The Peaks of Otter Recreation Area covers three pinnacles: Sharp Top Mountain, Flat Top Mountain, and Harkening Hill. Trails climbing all three mountains can be found surrounding Abbott Lake which lies in between the points. The lake is surrounded by small woodlots, grassy lawns, and a small marshy area that can be good birding at any time of the year.
The surrounding peaks are a great spot for hiking and birding in spring and summer. The Peaks of Otter are known for their abundance in spring migrant flocks that utilize the oak-maple forests as an important stopover site. High elevation specialties such as Veery, Dark-eyed Junco, and Blackburnian and Canada Warblers utilize the higher reaches of all three peaks.
Notable records include Surf Scoter, Varied Thrush, Sedge Wren, Mourning Warbler, and Connecticut Warbler.
Herpetologists may find this area interesting for its salamander diversity. There is an endemic species of salamander that can be found on these slopes, appropriately named the Peaks of Otter Salamander. This species is only found in Bedford, Botetourt, and Rockbridge counties.
Owner/Manager: National Park Service
eBird Hotspot: Peaks of Otter Recreation Area
—Logan Anderson