Big Schloss & Tibbet knob (7.6 mile, 2,017' gain, Moderate)

DESCRIPTION:
If you haven't been to Big Schloss before, you're in for a real treat. This is one of the best overlooks around. It is truly beautiful. This time we are approaching Big Schloss from the Wolf Gap Recreation area on the west side of the mountain rather than from the east side. And because of this, it will be shorter and we are adding Tibbet Knob to the hike immediately after. So, first we will head out from Wolf Gap to Big Schloss. Then come down and head the opposite way on the trail to Tibbet knob. For those that only want to do one of the two, you are welcome to do this. But most of us will be doing both to get two great views and plenty of exercise in nature. Our pace will be moderate without a lot of stops except at the summits of both mountains. Here are the two AllTrails maps. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you buy AllTrails Pro (it's cheap), and download your maps beforehand because this area doesn't have good cellphone tower coverage.

ALLTRAILS MAP:

- Big Schloss (first at 10:00 AM): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/big-schloss-via-wolf-gap-trail?u=i

- Tibbet Knob (second at around 12:30-1:00 PM): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/tibbet-knob-trail-from-wolf-gap-campground?u=i

BRING: Good Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes, trekking poles if you have them, plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch.

DIRECTIONS AND CARPOOLS: If you need a ride or can give a ride, please say so in the comments section below. Coordinate beforehand so everyone knows who they are going with. Some of us typically gather at the Vienna Metro-North Parking Lot (beside the North Garage) to carpool at 7:45 AM and leave at 8:00 AM. The drive is 1 hr, 50 minutes from Vienna Metro out route 66 to the West. With the price of gas as high as it is these days, if you are receiving a carpool ride, please chip in $10 towards fuel per person.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.

COVID-19: This event is for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID and are not showing any symptoms of sickness, or who have not had recent exposure to COVID. If you have been exposed or are sick, please stay home. There will be plenty of future opportunities to hike with us. Masks and social distancing are not required while outdoors but may be required for indoor portions of events.