Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (Milepost 85.6)
Facility · Virginia ·
Managed by the National Park Service
Blue Ridge Parkway (Parkway) · Restricted Access
- 2,527 ft
- Elevation
Visitors of the Peaks of Otter gain a sense of both the history of community and tourism in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The long history of visiting the mountains for health and relaxation is told in the visitor center. An extensive trail system is available with the hike to Sharp Top being a long-standing tradition. Dining and lodging are available, along with fishing in Abbott Lake, camping, and picnicking.
Getting there
Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (Milepost 85.6) directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/peaks-of-otter-mp-85-6.htm.
37.44561, -79.60996 · 37°26'44.2"N 79°36'35.8"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.9 | 2.8 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 3.8 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (Milepost 85.6)
- Can you reserve a site at Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (Milepost 85.6)?
- No. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (Milepost 85.6) is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (Milepost 85.6)
- North Creek 6.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Hopper Creek Group Camp 9.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp 9.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter 9.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp 9.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Craig Creek Recreation Area 23.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Fenwick Mines Pavilion 25.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District 13.4 mi · Facility
- Locher Tract (Glenwood & Pedlar) 14.1 mi · Facility
- Visitor Center 23.5 mi · Facility
- Roaring Run Day Use Area 23.8 mi · Facility
- Fenwick Mines Day Use Area 25.8 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone (540) 586-4496
- Email blri_info@nps.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-24.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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