Thomas Jefferson once wrote that "the mountains of the Blue Ridge, and of these the Peaks of Otter, are thought to be of a greater height, measured from their base, than any others in our country, and perhaps in North America."

Archaeological evidence under Abbott Lake indicates that Native Americans have been visiting the Peaks of Otter for at least 8,000 years for hunting, travel, and rest.

"[2] This view may be given credence by similarly Otter-themed place names in Scotland, and the resemblance of Flat Top to Beinn Dorain in the ancestral Ewing area of Argyll and Bute.

In 1834, the first local inn was created by Polly Wood, a widow who opened an "Ordinary" in her log cabin where settlers could stay the night and get a warm meal.

By the early 1900s, the Peaks of Otter became a popular local tourist spot and became especially noticed by the National Park Service.

There is also a separate cliff formation on the other side of Sharp Top called Buzzard's Roost, which also has good views.

On the summit of the far side of Sharp Top is the site where a B-25 bomber crashed into the mountain during a training exercise during World War II.