Big Schloss, Woodstock

4.9

#2 of 8 in Things to do in Woodstock

Lookout · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot

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Big Schloss is a peak in the Great North Mountain range of the Ridge and Valley Appalachians, with an elevation of 2,964 feet (903 m). The peak is located in George Washington National Forest on the border of Virginia and West Virginia, though according to Topozone, the actual summit is in Virginia. The trail is part of the Lee Ranger District. It features a rocky outcropping of white sandstone with expansive views into Trout Run Valley in West Virginia and Little Schloss Mountain in Virginia.
German settlers gave Big Schloss its name. Schloss is German for "castle", and the name is a reference to the rocky outcrop. German was the common language in the area for several years.
A number of hiking trails lead to Big Schloss. Hikers may ascend from Wolf Gap Recreation Area via the Mill Mountain trail, or a circuit hike coming from FDR Rt. 92. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains the trails leading up to Big Schloss. A bridge provides access to the Big Schloss rock outcropping. In the Fall of 2010, the bridge was replaced with new stairs, 20' of new handrails, and two new concrete abutments.

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Big Schloss reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

34 reviews

Google

4.8

By annaM5626PG

Loved this hike and the view/setting at the top was amazing. We were very lucky to have hiked on a Tuesday and only passed one other person the entire time. Having the incredible view at the top all..... more

Loved this hike and the view/setting at the top was amazing. We were very lucky to have hiked on a Tuesday and only passed one other person the entire time. Having the incredible view at the top all..... more »
By Yorkiemom19

Nice day hike that leads to a terrific view of the valleys around. At times it can be a bit rough going uphill but it's well worth it.

Nice day hike that leads to a terrific view of the valleys around. At times it can be a bit rough going uphill but it's well worth it. more »

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Google

By M T

I honestly wasn't expecting much out of this hike besides the funny name. I was honestly impressed with the view, the trail was well taken care of, and the views were a big 270 degree arc. The hike wasn't too challenging since it starts at the Ridgeline from Wolf Gap.

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By kkco83

I love hiking but I am not a person who hikes regularly. This trail kicked my @$$!!! I don’t know how many times that I stopped. It was cold, wet and rocky..HOWEVER, it was an amazing experience! Would I do it again? Probably not, having chronic leg pains and hiking Big Schloss killed my legs to the point where I couldn’t drive home the next day BUT, I enjoyed getting to the top!!

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