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 James River/Otter Creek recreation area has a campground, restaurant, picnic area, hiking trails and fishing in Otter Lake. The parkway, which is America's longest linear park, runs for 469 miles (755 km) … The area has a campground, restaurant/gift shop, picnic area, and handicap-accessible fishing dock. Follow SR 130 for 15 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway and enter north on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Advanced Search Find a Library. That’s the Otter Lake Loop Trail. Being a National Park camp, there are not showers or hookups. The perspectives from Rough Ridge are just the absolute best on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Otter Lake Loop Trail. 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. Code . Shortly after passing the cabin is another intersection with the Otter Creek 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. From end to end it carves a 469-mile path along the spine of the Blue Ridge, acting as a regional corridor for … 58 to 63.6 Otter Creek runs 10 miles (16 km) down the Blue Ridge to the James River. 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 … The northern terminus of the 3.5 mile Otter Creek Trail is located in the campground, near the Difficulty: Easy to Moderate with a few short strenuous climbs. Blue Ridge Parkway / Otter Creek Campground in Bedford, Virginia: 6 reviews, 0 photos, & 0 tips from fellow RVers. Code Type . Like all of the other campgrounds, Julian Price is open from mid-May until the end of October. 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. 0.2: Moderate: 17.6: The Priest View. … 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. 61.4 760 ft Terrapin Hill Overlook picnic table - Otter Creek Trail. 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. Otter Lake did not exist at that time being built when the Blue Ridge Parkway … Cross Otter Creek below the dam to start the hike. However, 85 years later, the forest has reclaimed the land, and many of the scenic views are now obscured by vegetation. 221 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos taken at ‘Otter Creek Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway’ Yes, it’s a good trail for exercise, but not for seeing the lake. Check Rates . Start by deciding on what you would like to see. 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 … BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TRAVEL PLANNER APP 469 miles of scenic places, historic sites, lodging, outdoor recommendations and more delivered directly to your Smartphone. The trail is primarily used for hiking, … 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. Picnic Tables: 3 (no grills). 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. Waynesboro, VA is 4 miles west. National Park Service. 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. The spur trail immediately forks with no indication as to which way to go. However, this only counts the actual earthen trail. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the Southeast’s most treasured resources. 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. The 3.5-mile Otter Creek Trail leads back to Otter Lake and eventually the campground. the usual Blue Ridge Parkway price of $16. 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. I don’t think this is Otter Creek, which is much wider and crossed at the end of the hike. As a result, you spend the majority of your time hiking in the woods. 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. 63.2: 646 ft: Lowest point along Blue Ridge Parkway. Peaks of Otter (MP 86) near the Peaks of Otter Lodge, Abbott Lake, the restored 1930s Johnson Farm, and a magnificent trail system. Just past the intersection is a small swamp. However, it’s double that distance just to reach the Blue Ridge Parkway, then perhaps 300 feet to the main Otter Lake parking lot. While the trail loops around the lake, you’ll rarely get a glimpse of the water. One is on the parking lot side of the creek, and the other two can be reached by crossing the bridge on the left. … MP 324.8 61.6 n/a Otter Creek Bridge. 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 … Please select travel dates . The campground has sites for 42 tents and 26 trailers. This 3.5 mile trail meanders along the creek and Parkway motor road from the campground to the visitor center. The links below provide … Flat Top and Sharp Top rise in the distance. 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. 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. If you want that Pulitzer Prize winning Otter Creek photo, take it from one of the bridges. Starting at James River Visitor Center, amble alongside Otter Creek to Otter Lake. Somebody had torn down a fishing regulation sign and used it to extend the bridge to the land. Packages and Specials Hot Rates. As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. It follows the Parkway and creek from the Otter Creek Campground to the James River Visitor Center. Blue Ridge Parkway Campground Information. 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. If you took a good look at the map posted at the start of the Otter Lake Loop Trail, you may have noticed that it marks the location of an “Old Cabin Ruins.” Just a few minutes after crossing the creek is the cabin site. Find items in libraries near you. The 0.4 mile Trail of Trees has signs that identify many of the trees and shrubs of the river valley. Five miles round-trip is a good maximum distance for novices. It encompasses some of the oldest sites of both prehistoric and early European settlement in the country. … I also completed two trails at the visitor center. Book early and save with great discounts off hot mid-week dates! The campground is usually open April to the first week of November. National Park Service : Format: Map and Print: Publication Info [Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Dept. Don’t make the mistake I made and try to hike up it because 1) it’s nearly impossible to climb without spikes attached to your boots, and 2) it’s not the Otter Lake Loop Trail. To start the hike, take the walkway at the left side of the trail map sign to a set of stairs that takes you below the dam. 114.9 The Roanoke River Gorge is visible after a short walk. Heavy logging had taken place within the Blue Ridge Mountains at the time construction on the Parkway began in 1935. Sites for 42 tents and 26 trailers. Campground, Otter Creek Gift Shop & Restaurant. Otter Creek Trail is a nice little out and back that meanders alongside its namesake creek. Search for Library Items Search for Lists Search for Contacts Search for a Library. This is Blue Ridge Parkway’s largest campground, as well, so there are lots to do within the vicinity. You will also see a trail sign at this point. COVID-19 Resources. When … 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. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. When the lakeshore segment of the trail ends, you have another short-but-steep walk up a small mountain. Walk around to the right and you will soon see some concrete stepping stones on which you can walk across the creek. At one of the many overlooks of the twisting Blue Ridge Parkway. Coordinates for the hike: 37.4731200,-79.5806050 Parking / … 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. There are two creeks that flow into Otter Lake, with one being Otter Creek. Facilities include water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks. WorldCat Home About WorldCat Help. The TRACK Trail program is a network of kid friendly self guided trails on or near the Parkway. The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has a campground, restaurant, picnic area, hiking … View: ♦ ♦ ♦ / 5 Fishing only. 62.5: 685 ft: Lower Otter Creek Overlook picnic table (across creek) - Otter Creek Trail. 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. We camped at Blue Ridge Parkway / Otter Creek Campground in a Travel Trailer. It is part of the James River/Otter Creek Recreation Area/George Washington National Forest. If you parked by the dam, you have another tenth of a mile beyond that. 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. Turning right takes you back the way you came. 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. Otter Creek Trail. There is a small restaurant and visitor center. Travel Dates. 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. Trail head begins at Peaks Visitor Center. 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. The bridge over a wetland comes up short during high water periods. 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. A large parking area borders the lake, and a smaller parking lot is located to the right of the lake near the dam. Time: 45 minutes This area’s abundant water and warmer … Fishing & Hiking on Otter Lake. https://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway-place/james-river-otter-creek Otter Creek 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. Area hikes include: Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop and James River Canal Trails. Old cabin ruins on the Otter Lake Loop Trail. Special Feature - Proprietary 360 degree tour of overlooks, … There’s nothing left but a pile of stones. Then decide how far you would like to hike. All Rights reserved.Designed by www.orange-themes.com. The visitor center is a good place to get acquainted with the history of the area. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature … Blue Ridge Parkway : Otter Creek & James River trails / National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. 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. 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. The Peaks of Otter Lodge is one of just two lodges located on the Parkway and the only lodge on the Parkway in Virginia. Otter Lake is a man-made lake formed by damming Otter Creek. Take the spur left to Polly Woods Ordinary, … … There are also three picnic tables at this stop. 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. 0.3: Moderate: 8.8: Greenstone Trail Self-guiding; Greenstone geology formation. Here you will find an information panel with a trail map. Very rarely does the trail wander out of hearing distance of the Blue Ridge As soon as you get across Otter Creek you will see a trail that goes straight up a muddy hill. 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 Parkway extends 469 miles mostly along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains through North Carolina and Virginia. No showers or hook-ups. Sharp rock bluffs, mountain laurel, redbud, and bird life are abundant. During my October 2020 hike there was no problem, but back 2015 when I did the hike, the bridge came up short. This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. 2: Strenuous: 8.4: Catoctin Loop Trail Leg stretcher. The trail can also be accessed from overlooks at MP 61.4, 62.5 and … No cell signal. The campground is open from mid-May until the end of October. 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. 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. 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 … Check Rates. 61.4: 760 ft: Terrapin Hill Overlook picnic table - Otter Creek Trail. Blue Ridge Parkway : Otter Creek & James River trails. Otter Creek and James River Trails As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation, roughly 650 feet above sea level. Create lists, bibliographies and reviews: or Search WorldCat. Otter Creek camp is at the lowest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile post 61. VA 130 JCT. The 3.5-mile Otter Creek Trail follows the creek from the Otter Creek Campground down to the James River Visitor Center. While I did not hike this trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Guide rates it as an easy hike. Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails. Blue Ridge Parkway / Otter Creek Campground in Bedford is rated 5.9 of 10 at … Otter Creek Restaurant & Gift Shop at Milepost 60 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed and unlikely to reopen next year. This hike is quietly beautiful from end to end. There are numerous TRACK Trails in this area include five TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Trails: Otter Lake Loop Trail, Otter Creek Trail All have views of the creek. From the Peaks of Otter Campground, Virginia, a visitor can easily explore the iconic mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway. All Rights reserved.Designed by www.orange-themes.com, Otter Creek and James River Hiking Trails. Along the Parkway, Otter Creek Campground is just 2 miles north. 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. 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. The inquisitive visitor will discover the Otter Creek Trail. Head out on the Lake Trail, now circling Abbott Lake, named for the Blue Ridge Parkway’s chief architect. There are several trails to explore here, too. A bridge spans the wet area, but if it has been raining, it might not be long enough. Fishing only. It is a popular tourist attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway, for both the lake and dam are quite scenic. Blue Ridge Parkway MP 61 Monroe, VA 24574; Phone 828-298-6082 ; City Monroe Locality Amherst. Otter Creek Trail. ;] Home. If you haven't hiked much recently, be conservative. Escape the bustle and experience an amazing hiking and camping trip. Located about a mile off the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 27. 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. Virtual Blue Ridge Parkway, Free source for information, photos and maps of the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding areas. A Planned Trip Up The Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway is actually the most visited of all American National Parks. First creek crossing on the Otter Lake Loop Trail. Follow the sign to the parking lot, which it claims is only 300 feet away. 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. 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. Otter Creek Trail is a 4.6 mile out and back trail located near Monroe, Virginia that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. 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. Author/creator: United States. 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. Otter Creek was a heavily used travel route from the mountains above to the James River and above the threat of flood. A shuttle bus provides service to Sharp Top. About the Campground: Otter Creek Campground is the northernmost of the parkway’s campgrounds. As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. Milepost 71 - Petites Gap to Cave Mountain Lake , seven miles off the Parkway … Otter Creek Trail. It also has a wonderful view of the James River water gap. However, the camp is lovely and a great place to stay a few nights to hike and enjoy the Parkway. The trail is easy to walk and crosses the creek numerous times on stepping stones and pedestrian bridges. Check our camping pagefor more information. 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. Blue Ridge Parkway - Photo of the Day | Galleries Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway through breathtaking photography. [United States. 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. Oak/Hickory forest. 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. At the north end of the trail is the Otter Creek Campground (BRP MP 61) with 45 tent sites and 24 RV/Trailer sites with facilities. 63.1: 655 ft: Otter Lake Overlook. Shortly after reaching the bottom, the trail crosses a small creek via a footbridge. 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 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. 84 to 87 Peaks of Otter are three mountain peaks which have been popular viewing sites since the days of Thomas Jefferson. Peaks of Otter Campground About the Campground: The Peaks of Otter Campground is located in Virginia's Jefferson National Forest, on milepost 85.6. While bad for ecology, it was great for scenic views. 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. 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 … Otter Creek Trail. As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation - roughly 650 feet above sea level. Length: 1-mile loop Otter Creek (MP 61) is located at the Parkway's lowest elevation near Virginia's James River. View, Modify, or Cancel Reservation . Picnic Tables: None. 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 … This is typical of many overlooks and trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is also a trail that circles the lake, the Otter Lake Loop Trail. This is a Peaks of … 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 walk from the VC to the lake and back next to the creek made an enjoyable afternoon! 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. Lower Otter Creek Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, View: ♦ ♦ / 5 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. Directions to the trailhead: From Lynchburg, take US 29 north to SR 130 and turn left on SR 130. Creek numerous times on stepping stones and pedestrian bridges you want that Prize. Another short-but-steep walk up a muddy Hill treasured resources Creek camp is otter creek trail blue ridge parkway end... 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