Big Schloss
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]
Big Schloss | |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 2,964 ft (903 m) |
Coordinates | 38°56′26″N 78°39′57″W [1] |
Geography | |
Big Schloss | |
Parent range | Ridge and Valley Appalachians |
Topo map | USGS Wardensville, Wolf Gap, Woodstock |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Hike |
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 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.[4]
References
- "Big Schloss". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved Mar 29, 2013.
- "Big Schloss". SummitPost.org. Retrieved 2011-05-07.
- 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.
- "Big Schloss Trail Bridge Replacement - Shenandoah County, VA - GW & Jefferson National Forest". Retrieved 2010-08-29.
External links
- "Big Schloss Trip report". Retrieved 2011-05-08. with extensive details of the flora in the area