Holiday Hike! George Washington National Forest! Big Schloss: 12 Mile Version
- December 31, 2012 · 9:00 AM
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George Washington National Forest!
Big Schloss
(Our Shorter 12.3 Mile Moderate to Easy Side of Strenuous Version)
In German, schloss means “castle.” In Virginian-speak, schloss can only refer to one geologic wonder, a towering outcrop of sandstone on Mill Mountain.
On this 12.3 mile hike, the scenery is national-park caliber (Shenandoah NP is 10 miles east) and the views are all yours (GWNF has 90% fewer visitors than SNP). The Pond Run/Tuscarora Trail near Wardensville, WV (two hours west of D.C.), climbs to the top of Big Schloss, a towering, castle-shaped outcrop of Tuscarora sandstone. Starting in a forest of old growth hemlocks, you’ll gain altitude steadily but easily, eventually wading through waist-high ferns. Past Gap Hill and Half Moon Mountain, you’ll encounter open scenes of the sloping Great North and Long Mountains, all showcasing brilliant red-orange maples, maroon tupelos, and golden oaks. After the deep, unvaried greens of summer, it’s almost sensory overload.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Wardensville
Length: 12.3 total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate
Duration: About 5 hours
Season: Year round
Trailhead Elev: 1500 feet
Top Elev: 3200 feet
Local Contacts: George Washington National Forest, Lee Ranger District
Special Winter Gear Note:
Traction gear is a must in order to hike in the winter with our group for safety and so we can hike all four seasons! The most dependable/reliable gear in our opinion is either Kahtoola Microspikes or STABILicers Originals(Stabilicer "Originals" and not the "lites" as too many "lites" have snapped while out on the trail) and YakTrax are highly discouraged. Traction gear/ice cleats come in handy for getting the mail or walking the dog, in addition to any other outdoor activity where there is ice involved! You can run on the ice with them on and many runners do just that!
Weather Information
While we hike rain, snow, or shine.
Carpool Information
There are 2 carpools for this hike!
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan with the hike leader from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.
DC Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meetup at the Centerville Park and Ride. Click here for information and directions to the Centerville location.
If you can drive or want to carpool from an additional location, please post your location and needs in the comment section below. Click here for suggested carpool locations complete with directions. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click here for directions to the trailhead
Hike is at 9:00 a.m.
Carpool meetup time at Savage is 6:30 a.m.
Carpool meetup time at Centerville is 7:30 a.m.
Fido is not welcome on this hike without leader approval
Please note that our holiday weekend hikes are not refundable due to too many people backing out of the at the last minute before the refund cut-off and keeping others from being able to go. Sorry, but this is the only way to help make sure that there is a good turnout and our leaders not offer to lead a hike on their holiday in vain...or they will be burned enough that they will no longer offer. Since we have made holiday hikes non-refundable it has boosted attendance rate significantly and often have perfect attendance, yay! Please note that our refund policy is always listed just beneath the price, and you are required to check a box that you agree to it before you can pay, so I put it in three places to avoid any issues. Thanks so much for your understanding and have a great time.
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
See you there and please take my number with you just in case...
Steve: [masked]
Bill: [masked]
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Sam Stebbins
Great pictures everyone! Thanks for posting so many. I specially like the photos of people taking photos of other people. :o)
1 · January 2
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irina rickard
Is it no better way for hikers to close the year, as get together and have fantastic time with breathtaking view ! Thanks to everyone for sharing good spirit and great hike !
3 · December 31
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Steve G.
I couldn't have imagined a better winter hike than this one!
Conditions couldn't have been better. No real icy spots on the trail, and just enough powder to make it interesting, and absolutely no wind. Air temperature was just right! I've never seen the skies around der Schloss clearer, we could see all the way to Shenandoah! Such a terrible, terrible shame so many dropped out in fear of bad conditions.
Had a great time hiking with you all, thanks for spending your holiday with me! Hope to see you on another hike soon!
Have a happy and safe new year, everybody!
2 · December 31
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David Caviness
Thanks Steve - great hike and a fun group to share the last day of the year with.
2 · December 31
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Priyanga
Is anyone carpooling from around Rockville area? Can also meet in other DC area locations if you can drive. Thanks!
December 29
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Priyanga
Maggie - thanks so much! Nice to talk to you, changed my RSVP back to yes. See ya tomorrow!
December 30
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Sam Stebbins
Hi Bill. Happy to give you a ride. Since the hike starts at nine and it's a 2 Hour Dr. we should probably meet at 6:30 which I know is early but that is probably our best bet. I'll be driving a silver Hyundai SUV with a rack on the top and my cell phone is [masked] if you need it.
December 30
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Steve G.
Hi Sam, I just want to point out that leaving at 6:30 from the DC area is NOT particularly early for our hikes. Trust me, I'm by no means a morning person, but leaving at 5 or even 4 for a 9am hike is not unusual. Its always better to leave a little early and have a less stressful drive.
1 · December 30
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.December 30
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Julie Nadezna
I live in Washington, DC (Adams Morgan) and would like to carpool with anyone heading out from the city. Or I have a car and would be happy to give someone a ride.
December 23
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Bill Peters
Sam, Can I get a ride from King St Station? What time? You can email direct at [masked]
December 30
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Tom
Sam I live in Huntington and can easily get to King St as well. I don't mind driving or pitching in gas. Let me know by posting here or [masked]. otherwise I'll be at Centreville at 730.
December 30
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.1 · December 29
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Steve G.
If anybody is interested in carpooling from the park & ride at either Security Blvd or MD-32 & I-70, let me know.
I'll be traveling from just south of Baltimore via I695 to I70 to US-340 through Harper's Ferry (missing the dreaded DC Beltway along with both Savage and Centreville) and I'm willing to pick up anybody along the way. I will be stopping for dinner on the way back.
December 27
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.December 27
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Steve G.
Devon, not sure if you posted for the right hike, this is Big Schloss, not Old Rag. There are some places where ice may be an issue on Big Schloss, but nowhere near as many as on Old Rag. Big Schloss has a much shorter rock scramble vs Old Rag. I've done both in the ice and snow, Old Rag is definitely more treacherous in icy conditions, but its a lot of fun to climb in the snow :) Bring cleats and warm gloves and you'll be fine.
1 · December 27
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Devon Alexander Stoney
As you can see I have hiking on the darn brain and I am trying to finish up my work week sorry Steve. I am not concerned with this hike as I purchased the ice spikes yesterday. I like to call them Boot Jewelry! See you on the trail and thanks again for leading!
1 · December 27
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9 attended
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Sandy Balliet
Certifed Hike Leader and Advanced Wilderness First Aid
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Maggie Snowel
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
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Lyndal
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Priyanga
Certified Hike Leader
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David Caviness
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Sam Stebbins
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
Your organizer's refund policy for Holiday Hike! George Washington National Forest! Big Schloss: 12 Mile Version
Refunds are not offered for this Meetup.
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