Falling Water Cascades, Flat Top Mountain, Harkening Hills Trails
9.8 miles, moderate terrain
30 miles from Roanoke, $2.50 carpool fee
The hike is located in
Botetourt and Bedford Counties. It will start at Falling Water Cascades parking
just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and will descend down to the Falling Water
Cascades waterfalls and ascend back up to the parkway to the trailhead of Flat
Top Mountain. It will follow Flat Top Mountain Trail to the Peaks of Otter
picnic area, the road to Abbott Lake, then go around the lake past the lodge
and under the BRPW to the trail to Harkening Hill. It will go by the Johnson
Farm continuing to the summit of Harkening Hill and end up at the parking area
of the Country Store and Museum. This hike offers a waterfall, a side trip to
Cross Rock (an unusual rock formation near the top of Flat Top Mountain),
beautiful views from the summit of Flat Top Mountain, Abbott Lake, the
historical Johnson Farm and views from the summit of Harkening Hill.