{"id":6666,"date":"2022-05-30T22:59:09","date_gmt":"2022-05-30T14:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/?p=6666"},"modified":"2022-07-18T05:21:44","modified_gmt":"2022-07-17T21:21:44","slug":"20220530blue-ridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/2022\/05\/30\/20220530blue-ridge\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 4 of May 2022 Virginia Trip, Blue Ridge Parkway and Sharp Top"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The fourth and last day of my 2022 Memorial Day weekend trip. I would be driving from the town of Wytheville, Virginia back to my home near Washington DC. With me in no hurry for the day, I would take the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and hike Sharp Top Mountain along the way.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020605.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020605.jpg\" alt=\"Harkening Hill\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Harkening Hill<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><script src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/splide.min.2.4.21.js\"><\/script>\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/splide-skyblue.min.css\">\n<script>\ndocument.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function () {\n    var secondarySlider1 = new Splide( '#splide-thumb-1', {\n        fixedWidth:100,height:67,gap:10,\n        focus:'center',keyboard:'focused',\n        cover:true,isNavigation:true,\n        breakpoints :{'600':{fixedWidth:57,height:38,pagination:false,arrows:false,gap:5,}},\n    } ).mount();\n    var primarySlider1 = new Splide( '#splide-major-1', {\n        type:'fade',pagination:false,arrows:false,\n    } );\n    primarySlider1.sync( secondarySlider1 ).mount();\n    var secondarySlider2 = new Splide( '#splide-thumb-2', {\n        fixedWidth:100,height:67,gap:10,\n        focus:'center',keyboard:'focused',\n        cover:true,isNavigation:true,\n        breakpoints :{'600':{fixedWidth:57,height:38,pagination:false,arrows:false,gap:5,}},\n    } ).mount();\n    var primarySlider2 = new Splide( '#splide-major-2', {\n        type:'fade',pagination:false,arrows:false,\n    } );\n    primarySlider2.sync( secondarySlider2 ).mount();\n    var secondarySlider3 = new Splide( '#splide-thumb-3', {\n        fixedWidth:100,height:67,gap:10,\n        focus:'center',keyboard:'focused',\n        cover:true,isNavigation:true,\n        breakpoints :{'600':{fixedWidth:57,height:38,pagination:false,arrows:false,gap:5,}},\n    } ).mount();\n    var primarySlider3 = new Splide( '#splide-major-3', {\n        type:'fade',pagination:false,arrows:false,\n    } );\n    primarySlider3.sync( secondarySlider3 ).mount();\n    var secondarySlider4 = new Splide( '#splide-thumb-4', {\n        fixedWidth:100,height:140,gap:9,\n        focus:'center',keyboard:'focused',\n        cover:true,isNavigation:true,\n        breakpoints :{'600':{fixedWidth:42,height:60,pagination:false,arrows:false,gap:5,}},\n    } ).mount();\n    var primarySlider4 = new Splide( '#splide-major-4', {\n        type:'fade',pagination:false,arrows:false,\n    } );\n    primarySlider4.sync( secondarySlider4 ).mount();\n    var secondarySlider5 = new Splide( '#splide-thumb-5', {\n        fixedWidth:100,height:67,gap:10,\n        focus:'center',keyboard:'focused',\n        cover:true,isNavigation:true,\n        breakpoints :{'600':{fixedWidth:57,height:38,pagination:false,arrows:false,gap:5,}},\n    } ).mount();\n    var primarySlider5 = new Splide( '#splide-major-5', {\n        type:'fade',pagination:false,arrows:false,\n    } );\n    primarySlider5.sync( secondarySlider5 ).mount();\n    var secondarySlider6 = new Splide( '#splide-thumb-6', {\n        fixedWidth:100,height:67,gap:10,\n        focus:'center',keyboard:'focused',\n        cover:true,isNavigation:true,\n        breakpoints :{'600':{fixedWidth:57,height:38,pagination:false,arrows:false,gap:5,}},\n    } ).mount();\n    var primarySlider6 = new Splide( '#splide-major-6', {\n        type:'fade',pagination:false,arrows:false,\n    } );\n    primarySlider6.sync( secondarySlider6 ).mount();\n    var secondarySlider7 = new Splide( '#splide-thumb-7', {\n        fixedWidth:100,height:67,gap:10,\n        focus:'center',keyboard:'focused',\n        cover:true,isNavigation:true,\n        breakpoints :{'600':{fixedWidth:57,height:38,pagination:false,arrows:false,gap:5,}},\n    } ).mount();\n    var primarySlider7 = new Splide( '#splide-major-7', {\n        type:'fade',pagination:false,arrows:false,\n    } );\n    primarySlider7.sync( secondarySlider7 ).mount();\n    var secondarySlider8 = new Splide( '#splide-thumb-8', {\n        fixedWidth:100,height:67,gap:10,\n        focus:'center',keyboard:'focused',\n        cover:true,isNavigation:true,\n        breakpoints :{'600':{fixedWidth:57,height:38,pagination:false,arrows:false,gap:5,}},\n    } ).mount();\n    var primarySlider8 = new Splide( '#splide-major-8', {\n        type:'fade',pagination:false,arrows:false,\n    } );\n    primarySlider8.sync( secondarySlider8 ).mount();\n} );\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p>For my long day hike the previous day at Grayson Highlands State Park, I chose the town of Wytheville, Virginia as my overnight outpost, which served me well. Today, the only thing on my plan was to drive back home, which should take less than 5 hours if I take the interstate. However, driving along Blue Ridge Parkway had always been on my bucket list, so I planned a small detour by taking the parkway from Fancy Gap to Rockfish Gap.<\/p>\n<p>After leaving Wytheville, it took me about half an hour to reach Fancy Gap and head onto Blue Ridge Parkway.<br \/>\nHere&#8217;s a compilation of my dashcam video for the day, between Fancy Gap and Rockfish Gap:<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3_6I5nRaGN4\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: x-small;text-align: left\">\nThis video is at a minimum playback speed of 10x.<br \/>\n0:00 Entering Blue Ridge Parkway from Fancy Gap<br \/>\n3:08 Mabry Mill<br \/>\n4:16 Rock Castle Gorge Overlook<br \/>\n5:04 Rakes Mill Pond<br \/>\n6:10 Smart View Overlook<br \/>\n7:35 Devils Backbone Overlook<br \/>\n8:50 Leaving the parkway at Adney Gap, and reentering at US460. Skipping 30 miles of parkway due to closure.<br \/>\n9:47 Great Valley Overlook<br \/>\n10:08 Taylor Mountain Overlook<br \/>\n10:20 Montvale Overlook<br \/>\n10:54 Mills Gap Overlook<br \/>\n11:47 Sharp Top Trailhead parking<br \/>\n13:49 Terrapin Mountain Overlook<br \/>\n17:24 Buena Vista Overlook<br \/>\n21:05 20-Minute Cliff Overlook<br \/>\n22:58 Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Picnic Area\n<\/div>\n<p>This section of Blue Ridge Parkway felt more like a typical road in the woods, smooth and uninterrupted by intersections. There were a few overlooks but most of the time, it didn&#8217;t feel &#8220;ridge&#8221; or &#8220;mountain&#8221; to me.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Mabry_Mill\">Mabry Mill<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Mabry Mill was a major attraction along this section of the parkway. It was built around 1910 by Edwin Marby, a jack-of-all-trades who was a blacksmith, a farmer, a carpenter and so on. The mill remained functional until 1936 and was restored by the National Park Service in 1945.<\/p>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-major-1\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020509.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020509.jpg\" alt=\"Mabry Mill\" \/><\/a><\/br>Mabry Mill<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020510.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020510.jpg\" alt=\"Mabry Mill\" \/><\/a><\/br>Mabry Mill<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020513.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020513.jpg\" alt=\"Water Channels\" \/><\/a><\/br>Water Channels<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_113021.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_113021.jpg\" width=\"86%\" alt=\"Log Carrier\" \/><\/a><\/br>Log Carrier<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The mill was also used to saw logs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_113310_HDR.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_113310_HDR.jpg\" width=\"90%\" alt=\"House\" \/><\/a><\/br>House<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020511.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020511.jpg\" width=\"91%\" alt=\"Sorghum Making Equipment\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sorghum Making Equipment<\/br>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">A horse or mule walked in circles to turn the rollers of the sorghum mill, where juice was extracted from stalks.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020512.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020512.jpg\" width=\"94%\" alt=\"Sorghum Making Equipment\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sorghum Making Equipment<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The extracted juice was then cooked into syrup here.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-thumb-1\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020509.jpg\" alt=\"Mabry Mill\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020510.jpg\" alt=\"Mabry Mill\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020513.jpg\" alt=\"Water Channels\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_113021.jpg\" alt=\"Log Carrier\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_113310_HDR.jpg\" alt=\"House\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020511.jpg\" alt=\"Sorghum Making Equipment\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020512.jpg\" alt=\"Sorghum Making Equipment\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><noscript><br \/>\nJavascript not enabled, unable to display slideshow.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#splide-major-1, #splide-thumb-1 { display:none; }\n<\/style>\n<details>\n<summary>Click here to display photos around Marby Mill.<\/summary>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020509.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020509.jpg\" alt=\"Mabry Mill\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020510.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020510.jpg\" alt=\"Mabry Mill\" \/><\/a><\/br>Mabry Mill<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020513.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020513.jpg\" alt=\"Water Channels\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Water Channels<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_113021.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_113021.jpg\" alt=\"Log Carrier\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Log Carrier<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The mill was also used to saw logs.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_113310_HDR.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_113310_HDR.jpg\" alt=\"House\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>House<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020511.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020511.jpg\" alt=\"Sorghum Making Equipment\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sorghum Making Equipment<\/br><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">A horse or mule walked in circles to turn the rollers of the sorghum mill, where juice was extracted from stalks.<\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div>\n<p><div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020512.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020512.jpg\" alt=\"Sorghum Making Equipment\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sorghum Making Equipment<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The extracted juice was then cooked into syrup here.<\/span><\/p><\/div><br \/>\n<\/details>\n<p><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>And here were some photos I took along the numerous overlooks along the way.<\/p>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-major-2\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020514.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020514.jpg\" alt=\"View from Rock Castle Gorge Overlook\" \/><\/a><\/br>View from Rock Castle Gorge Overlook<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020516.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020516.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/a><\/br>Blue Ridge Parkway<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020520.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020520.jpg\" width=\"84%\" alt=\"Rakes Mill Pond\" \/><\/a><\/br>Rakes Mill Pond<\/br>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">The stone facing of the nearby Mill Dam was built early in the 19th century by One Jarman Rakes, Miller. His operation was notable for a scheme of advertising that would credit a much later day. Rakes we are told allowed his customers the sole privilege of fishing for brook trout in his pond while they waited for their grist.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020522.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020522.jpg\" width=\"94%\" alt=\"View from Devils Backbone Overlook\" \/><\/a><\/br>View from Devils Backbone Overlook<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">One of the broadest views along the way.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020524.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020524.jpg\" width=\"94%\" alt=\"View from Devils Backbone Overlook\" \/><\/a><\/br>View from Devils Backbone Overlook<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">I liked that the patches of farmland was shaped like an arrow or a shell.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020523.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020523.jpg\" alt=\"Cahas Mountain\" \/><\/a><\/br>Cahas Mountain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-thumb-2\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020514.jpg\" alt=\"View from Rock Castle Gorge Overlook\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020516.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020520.jpg\" alt=\"Rakes Mill Pond\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020522.jpg\" alt=\"View from Devils Backbone Overlook\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020524.jpg\" alt=\"View from Devils Backbone Overlook\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020523.jpg\" alt=\"Cahas Mountain\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><noscript><br \/>\nJavascript not enabled, unable to display slideshow.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#splide-major-2, #splide-thumb-2 { display:none; }\n<\/style>\n<details>\n<summary>Click here to display photos of the slideshow<\/summary>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020514.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020514.jpg\" alt=\"View from Rock Castle Gorge Overlook\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>View from Rock Castle Gorge Overlook<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020516.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020516.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Blue Ridge Parkway<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020520.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020520.jpg\" alt=\"Rakes Mill Pond\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Rakes Mill Pond<\/br><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">The stone facing of the nearby Mill Dam was built early in the 19th century by One Jarman Rakes, Miller. His operation was notable for a scheme of advertising that would credit a much later day. Rakes we are told allowed his customers the sole privilege of fishing for brook trout in his pond while they waited for their grist.<\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020522.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020522.jpg\" alt=\"View from Devils Backbone Overlook\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>View from Devils Backbone Overlook<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">One of the broadest views along the way.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020524.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020524.jpg\" alt=\"View from Devils Backbone Overlook\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>View from Devils Backbone Overlook<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">I liked that the patches of farmland was shaped like an arrow or a shell.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020523.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020523.jpg\" alt=\"Cahas Mountain\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Cahas Mountain<\/p><\/div><br \/>\n<\/details>\n<p><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>A section of Blue Ridge Parkway outside Roanoke was closed, as a result, I took a detour into the suburbs of Roanoke, where I had my lunch.<br \/>\nAfter that, I entered Blue Ridge Parkway again at US460. This section was actually following a mountain ridge, with overlooks on both sides, and a rather pleasing experience for driving.<\/p>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-major-3\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020526.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020526.jpg\" width=\"94%\" alt=\"View from The Great Valley Overlook\" \/><\/a><\/br>View from The Great Valley Overlook<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The valley between Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, vaguely visible in the distance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020531.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020531.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Mountain\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sharp Top Mountain<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020543.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020543.jpg\" width=\"94%\" alt=\"Fields to the East\" \/><\/a><\/br>Fields to the East<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">From Montvale Overlook.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020548.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020548.jpg\" alt=\"View from Mills Gap Overlook\" \/><\/a><\/br>View from Mills Gap Overlook<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020546Q9.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020546Q9.jpg\" alt=\"James River\" \/><\/a><\/br>James River<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-thumb-3\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020526.jpg\" alt=\"View from The Great Valley Overlook\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020531.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Mountain\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020543.jpg\" alt=\"Fields to the East\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020548.jpg\" alt=\"View from Mills Gap Overlook\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020546Q9.jpg\" alt=\"James River\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><noscript><br \/>\nJavascript not enabled, unable to display slideshow.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#splide-major-3, #splide-thumb-3 { display:none; }\n<\/style>\n<details>\n<summary>Click here to display photos of the slideshow<\/summary>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020526.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020526.jpg\" alt=\"View from The Great Valley Overlook\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>View from The Great Valley Overlook<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The valley between Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, vaguely visible in the distance.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020531.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020531.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Mountain\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sharp Top Mountain<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020543.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020543.jpg\" alt=\"Fields to the East\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Fields to the East<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">From Montvale Overlook.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020548.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020548.jpg\" alt=\"View from Mills Gap Overlook\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>View from Mills Gap Overlook<\/p><\/div>\n<p><div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020546Q9.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020546Q9.jpg\" alt=\"James River\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>James River<\/p><\/div><br \/>\n<\/details>\n<p><\/noscript><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020534_P1020542-9.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020534_P1020542-9.jpg\" alt=\"View from Montvale Overlook\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>View from Montvale Overlook<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span id=\"Sharp_Top_Mountain\">Sharp Top Mountain<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s only 3pm by the time I passed Sharp Top Mountain, arguably the most popular mountain in Virginia next to Blue Ridge Parkway. It&#8217;s a pretty developed site along the parkway, with a major visitor center, a lake, a campground and a hotel(!).<br \/>\nIt&#8217;s a 5.3km out-and-back to the top of Sharp Top Mountain with 382m elevation gain, mostly in the shade. After the previous few days\u2019 misery with mud, I breathed a huge sigh of relief that the trail was dry, and mostly in great shape.<br \/>\nHere&#8217;s GPS tracking:<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wikiloc.com\/wikiloc\/spatialArtifacts.do?event=view&#038;id=108187678&#038;measures=on&#038;title=off&#038;near=off&#038;images=off&#038;maptype=H\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-major-4\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020549.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020549.jpg\" width=\"91%\" alt=\"Sharp Top Store\" \/><\/a><\/br><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020550.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020550.jpg\" width=\"91%\" alt=\"Start of Sharp Top Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Start of Sharp Top Trail<\/br>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">Right next to the trailhead was Sharp Top Store (top), with cold drinking water available. The trail appeared as paved stairs (bottom) at the trailhead, but only for a few meters before it degraded into raw dirt, but still in great shape though.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_171049.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_171049.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020619.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020619.jpg\" width=\"90%\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020618.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020618.jpg\" width=\"90%\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_170829.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_170829.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020555.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020555.jpg\" width=\"90%\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_170324.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_170324.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020559.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020559.jpg\" width=\"90%\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_164306_HDR.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_164306_HDR.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_164335.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_164335.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_164457.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_164457.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020560.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020560.jpg\" width=\"90%\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020616.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020616.jpg\" width=\"90%\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020561.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020561.jpg\" width=\"87%\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Towards the top there were signs of improvement, like stairs and handrails.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_163842.jpg\" width=\"96%\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_163842.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><\/br>Trail<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Towards the top there were signs of improvement, like stairs and handrails.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-thumb-4\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020549.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Store\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_171049.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020619.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020618.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_170829.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020555.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_170324.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020559.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_164306_HDR.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_164335.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_164457.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020560.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020616.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020561.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_163842.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><noscript><br \/>\nJavascript not enabled, unable to display slideshow.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#splide-major-4, #splide-thumb-4 { display:none; }\n<\/style>\n<details>\n<summary>Click here to display photos of the trail.<\/summary>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020549.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020549.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Store\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sharp Top Store<\/br><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">Right next to the trailhead was Sharp Top Store, with cold drinking water available.<\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020550.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020550.jpg\" alt=\"Start of Sharp Top Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Start of Sharp Top Trail<\/br><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">The trail appeared as paved stairs at the trailhead, but only for a few meters before it degraded into raw dirt, but still in great shape though.<\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_171049.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_171049.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020619.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020619.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020618.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020618.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_170829.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_170829.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020555.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020555.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_170324.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_170324.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020559.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020559.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_164306_HDR.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_164306_HDR.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_164335.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_164335.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_164457.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_164457.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020560.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020560.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020616.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020616.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020561.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020561.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Towards the top there were signs of improvement, like stairs and handrails.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_163842.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_163842.jpg\" alt=\"Trail\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Trail<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Towards the top there were signs of improvement, like stairs and handrails.<\/span><\/p><\/div><br \/>\n<\/details>\n<p><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>After 40 minutes on the trail, I was almost at the top. Here&#8217;s a video of my final steps onto the summit <span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">(at 5x playback speed)<\/span>:<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KTV2I_8uWw8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-major-5\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020615.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020615.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sharp Top Summit<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A cottage on the right, most likely former fire watchman building.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_162159.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_162159.jpg\" width=\"90%\" alt=\"Cottage Interior\" \/><\/a><\/br>Cottage Interior<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Now empty.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020585.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020585.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sharp Top Summit<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Well-constructed stairs leading onto the summit, no difficulties.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020611.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020611.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sharp Top Summit<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Well-constructed stairs leading onto the summit, no difficulties.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_162440.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_162440.jpg\" width=\"90%\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sharp Top Summit<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">I believe this was the highest of the rocks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020580.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020580.jpg\" width=\"97%\" alt=\"Buzzard's Roost\" \/><\/a><\/br>Buzzard&#8217;s Roost<\/br>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">Another pile of rocks to the south of Sharp Top. It\u2019s also accessible through a short spur trail. I didn\u2019t see a clear path onto these rocks so I skipped them.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020610.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020610.jpg\" alt=\"Lizard\" \/><\/a><\/br>Lizard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-thumb-5\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020615.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_162159.jpg\" alt=\"Cottage Interior\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020585.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020611.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/IMG_20220530_162440.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020580.jpg\" alt=\"Buzzard's Roost\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020610.jpg\" alt=\"Lizard\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><noscript><br \/>\nJavascript not enabled, unable to display slideshow.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#splide-major-5, #splide-thumb-5 { display:none; }\n<\/style>\n<details>\n<summary>Click here to display photos from the summit of Sharp Top Mountain.<\/summary>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020615.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020615.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sharp Top Summit<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A cottage on the right, most likely former fire watchman building.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_162159.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_162159.jpg\" alt=\"Cottage Interior\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Cottage Interior<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Now empty.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020585.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020585.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sharp Top Summit<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Well-constructed stairs leading onto the summit, no difficulties.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020611.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020611.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sharp Top Summit<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Well-constructed stairs leading onto the summit, no difficulties.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/IMG_20220530_162440.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/IMG_20220530_162440.jpg\" alt=\"Sharp Top Summit\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sharp Top Summit<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">I believe this was the highest of the rocks.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020580.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020580.jpg\" alt=\"Buzzard's Roost\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Buzzard&#8217;s Roost<\/br><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">Another pile of rocks to the south of Sharp Top. It\u2019s also accessible through a short spur trail. I didn\u2019t see a clear path onto these rocks so I skipped them.<\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div>\n<p><div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020610.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020610.jpg\" alt=\"Lizard\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Lizard<\/p><\/div><br \/>\n<\/details>\n<p><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>There were many rocks at the summit of Sharp Top, and I reasonably believed some of them were cut into the stairs for the final ~300m\/1000ft of trail. Thus despite its steepness, the trail presented no technical difficulties.<\/p>\n<p>The Washington Monument in the national&#8217;s capitol, completed in 1884, contained an engraved stone from Sharp Top.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>From Otter&#8217;s summit, Virginia&#8217;s loftiest peak, to crown a monument to Virginia&#8217;s noblest son.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> It seemed strange to me that at 1167m, Sharp Top didn&#8217;t even come close to Virginia&#8217;s tallest peak, which is Mt Rogers at 1746m that I visited the previous day. Even the nearby Flat Top Mountain to the north was taller than Sharp Top. But probably for its commanding view, Sharp Top reigned supreme among its peers.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020565_P1020579-15.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020565_P1020579-15.jpg\" alt=\"Fields to the East from Sharp Top\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020589_P1020604-16.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020589_P1020604-16.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains to the West from Sharp Top\" \/><\/a><\/br>Fields and Mountains from Sharp Top<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">to the east (top) and to the west (bottom).<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p>When it comes to views, due to its rocky summit, Sharp Top offers unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, from the Piedmont farmland to the east to the Appalachian mountains to the west, and all the majestic sights in between. For aesthetics, it&#8217;s probably the best view of my entire 4-day trip.<\/p>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-major-6\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020581.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020581.jpg\" alt=\"Flat Top Mountain\" \/><\/a><\/br>Flat Top Mountain<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020563.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020563.jpg\" alt=\"Flat Top Mountain\" \/><\/a><\/br>Flat Top Mountain<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020564.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020564.jpg\" alt=\"Fields to the East\" \/><\/a><\/br>Fields to the East<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020587.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020587.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains surrounding Abbot Lake\" \/><\/a><\/br>Mountains surrounding Abbot Lake<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020612.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020612.jpg\" alt=\"Harkening Hill\" \/><\/a><\/br>Harkening Hill<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020586.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020586.jpg\" alt=\"Abbot Lake\" \/><\/a><\/br>Abbot Lake<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020588.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020588.jpg\" width=\"94%\" alt=\"Mountains to the Southwest\" \/><\/a><\/br>Mountains to the Southwest<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Blue Ridge Parkway in the background.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-thumb-6\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020581.jpg\" alt=\"Flat Top Mountain\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020563.jpg\" alt=\"Flat Top Mountain\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020564.jpg\" alt=\"Fields to the East\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020587.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains surrounding Abbot Lake\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020612.jpg\" alt=\"Harkening Hill\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020586.jpg\" alt=\"Abbot Lake\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020588.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains to the Southwest\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><noscript><br \/>\nJavascript not enabled, unable to display slideshow.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#splide-major-6, #splide-thumb-6 { display:none; }\n<\/style>\n<details>\n<summary>Click here to display photos of the slideshow<\/summary>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020581.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020581.jpg\" alt=\"Flat Top Mountain\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Flat Top Mountain<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020563.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020563.jpg\" alt=\"Flat Top Mountain\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Flat Top Mountain<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020564.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020564.jpg\" alt=\"Fields to the East\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Fields to the East<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020587.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020587.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains surrounding Abbot Lake\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Mountains surrounding Abbot Lake<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020612.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020612.jpg\" alt=\"Harkening Hill\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Harkening Hill<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020586.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020586.jpg\" alt=\"Abbot Lake\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Abbot Lake<\/p><\/div>\n<p><div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020588.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020588.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains to the Southwest\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Mountains to the Southwest<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Blue Ridge Parkway in the background.<\/span><\/p><\/div><br \/>\n<\/details>\n<p><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, during my visit, Sharp Top&#8217;s summit was inundated with bugs, swarms of them. The best of my deet couldn\u2019t keep them at bay. Despite the gorgeous scenery, I couldn\u2019t stay at the summit for long before they forced me back.<\/p>\n<p>Then after a total of 2 hours on the trail, I was back with my car, and continued my road trip up Blue Ridge Parkway.<br \/>\nHere were some photos at the turnouts.<\/p>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-major-7\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020622.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020622.jpg\" alt=\"Terrapin Mountain\" \/><\/a><\/br>Terrapin Mountain<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020626.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020626.jpg\" alt=\"North Buena Vista\" \/><\/a><\/br>North Buena Vista<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020625.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020625.jpg\" alt=\"North Buena Vista\" \/><\/a><\/br>North Buena Vista<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020624.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020624.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/a><\/br>Blue Ridge Parkway<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020637.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020637.jpg\" width=\"87%\" alt=\"My Car at 20-Minute Cliff\" \/><\/a><\/br>My Car at 20-Minute Cliff<\/br>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">I thought the place was called 20-Minute Cliff for its limited parking size, thus restricting parking to 20 minutes. It turned out the cliff served the White Rock community down the mountain as a time piece. In June and July during the corn-chopping season, 20 minutes after sunlight strikes the rock face, dusk would fall on the valley below.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020635.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020635.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/a><\/br>Blue Ridge Parkway<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020636.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020636.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/a><\/br>Blue Ridge Parkway<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020631.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020631.jpg\" alt=\"The Priest Mountain\" \/><\/a><\/br>The Priest Mountain<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020632.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020632.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains\" \/><\/a><\/br>Mountains<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020633.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020633.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains\" \/><\/a><\/br>Mountains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-thumb-7\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020622.jpg\" alt=\"Terrapin Mountain\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020626.jpg\" alt=\"North Buena Vista\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020625.jpg\" alt=\"North Buena Vista\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020624.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020637.jpg\" alt=\"My Car at 20-Minute Cliff\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020635.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020636.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020631.jpg\" alt=\"The Priest Mountain\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020632.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/P1020633.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><noscript><br \/>\nJavascript not enabled, unable to display slideshow.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#splide-major-7, #splide-thumb-7 { display:none; }\n<\/style>\n<details>\n<summary>Click here to display photos of the slideshow<\/summary>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020622.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020622.jpg\" alt=\"Terrapin Mountain\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Terrapin Mountain<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020626.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020626.jpg\" alt=\"North Buena Vista\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>North Buena Vista<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020625.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020625.jpg\" alt=\"North Buena Vista\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>North Buena Vista<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020624.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020624.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Blue Ridge Parkway<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020637.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020637.jpg\" alt=\"My Car at 20-Minute Cliff\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>My Car at 20-Minute Cliff<\/br><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">I thought the place was called 20-Minute Cliff for its limited parking size, thus restricting parking to 20 minutes. It turned out the cliff served the White Rock community down the mountain as a time piece. In June and July during the corn-chopping season, 20 minutes after sunlight strikes the rock face, dusk would fall on the valley below.<\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020635.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020635.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Blue Ridge Parkway<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020636.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020636.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Ridge Parkway\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Blue Ridge Parkway<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020631.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020631.jpg\" alt=\"The Priest Mountain\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>The Priest Mountain<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020632.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020632.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Mountains<\/p><\/div>\n<p><div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/P1020633.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/P1020633.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Mountains<\/p><\/div><br \/>\n<\/details>\n<p><\/noscript><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Rockfish_Gap_Overlook\">Rockfish Gap Overlook<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Finally, I left Blue Ridge Parkway at Rockfish Gap at 8pm. It&#8217;s about sunset time, and the distant horizons were glowing beautifully. I launched my drone at a roadside overlook for an aerial tour.<\/p>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-major-8\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0149.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0149.jpg\" alt=\"I64 at Rockfish Gap\" \/><\/a><\/br>I64 at Rockfish Gap<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0150.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0150.jpg\" alt=\"I64 at Rockfish Gap\" \/><\/a><\/br>I64 at Rockfish Gap<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0164.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0164.jpg\" width=\"93%\" alt=\"Forests\" \/><\/a><\/br>Forests<\/br>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">Parking lot for the eastern trailhead of Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail for the historic Crozet Tunnel. In parallel, North Mountain Subdivision Railroad.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0167.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0167.jpg\" width=\"95%\" alt=\"Interstate 64\" \/><\/a><\/br>Interstate 64<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">And the Rockfish Gap Turnpike on the left, both with a scenic overlook on the southern side.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0169.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0169.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sunset<\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0171.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0171.jpg\" width=\"95%\" alt=\"Sunset Glow\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sunset Glow<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The southern end of Shenandoah National Park.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0174.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0174.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset Glow over Fields\" \/><\/a><\/br>Sunset Glow over Fields<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"splide\" id=\"splide-thumb-8\">\n<div class=\"splide__track\">\n<ul class=\"splide__list\">\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/DJI_0149.jpg\" alt=\"I64 at Rockfish Gap\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/DJI_0150.jpg\" alt=\"I64 at Rockfish Gap\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/DJI_0164.jpg\" alt=\"Forests\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/DJI_0167.jpg\" alt=\"Interstate 64\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/DJI_0169.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/DJI_0171.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset Glow\" \/><\/li>\n<li class=\"splide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails-s\/DJI_0174.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset Glow over Fields\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><noscript><br \/>\nJavascript not enabled, unable to display slideshow.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#splide-major-8, #splide-thumb-8 { display:none; }\n<\/style>\n<details>\n<summary>Click here to display photos of the slideshow<\/summary>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0149.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0149.jpg\" alt=\"I64 at Rockfish Gap\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>I64 at Rockfish Gap<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0150.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0150.jpg\" alt=\"I64 at Rockfish Gap\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>I64 at Rockfish Gap<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0164.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0164.jpg\" alt=\"Forests\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Forests<\/br><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: smaller;text-align: left\">Parking lot for the eastern trailhead of Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail for the historic Crozet Tunnel. In parallel, North Mountain Subdivision Railroad.<\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0167.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0167.jpg\" alt=\"Interstate 64\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Interstate 64<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">And the Rockfish Gap Turnpike on the left, both with a scenic overlook on the southern side.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0169.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0169.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sunset<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0171.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0171.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset Glow\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sunset Glow<\/br><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The southern end of Shenandoah National Park.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0174.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0174.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset Glow over Fields\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br>Sunset Glow over Fields<\/p><\/div><br \/>\n<\/details>\n<p><\/noscript><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 615px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0135_DJI_0147-13.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0135_DJI_0147-13.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains at Sunset\" \/><\/a><p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/br><a href=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/DJI_0153_DJI_0163-11.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/huangyizhou.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2022\/05\/30\/thumbnails\/DJI_0153_DJI_0163-11.jpg\" alt=\"Mountains and Villages\" \/><\/a><\/br>Mountains and Villages at Sunset<\/p><\/div>\n<p>And here&#8217;s a compilation of videos from my drone:<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QFXKY17wRJE\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>After that, it&#8217;s an uneventful drive back to Washington DC, concluding this weekend trip to Virginia.<br \/>\nEND<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The fourth and last day of my 2022 Memorial Day weekend trip. I would be driving from the town of Wytheville, Virginia back to my home near Washington DC. With me in no hurry for the day, I&#8230; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/2022\/05\/30\/20220530blue-ridge\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[427,583,2],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6666"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6666"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6666\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6727,"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6666\/revisions\/6727"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6666"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6666"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.huangyizhou.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6666"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}