Sharp Top Mountain - Bedford, VA
Sharp Top Mountain Dog-Friendly Hiking in Bedford, Virginia
Located near Bedford, VA, Sharp Top Mountain is renowned for its rewarding summit views, steep scenic trails, and its popularity as one of the most famous dog-friendly hiking locations in central Virginia. With a moderately challenging 1.5-mile ascent, dog owners and their pets will appreciate both the physical challenge and the stunning vistas from the top. The trail features rocky terrain and stairs, making it better suited for energetic dogs and owners who enjoy a good workout. The early morning hours are cooler and less crowded, providing a peaceful setting for your hike.
While there isn’t a traditional fenced dog park area, Sharp Top Mountain offers ample opportunities for dogs and pet owners seeking adventure on pet-friendly trails. After your trek, parking is easy, and there are nearby amenities such as a lodge, a restaurant, and a campground for an extended stay. This natural area is perfect for those looking to enjoy a real hiking experience with their pets, complete with breathtaking sunrise or sunset photo opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the main attraction is the hiking trail to the summit, which is about 1.5 miles each way.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is described as very easy at Sharp Top Mountain, with convenient access to the trailhead.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The trail is mostly wooded, offering natural shade, especially during the cooler hours of the day.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The trail is less crowded in the early morning, but can get busier later in the day, especially during peak seasons.
Reviews
This is a great hike! It’s about 1.5 miles to the top. That sounds super easy, but the ascent is steep and rocky so be sure to wear good hiking shoes. I walk around 7 miles a day on fairly flat surfaces, and that did not prepare me for Sharp Top!! It’s a challenge but definitely worth doing!!! Plan your trip for early morning so it’s not crowded. The three of us (myself, husband, and son) headed up the trail at around 7 a.m. It’s nice a cool in the morning!!
The hike is not very easy, but the view at the top is spectacular. I’ve hiked this trail several times, including watching the sunset at the top. Temperatures at the top are cooler, and it can be windy. You will need some sort of lighting on the way back if you stay to watch the sunset
Great view. I’ve had my photo from the top as my phone background for the last 4 years. Hike itself is kind of tough due to the incline but the distance isn’t really that bad. Parking is also very easy. I also like how the hike “starts” right away, in the sense that even the very beginning is steep and you don’t have to do a lot of flat walking before you get to the real trail.
I’ve been going to sharp top my entire life and it never gets old. It is a harder hike due the stairs but not too long. During the summer months I’ll hike it then come back down and get an ice cream sandwich at the shop. There’s a campground nearby if you need it or the lodge. The lodge has a great restaurant. Leave your phone in the car and just have a great hike!
I hit the Sharp Top Trail at 4:00 AM with a headlamp and a goal: summit by sunrise. I made it to the top in just under an hour with one short break, and to be honest, the hike wasn’t as difficult as I’d expected from online descriptions—it’s steep, but very doable if you’re in decent shape.
The reward? Absolutely worth it. A thick fog clung to the mountaintop when I arrived, giving everything an eerie, otherworldly feel. Just before sunrise, the fog started to part, revealing layers of ridgelines and eventually the shimmering surface of Abbott Lake far below. Watching the landscape slowly emerge from the mist was unforgettable—like the mountain was revealing itself on its own time.
If you’re considering an early morning hike here, do it. Bring a flashlight, a light jacket, and your sense of awe. Sunrise from Sharp Top is pure magic.