Here are some more great hiking trails near Smith Mountain Lake. Many of the ones at the Peaks of Otter boast fabulous views along the trail. Be sure and remember to take plenty of water (and maybe even bug spray and a snack) when you go out walking for any distance. For more information about area trails that can be done in a day, visit OneDayHikes.com.
Peaks of Otter Trails
Sharp Top:Length: 3.2 miles / 5.1 km. Trail Type: Out and back. Elevation Change: 1,400 ft. Duration: 2 hours Trail Condition: Clear path, a bit rocky in places with some steps. Features: Panoramic views, Blue Ridge Mountains.
Flat Top (4,004 ft), reached by a 1,600 ft/488 m climb up Flat Top Trail. This peak has many rock outcrops, including Cross Rock and The Pinnacle. Out and back trail length is 5.7 miles/9.1 km. Trailhead: parking area at milepost 83.5. On the other side of the Parkway, Fallingwater Cascades Trail descends 260 ft/79 m to cascades before looping back to the road, a total of 1.6 miles/2.6 km.
Harkening Hill (3,364 ft), reached along the Harkening Hill Loop Trail. On the way down, a short spur leads to Balance Rock, just below the summit. At the junction with Johnson Farm Loop Trail, turn left to return to the Parkway via 19th-century Johnson Farm, a total of 4.2 miles/6.7 km. Trailhead: behind the visitor center.
Peaks of Otter – 540.586.1081
