The Experience
You will love: A calf burner, this one is a short but feisty hike that blends dense pine groves, with a fun summit rock scramble.
You need to know:
Your adventure begins off forest road 92, there is a clear trailhead sign to kick off your fun. The trail marker for your day is a purple blaze and take in the peace of mind that this is a very well maintained trail system. You can expect the trail topography to be a mix of root, compacted dirt and lose stone. Your eyes will see lush groves of pine and oak, your senses will enjoy the constant canopy of the forest until the summit. This adventure while not long is a butt kicker, offering a consistent ascent that at times will be steep enough to warrant water breaks and catching your wind. This trail navigates itself along the North Mountain range which divides Virginia and West Virginia. As your ascent continues just remind yourself that the elevation gain of over 1,180ft will pay off with a yodel worthy summit. ( German pun intended) . Let's talk about the summit, there are a few things to note here. The summit is a rock scramble, it at first is daunting but truthfully there is a worn in area of rock from other hikers before you. I would recommend to prepare yourself for use of hands and feet to summit the rock scramble. At the top, behold the 270 degree view of the North Mountain range to your left is the Big Schloss summit (its a noticeable granite face that resembles a castle). The summit is breathtaking and provides ample space to enjoy a lunch and recover from your hike up. To return to your car, retrace your steps along the purple blazed trail.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
You need to know:
- Parking can be lmiited
- Very popular trail area
- Trail head is found across the "parking area" on forest road 92. Wi-Fi is very limited. Make sure to print out directions and trail info in advance.
- located in wolf gap recreation area, no entrance fee.
- Schloss is German for castle or manor
Your adventure begins off forest road 92, there is a clear trailhead sign to kick off your fun. The trail marker for your day is a purple blaze and take in the peace of mind that this is a very well maintained trail system. You can expect the trail topography to be a mix of root, compacted dirt and lose stone. Your eyes will see lush groves of pine and oak, your senses will enjoy the constant canopy of the forest until the summit. This adventure while not long is a butt kicker, offering a consistent ascent that at times will be steep enough to warrant water breaks and catching your wind. This trail navigates itself along the North Mountain range which divides Virginia and West Virginia. As your ascent continues just remind yourself that the elevation gain of over 1,180ft will pay off with a yodel worthy summit. ( German pun intended) . Let's talk about the summit, there are a few things to note here. The summit is a rock scramble, it at first is daunting but truthfully there is a worn in area of rock from other hikers before you. I would recommend to prepare yourself for use of hands and feet to summit the rock scramble. At the top, behold the 270 degree view of the North Mountain range to your left is the Big Schloss summit (its a noticeable granite face that resembles a castle). The summit is breathtaking and provides ample space to enjoy a lunch and recover from your hike up. To return to your car, retrace your steps along the purple blazed trail.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
- 2 water bottle
- hiking shoes
- HEAVY snack & / or Lunch
