Hike the Harkening Hill Loop

To get to the trailhead, pull into the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and park there. Proceed to the outdoor amphitheater behind the center. At the rear of the amphitheater there is a large sign showing Harkening Hill and other nearby trails, here the trail begins. The loop is 3.3 miles and takes about 1.5-2 hours.

It starts at a medium grade and proceeds with winding switchbacks until it reaches the beginning of the ridge line. In spring or fall, while the trees are still barren you can look behind you and see Flat Top and Sharp Top mountains, the other two Peaks of Otter. After 0.75 miles the trail begins to level out as you walk along the ridge line which is spotted with rock formations. A few of these you can stand on to get a less obstructed view of the surrounding valleys. After 1.8 miles you reach the summit of Harkening Hill, denoted by a sign. Though not as splendid as Sharp Top, the views are still well worth the hike.

On your 1.5 mile decent just follow the well marked trail signs to return to the visitor center.