Big Schloss

Big Schloss
Highest point
Elevation	2,964 ft (903 m)
Coordinates	38°56′26″N 78°39′57″W[1]
Geography
Big Schloss Shenandoah County, Virginia / Hardy County, West Virginia, U.S.
Parent range	Ridge and Valley Appalachians
Topo map(s)	USGS Wardensville, Wolf Gap, Woodstock
Climbing
Easiest route	Hike

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).[2] 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.[2] 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.[2][3]

German settlers gave Big Schloss its name. Schloss is German for "castle", and the name is a reference to the rocky outcrop.[2][3] German was the common language in the area for several years.[3]

A number of hiking trails lead to Big Schloss. Hikers may ascend from Wolf Gap Recreation Area[4] via the Mill Mountain trail, or a circuit hike coming from FDR Rt. 92.[3] 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.[5]

References

1. "Big Schloss". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved March 29, 2013.
2. "Big Schloss". SummitPost.org. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
3. Kohlbrenner, Wil (2001). "Big Schloss Group". Guide to Great North Mountain Trails (First ed.). Vienna, Virginia: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. p. 54. ISBN 0-915746-89-1.
4. "Wolf Gap Recreation Area". U.S. Forest Service. Archived from the original on June 4, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
5. "Big Schloss Trail Bridge Replacement - Shenandoah County, VA - GW & Jefferson National Forest". Retrieved August 29, 2010.

External links

• "Big Schloss Trip report". Retrieved May 8, 2011. with extensive details of the flora in the area