Hike Flat Top Mountain

From the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, travel north up the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 3 miles, where you will come to small parking area for the Flat Top Trailhead. The parking area is quite tiny, and probably holds around 10 vehicles, but there was only one other car there when I went. It's probably like that most of the time, except maybe the weekends. This is the more popular side of the mountain to hike up as it has more switchbacks and isn't as steep. But if you have two vehicles, you can hike up one side and down the other. Not many people hike Flat Top, so it's pretty peaceful. I only saw three groups of people the whole time I was hiking.

From the parking area, start on the signed trail. It's not too steep, but it is definitely a constant uphill hike. The first quarter mile in isn't bad and the trail is rather smooth, but it starts to get a little rocky from there. By the time you are halfway in it starts to get really rocky at some points, so wear good hiking shoes/boots. There are a few rest benches on the way in you get tired and need a little break. There are also a lot of bugs and gnats in the summer, so some bug spray is definitely advised.

At about 2 miles in you come to sign that shows an optional side trail to Cross Rock. It is only .2 miles down the side of the mountain to these neat rocks, if you choose to do that. It also shows that the Flat Top summit is a half a mile from here. Once you reach the summit, there is no clear indication of which way to go to the overlook. There are a few different trails to follow and you may have to do a little exploring to find which overlook is best. From the overlooks, there are amazing views of the Blue Ridge mountains. It doesn't have the 360 degree views like it's sister mountain Sharp Top, but it is nonetheless incredible. From there, follow the trail back down, unless you drove two vehicles intending to travel down the other side on Spur Trail.