June 8

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Harkening Hill – 2025 Unofficial Trail Guide


Harkening Hill Statistics

4.3

Distance in Miles

900

Elevation Gain in Feet

1:30

Hike Time in Hours

1

Iconic Picture Spot

Harkening Hill Trail - Yonoke

Harkening Hill Trail - Unofficial Trail Guide

 Balancing Rocks       Nature Walk        Overlook  

Harkening Hill is the third summit of the Peaks of Otter including Sharp Top Trail and Flat Top Mountain Trail. Managed in part by the National Parks Service, Harkening Hill is easy to moderate difficulty trail showcases many balancing rocks and a memorable outlook at the top.


Editor's Note: We try hard to be accurate in our reporting but please always use multiple references before driving to a trailhead as trail amenities and conditions can always change.

Harkening Hill Trail Location & Conditions

Harkening Hill Trail Best Picture Locations

Harkening Hill Overlook ranks among the Roanoke area's best views. Among the balancing rocks there are some strange-looking ones that look quite picturesque.

Harkening Hill Trail - Yonoke

Johnson Farm Loop Trail

Johnson Farm Loop Trail follows a section of Harkening Hill Trail and often the two trails are synonymous with each other.

Peaks of Otter Visitor Center

Harkening Hill Trail and Johnson Farm Loop Trail are both accessed behind Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Both Sharp Top Trail and Flat Top Trail are accessed at their own separate parking areas.

What Are the Three Peaks of Otter?

Harkening Hill Trail completes the 3 part series of the Peaks of Otter in Virginia. Harkening Hill Trail is the lesser-used trail of the Peaks of Otter if only because it's overshadowed by the more known Sharp Top Trail.

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