Big Schloss, Mountain summit in Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, West Virginia.
Big Schloss is a mountain summit in the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians that rises to about 2,964 feet along the Virginia and West Virginia border. White sandstone outcrops mark the landscape as the terrain becomes steeper and more exposed toward the peak.
German settlers left their mark on the region by naming this formation, which shaped how it is known today. Local hiking organizations later developed and maintained the trail system to ensure continued access to the summit.
The name Big Schloss comes from German settlers who saw the rocky peaks and thought of medieval castles. This German word for castle remains part of how locals and visitors understand this place today.
The trail to the summit is well-marked but moderately challenging, taking several hours through dense forest before reaching the exposed rocks at the top. Be aware that the rocks can be slippery in wet conditions, making timing your visit around good weather advisable.
A wooden bridge near the summit connects to an exposed rock outcropping that few visitors fully explore, offering a secluded vantage point. From this spot you can see both Trout Run Valley spread below and Little Schloss Mountain visible in the distance.
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