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Big Schloss from Wolf Gap

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (24)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …George Washington National Forest
  5. Wolf Gap
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“An iconic trail in the Wolf Gap Recreation area that boasts 270-degree views! ”

Larysa Murray
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4.6

Miles

7.3

KM

Out and Back

2,933' 894 m

High

2,241' 683 m

Low

986' 300 m

Up

993' 303 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly The hike is 4.2 miles out and back with an elevation gain of about 1,000 ft. There is a small campground surrounding the parking lot for this trailhead.

Overview

This is a great hike from Wolf Gap Recreation Area to the top of Big Schloss. Big Schloss is the sister trail to Tibbet Knob and offers a 270-degree view of its mountainous and beautiful surroundings.

Description

Off of I-81, take the exit for 42 South (Exit 283). Turn right onto 42 South and then turn right onto 675 and follow 675 until you see the parking lot for Wolf Gap Recreation Area. The first .5 mile is uphill and then flattens out after that with some more gradual grades. The last .25 mile is again uphill to the top of Big Schloss peak.

This hike begins from the parking lot for Big Schloss, Tibbet Knob, and Mill Mountain. The trail is rocky throughout and follows the orange blazes for approximately 1.9 miles. At the 1.9 mile marker, you'll see a sign indicating to turn right for the Big Schloss Spur Trail. This is approximately 1/4 mile from the rocky outcropping/overlook. Most of the 1,000 ft elevation gain is within the first mile of the hike. If you can get through that, the views are worth it!

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - George Washington and Jefferson National Forest

Shared By:

Larysa Murray
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 24 votes

#1

in Wolf Gap

#464

Overall
  4.7 from 24 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Wolf Gap

#5

in Virginia

#464

Overall
35 Views Last Month
11,933 Since May 16, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Add a Photo

Photos

Soak up the fantastic views from Big Schloss.
Jul 6, 2017 near Moorefield, WV
Hiking Big Schloss on the Mill Mountain Trail - George Washington National Forest
Nov 25, 2019 near Moorefield, WV
View From Big Schloss
Feb 22, 2021 near Moorefield, WV
Big Schloss
Feb 22, 2021 near Moorefield, WV
Panorama of Big Schloss view
Oct 1, 2020 near Moorefield, WV
Trail on Ridgeline from Big Schloss
Feb 22, 2021 near Woodstock, VA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Mar 14, 2026
Steve Breland
The first mile was steep and the second mile or so was rocky but manageable. Beautiful view of Va and West Va at summit. Few small scrambles at top! 5mi — 3h 35m
Aug 19, 2024
Colin Credle
stunning day, saw only two hikers - windy but beautiful — 6h 00m
Dec 25, 2023
Dan Schned
Oct 27, 2023
J H
Jun 17, 2023
Jonathan Weber
Thursday with the boys… 4.6mi
Feb 5, 2023
Miguel S
Aug 24, 2022
Erin Ray
Jul 4, 2022
Colin Credle
Beautiful weather today, with friends. Reached the trailhead around 9 AM, with few people around. One of our favorite hikes. 5mi — 6h 00m

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