Big Schloss - Columbia Furnace, Virginia


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Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping
4.1 mls NA
Hiking Time:
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4 hours plus a half hour for lunch
1,035 ft
George Washington National Forest
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e.g.. 12000 Government Center Parkway 22035 or Fairfax VA
Wolf Gap Recreation Area and parking area
The Mill mountain trail starts near campsite #9

Big Schloss is another treasure in the George Washington National Forest. Relatively easy at only 4.4 miles and 1,000 vertical feet, it's the sister hike to Tibbet Knob which heads to the south from the same parking location. Tibbet Knob has two short rock scrabbles, but a 10th of the hikers, and just as good views.

Big Schloss peak, named by German immigrants provides a wonderful view of the surrounding valleys. Make sure to bring a packed lunch because you will want to linger at the Big Schloss rock outcropping and soak in the view.

If you want to make a weekend out of it, the Wolf Gap recreation area has 9 well maintained campsites with bathroom facilities. If you have some extra hiking time consider hiking the Tibbet Knob route as well. The views are every bit as good.

Leave the Wolf Gap Campground (near campsite #9) and start up the orange blazed Mill Mountain Trail to begin the steepest portion of the hike. The first mile has several switch backs before arriving at the ridge line of Mill Mountain.

Once getting to the ridge line, turn left and continue following the now narrower trail as it follows the ridge before arriving at the junction of the Big Schloss Trail in 1.9 miles.

Turn right onto the white blazed Big Schloss Trail for another 0.3 miles before crossing a wooden bridge that will take you to the overlook just 50 yards further along. Enjoy the view it's one of the best! To return, just retrace your route back to the Wolf gap Campground.

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Hiker Reviews For The Big Schloss Hike (5 Most Recent)
Review the Big Schloss hike here!   Average Review Rating:

By: Pete Rating: Date of Hike: Friday, January 22, 2010
I went on this hike yesterday after the snow and ice event the previous night. No one was around. The hike is really easy once you get up on the ridge. Big schloss in the snow and ice was really incredible. This hike is worth the trouble after it snows...

By: Greg Thompson Rating: Date of Hike: Friday, January 01, 2010
Man, What a awesome hike.  It was a little on the chilly side but it was well worth the view.  There was snow everywhere but it didnt seem to slow me down or make it to bad.  Once I got to the ridge line headed toward the overlook, it was great.  The wind was a little rought and the rocks a little more icier than I would have liked, but it was a great hike.  Everyone should try it.  I bet you would like it.

By: Austen Rating: Date of Hike: Saturday, November 07, 2009
I hiked both Big Schloss and Tibbet Knob with a buddy this past weekend. Both hikes are fairly short with fantastic views. We began Big Schloss at 9am and encountered only two other hikers on the summit. On our way down we passed at least 2 dozen folks, so hitting the trail early is a good idea. Thank you Hiking Upward for making us aware of such great trails!

By: Rating: Date of Hike: Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Hiked both Tibbets Knob and Big Schloss today with my son.  Both trails are very well marked and easy to follow.  Awesome panoramic views on both trails.  Lots of leaves + lots of rocks = really sore ankles.

By: Jessica Rating: Date of Hike: Sunday, August 09, 2009

We did this hike on a Sunday starting out at 9:00 AM after camping in Wolf Gap campground.  We had the entire trail to ourselves and the views from the top were a real treat.  For you backpackers, there is a nice, small camp site right near the top with a great view.   Also, another larger one on the left near the top.  My dog had a very close encounter with a skunk along the way -- we are still dealing with that stench.  Other than that, it was a great way to escape the city heat.


    View all 27 reviews for the Big Schloss hike
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