otter Creek Trail Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail 63.1 Otter Lake Loop Trail Available 63.6 James River Canal Trail Available 63.6 Trail of Trees Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club 74.7 Thunder Ridge Trail … When … Yes, it’s a good trail for exercise, but not for seeing the lake. Special Feature - Proprietary 360 degree tour of overlooks, … Check Rates . Located at Milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Peaks of Otter Lodge is found in a naturally serene location with the pristine Abbott Lake and majestic Sharp Top Mountain as the … The northern terminus of the 3.5 mile Otter Creek Trail is located in the campground, near the Photo Credit: Creative Dog Media, IG … MP 324.8 Otter Creek camp is at the lowest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile post 61. Picnic Tables: 3 (no grills). The perspectives from Rough Ridge are just the absolute best on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check our camping pagefor more information. Otter Creek and James River Hiking Trails As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. 114.9 The Roanoke River Gorge is visible after a short walk. As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation - roughly 650 feet above sea level. Camping is one way visitors traveling through the Blue Ridge Parkway can spend the night under the stars in one of America’s most beautiful natural settings. This is typical of many overlooks and trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can go right on the Otter Creek Trail, an easy trail that runs 3.5 miles from the Otter Creek Campground to the James River Visitor Center, or left to begin the Otter Lake Loop Trail. [United States. 0.2: Moderate: 17.6: The Priest View. https://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway-place/james-river-otter-creek Otter Creek Trail. The hike starts off with a strenuous, 5-minute walk uphill on a trail filled with rocks and roots before making its way back down to the lake shore. It follows the Parkway and creek from the Otter Creek Campground to the James River Visitor Center. There’s nothing left but a pile of stones. Blue Ridge Parkway MP 61 Monroe, VA 24574; Phone 828-298-6082 ; City Monroe Locality Amherst. Milepost 58-63.6 - Otter Creek runs 10 miles down the Blue Ridge to the James River, and Otter Lake is accessible from the Otter Creek Campground. Just a few minutes past the swamp is the bridge over Otter Creek, and just beyond the creek is the Blue Ridge Parkway. 61.6 n/a Otter Creek Bridge. Instead, you must keep walking on whatever rocks you can find to make it a little farther up the creek in the direction of the dam until you get to a stone staircase. Visit Site; O tter Creek (MP 61) is located at the Parkway's lowest elevation near Virginia's James River. You will, however, begin hiking farther and farther from the lake, so you won’t see it again until you get back to the parking lot. I don’t think this is Otter Creek, which is much wider and crossed at the end of the hike. Blue Ridge Parkway : Otter Creek & James River trails. Here you will find an information panel with a trail map. From the Peaks of Otter Lodge, follow the Blue Ridge Parkway north 2.4 miles to the Falling Water Cascades Parking lot on your left. While bad for ecology, it was great for scenic views. WorldCat Home About WorldCat Help. First creek crossing on the Otter Lake Loop Trail. When crossing the creek you can get a good view of the dam from below. A bridge spans the wet area, but if it has been raining, it might not be long enough. The Parkway extends 469 miles mostly along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains through North Carolina and Virginia. 61.6: n/a: Otter Creek Bridge. Otter Creek Trail. Advanced Search Find a Library. The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has a campground, restaurant, picnic area, hiking trails and fishing in Otter Lake. Explore hiking trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia for some of the best, and most breathtaking, hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notable trails include the rewarding 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area from Sharp Top Mountain, and the strenuous, yet beautiful Flat Top trail. Once at the top, be on the lookout for a sign that directs you to the overlook, which is located on a short spur trail that branches off from the main loop. 62.5: 685 ft: Lower Otter Creek Overlook picnic table (across creek) - Otter Creek Trail. Blue Ridge Parkway Campground Information. Shortly after reaching the bottom, the trail crosses a small creek via a footbridge. Turning right takes you back the way you came. The Blue Ridge Parkway Guides lists the official length of the Otter Lake Loop Trail as .8 mile, while the trail sign states .9 mile. Author/creator: United States. If you want that Pulitzer Prize winning Otter Creek photo, take it from one of the bridges. Walk around to the right and you will soon see some concrete stepping stones on which you can walk across the creek. Indian Gap Rocks is a 0.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Buena Vista, Virginia that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. Over 200 photographers have contributed images of this 469-mile scenic … It then follows the shore for a short distance, and this is the only time you will be near the lake until you get back to the Blue Ridge Parkway at the end of the hike. A Planned Trip Up The Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway is actually the most visited of all American National Parks. The links below provide … Find items in libraries near you. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the Southeast’s most treasured resources. BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TRAVEL PLANNER APP 469 miles of scenic places, historic sites, lodging, outdoor recommendations and more delivered directly to your Smartphone. There is a small restaurant and visitor center. This is an Otter Creek Campground map (150 kb), located near the James River Visitor Center and Canal on the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway nearest Shenandoah National Park. There over 369 miles of hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway, so one of the most daunting tasks facing hikers may be choosing which trail to explore. Otter Lake is a man-made lake formed by damming Otter Creek. The 1.8-mile Johnson Farm Loop Trail takes visitors to the historic Johnson Farm to see what life on a farm was like in the late 1800’s. … This is Blue Ridge Parkway’s largest campground, as well, so there are lots to do within the vicinity. Otter Creek Restaurant & Gift Shop at Milepost 60 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed and unlikely to reopen next year. Search for Library Items Search for Lists Search for Contacts Search for a Library. The trail traverses level terrain for a short distance before heading back down the mountain, and the hike down is as steep as the hike up. As with the Terrapin Hill View pullout just to the north, the Lower Otter Creek Overlook allows access to the Otter Creek Trail, which runs 3.5 miles one way from the Otter Creek Campground to the James River Visitor Center. O tter Creek (MP 61) is located at the Parkway's lowest elevation near Virginia's James River. Take the spur left to Polly Woods Ordinary, … Approach From the Peaks of Otter Lodge, follow the Blue Ridge Parkway north 2.4 miles to the Falling Water Cascades Parking lot on your left. the usual Blue Ridge Parkway price of $16. Peaks of Otter Lodge—On the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 86 and nestled between the Peaks of Otter mountains, this pet-friendly lodge is open May-November and has 63 guest rooms, an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and a gift shop. Along the Parkway, Otter Creek Campground is just 2 miles north. Otter Creek Trail out-and-back, begins at Otter Creek Campground 6.8 Moderate 63.1 Otter Lake Trail loop around Otter Lake 1 Moderate 63.6 James River Trail out-and-back, self-guiding to canal locks 0.4 Easy 63.6 Trail … As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. Like all of the other campgrounds, Julian Price is open from mid-May until the end of October. The hike starts off with a steep, but short, incline, The Otter Lake Loop Trail follows the shoreline for a short distance, View of Otter Lake from the western shore. North Carolina Highlights Blue Ridge Parkway: Milepost: Elevation: Highlights along Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia (north to south) 0.0: 1909 ft: Rockfish Gap – US 250/I-64 and Skyline Dr Jct. Thus, if a photo of the lake is all you want, snap one from the parking lot because that is the best view you are going to get. Fishing only. Sharp rock bluffs, mountain laurel, redbud, and bird life are abundant. Bridge over Otter Creek As with the Terrapin Hill View pullout just to the north, the Lower Otter Creek Overlook allows access to the Otter Creek Trail, which runs 3.5 miles one way from the … You can go right on the Otter Creek Trail, an easy trail that runs 3.5 miles from the Otter Creek Campground to the James River Visitor Center, or left to begin the Otter Lake Loop Trail. Peaks of Otter offers quality Blue Ridge Parkway lodging, and is recognized as a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence property among Blue Ridge Mountain hotels. Then decide how far you would like to hike. Code . From the Peaks of Otter Campground, Virginia, a visitor can easily explore the iconic mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Peaks of Otter Campground About the Campground: The Peaks of Otter Campground is located in Virginia's Jefferson National Forest, on milepost 85.6. This area’s abundant … All have views of the creek. Travel Dates. READ MORE: Where to Find the Visitor Centers on ... it’s easy to see why the Peaks of Otter is one of the most picturesque places on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just past the intersection is a small swamp. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. ;] Home. It does not take into account that you have to walk nearly a quarter mile along the Blue Ridge Parkway to get back to your car, making the overall length of the hike 1 mile. Starting at James River Visitor Center, amble alongside Otter Creek to Otter Lake. As a result, you spend the majority of your time hiking in the woods. 63.1: 655 ft: Otter Lake Overlook. Campground, Otter Creek Gift Shop & Restaurant. Recreation The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has fishing in Otter Lake and a number of hiking trails including Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter … This is a Peaks of … Otter Creek Trail begins at a local campsite and runs for a moderately strenuous 3½ miles; you can access it at different points from overlooks at Mile 61.4, Mile 62.5 and Mile 63.1. 221 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos taken at ‘Otter Creek Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway’ Otter Creek Recreational Area. The trail can also be accessed from overlooks at MP 61.4, 62.5 and … VA 130 JCT. The spur trail immediately forks with no indication as to which way to go. If you haven't hiked much recently, be conservative. View, Modify, or Cancel Reservation . Climb the Tanawha Trail through thick, rough timberland before summiting the edge, getting a view in the wake of stunning perspective from a progression of wooden stages, footpaths, and broad stone outcrops. 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