Should I hike Big Schloss or Tibbet Knob at Wolf Gap Recreation Area in West Virginia? That was just the question my family and I found ourselves asking recently when we had a few extra hours to use for hiking before an event we were attending not far from Wolf Gap Recreation Area near Wardensville, West Virginia. Before settling on our choice, we learned a good bit about each hike that I thought might be helpful for those who find themselves asking the same question.
Perched in a low spot along a ridge between I-81 in Virginia and Wardensville, West Virginia, Wolf Gap Recreation Area is a paradise for nature lovers. Featuring multiple trails, a picnic area, and a campground, Wolf Gap is a great option for a day or an overnight trip. But once you're there, you have a decision to make: which of the hikes will you tackle?
The two most comparable options in this West Virginia recreation area in terms of short, moderate hikes are Big Schloss, which takes off from the far edge of the campground, or Tibbet Knob, which begins across the road from the campground. When my family and I were deciding between the two, the first thing we learned is that they are BOTH worthy and gorgeous excursions, so much so that some ambitious hikers visiting the area give themselves enough time to complete both trails in a single day, eliminating the need for a choice.
Here's what else is similar about the two hikes: the trails to both Tibbet Knob and Big Schloss are accessed from the same general area: the parking lot at the Wolf Gap Recreation Area and Campground.
Both hikes offer great views of the beautiful mountain range that forms the border between West Virginia and Virginia at Wolf Gap. Both hikes are out and back trails. Both hikes are considered moderate difficulty level.
There are some important differences between the two hikes, though. The Tibbet Knob trail is shorter: the hike to Big Schloss is 4 miles round trip while the hike to Tibbet Knob is 3 miles round trip. Tibbet Knob also tends to be less busy; although both hikes are popular, Big Schloss gets more of the Wolf Gap Recreation Area hiking traffic.
However, while both hikes involve some climbing, the hike to Tibbet Knob is steeper all the way to the summit, including some rock scrambles, while the hike to Big Schloss levels off after the first mile or so. For us, this was the deciding factor. Since we were limited on time, hiking with kids, and dressed for an event, we picked Big Schloss to avoid the rock scrambling.
And we were happy we did. Big Schloss itself was beautiful, as was the journey to get there. A few things we noticed: The trail was rocky but very well marked and manageable. There were at least two primitive campsites along the path.
But I can assure you based on my own experience and all the reviews I read: no matter which hike you choose, Big Schloss or Tibbet Knob (or even the longer Mill Mountain hike or loop), you’ll thoroughly enjoy your excursion in this stunning portion of wild, wonderful West Virginia!
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