Big Schloss - Columbia Furnace, Virginia


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Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping
4.1 mls NA
Hiking Time:
Elev. Gain:
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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: Jessica Rating: Date of Hike: Thursday, July 31, 2008
This is a great hike!  The best part is the end where you are treating to panoramic views of the surrounding area.  Great spot for a long lunch.  We did this just after setting up camp at Wolf Gap, followed by Little Schloss on day 2. 

By: Jeff and Dana L. Rating: Date of Hike: Monday, May 26, 2008
Great day trip from DC/Northern Virginia. The views from the top are fabulous! We hike in the Shenandoah NP often so it was nice to see a different area.  Best of all, no entrance fee! :-)

By: Robert Godlove Rating: Date of Hike: Sunday, May 04, 2008
Very Nice, Had a good day...nice weather, clear skies, The First leg of the Hike from Wolfs Gap is about 1/3 mile leg burner and then it caps out and has great east/west views, The trail was in good shape the views are killer, ran into about 8-10 people total in and out...some were out of gas on the side of the trail. Seen a nice big and fat Black Rat snake laying in a dead tree (6ft.)

By: Brad Z Rating: Date of Hike: Sunday, October 28, 2007
We really enjoyed this hike...a great 4 mile leg stretcher with fantastic views both west and east.  After the steep first 1/4 mile or so the trail levels out for a relaxing ridgeline hike.

By: Rating: Date of Hike: Sunday, October 21, 2007

Great day hike, w/ views and trail as advertised.  One drawback: it was a bit crowded, detracting slightly from the overall effect.

One comment on directions:  bridge referenced in driving directions is closed.  If travelling from the East (from 1-81) turn R on Union Church Rd. and follow signs for Wolf Gap.  You'll promptly see the closed bridge and be on rte. 675 which is well marked all the way to the campground.


    View all 17 reviews for the Big Schloss hike
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