Big Schloss and Tibbet Knob-7.2 miles-moderately strenuous

Starting Point - Wolf Gap Campground

Ending Point - Wolf Gap Campground

Hike distance/Rating/Elevation - 7.2 miles/Moderately Strenuous/1500 feet

Disclaimer #1 - This hike is going to be rated as a moderately strenuous hike. Since this hike is going to be rated as a moderately strenuous hike, there will be no vetting of hikers for this hike. However, this hike is not recommended for beginner or novice hikers. If the hike leader does feel that a hiker is ill-equipped or ill-prepared, the hike leader does reserve the right to ban a hiker from going on this hike at the carpool location. This hike will have a cap of 16 hikers and no more than 16 hikers. You do need to be physically fit to complete this hike.

Hike Highlights - Mill Mountain Trail, Big Schloss Trail, the 270 degree views from the Big Schloss overlook, Tibbet Knob Trail, the 270 degree views from the TIbbet Knob, Wolf Gap, the opportunity to stand in two states at the same time

Hike Details - We are going to meet shortly before 8:00 AM at the North Research Park on Rt. 29 near the airport. We are going to form carpools and drive to the Wolf Gap Campground on the Virginia-West Virginia border. Driving directions to the trailhead will be provided to the drivers. From the Wolf Gap Campground, we are going to start the hike by hiking the Mill Mountain Trail up to the ridgeline. We are going to hike the Mill Mountain Trail to the intersection with the Big Schloss Trail. We are going to turn right onto the Big Schloss Trail and hike the Big Schloss Trail to the amazing 270 degree views of the Big Schloss overlook. After soaking in the views, taking a whole lot of pictures, and doing some exploring, we are going to retrace our steps back down to the Wolf Gap Campground. This will be the first of two opportunities to stand in both Virginia and West Virginia. We are going to cross the road, and hike the Tibbet Knob Trail up to the summit of Tibbet Knob. The views from Tibbet Knob are just as impressive as Big Schloss without the crowds. There will be two parts of the trail that will require some bouldering and scrambling to get to the summit. We will once again soak in the amazing views and take some more pictures. After soaking in those amazing views, we will retrace our steps back down to the Wolf Gap Campground and complete the hike. You will once again have the opportunity to stand in two states. Please make sure to review the two hike links below before signing up for this hike.

https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/BigSchloss/
https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/TibbetKnob/

What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, trekking poles, 3 to 4 liters of water, lunch/snacks, camera/phone, $5 for your driver if not driving, traction/micro-spikes (required if snow/ice has fallen in the days prior to the hike), layers of clothing for cold winter mountain hiking (NOT COTTON), beanies, gloves

As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at a local restaurant or brewery. Carpools can be arranged accordingly for those who wish to partake in the post hike.

Disclaimer #2 - GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)