Tibbet Knob is the sister hike to Big Schloss. Starting from the same parking location at the Wolf Gap Campground the hike heads in the opposite direction along the Tibbet Knob Trail. Although shorter, this hike is not as family friendly because of two short, steep scrambles to the main Tibbet Knob summit.
Big Schloss is one of the most well know, and most panoramic hikes in the region, with an almost 270° vista from the main overlook. Tibbet Knob is nearly identical in distance to the Big Schloss hike, and is every bit as spectacular. Boasting a wider and more spectacular panorama to the north and west, a wonderful vista just below the high point to the east, and probably the most perfectly placed campsite in the whole Great North Mountain area!
Where the Big Schloss hike can draw many people on nicer days, the Tibbet Knob hike generally has a fraction the number of hikers. For vista after vista, without the crowds, this hike is hard to beat.
From the parking area cross VA675 and start up the yellow blazed Tibbet Knob Trail. In 0.5 miles cross over a small summit that provides great views of Big Schloss and Mill Mountain to the northeast.
After crossing the small summit the trail descends, then veers right between the ridges, before turning back to the left steeply uphill. In 0.4 miles from starting up the main ridge, climb the first of two steep sections that may require hand over hand climbing. Both are only 20-30 yards in length.
At the top of the first steep section the trail passes through a flat area before you reach the second steep area. After reaching the top of this scramble follow the trail for the remaining 200 yards to the top of Tibbet Knob, and pass through a thicket to one of the most spectacular overlooks in the whole region. Twenty feet past the overlook there is a great campsite that could accommodate two small tents.
To return just follow the trail back to the Wolf Gap Campground.
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Reviews For The Tibbet Knob Hike (5 Most Recent)
I hiked this trail yesterday and also camped out there last night. Overall I would give this hike a 4.5 - the hike itself merits a 4, for its (relative) ease and views. The views are very good - along the lines of Big Schloss or Strickler's Knob, if not quite as spectacular - but best of all you are pretty much alone to enjoy them. That's one of the reasons I'd give this hike a 5 for the camping aspect--the campsite right next to the Knob is great, and is so close to the summit (30 ft!) that you can go back to it in between normal camping tasks. And I didn't see anyone else the whole time I was there (18 hours all told). A must if you want a great campsite near a terrific view!
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Date of Hike: Saturday, May 01, 2010
Overall, it was a pretty good hike. We camped at Wolf Gap, so we got an early start to avoid the hottest part of the day. The hike wasn't overly strenous up to the first rock scramble. We never made it up the rock scrambles, not because they were too difficult, but because of bad knees. We ate lunch on a nice rock just below the first rock scramble, then headed back down. The day was extremely hot, and we (two hikers and a dog) went through all 3 litres of water we took. There were no streams or springs along the way. The views were great even though we didn't make it to the top. We only saw two other hikers coming up as we were coming down.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, February 27, 2010
Started at 7 am. Didnt see another soul either up or back. wore crampons which helped. should have brought my snowshoes, not because the snow was deep, but it was a little slow going as the folks that hiked after the big storm didnt wear snowshoes so the trail was full of foot holes and in a few places the trail was covered with snow drift. Not good for the ankles or kness when you dont know whats coming ! the 2 rock scrambles at the top were easier than norm because of the snow pack. a must if you are looking for a 2.5 hour up and back with solitude in the snow.
By:
Peter
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Date of Hike: Wednesday, January 13, 2010
I went on this hike this afternoon. First of all there are great views along this hike within 10 minutes of the start of it. I would say that the first half hour of the hike is really easy, and warrants a 2. However, that said, after that there is basically a straight and rather continuously increasing grade uphill climb straight to the top of Tibbet Knob. Also this is not a hike that you should do in the snow at this point, the snow was quite deep still, and when you get to the rocks it becomes very precarious. I was about 20 yards from the top (I think) when I decided it was too unsafe to continue, and struggled my way back down. Twice the snow (which was packed) nearly broke my leg, and once I almost slid right off the cliff. My advice is that you wait until it warms to do this hike. On the way back, I got to admire that view again that is 10-15 minutes from the start of the trail. It was sunset, and you could see Woodstock, Va in the distance. This will be one of my favorite hikes this spring....
By:
Robert Godlove
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Date of Hike: Monday, November 09, 2009
Nice Hike...Always like the knob, went out and back with a total of 10 hikers from age 8-42, Great views, never as congested as Big Schloss, Picked up some candy bar wrappers and brought out to the trash can, I must say Tibbet Knob is nice for hiking and views, Had great weather, clear 50-60degrees, light breeze
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