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Big Schloss
Virginia
> Shenandoah & NW VA Re…
Description
Big Schloss is located along the ridge of the Great North Mountain range in the George Washington Forest of Virginia. The climbs are on a 45-60 foot band of rock at the top of Big Schloss.
Getting There
Park in Wolf Gap Recreation area and hike to top of ridge using old fire road - about 3/4 of a mile (Caution trail is steep). At top of ridge take trail to the left to Big Schloss 1-1/4 miles.
[Hide Comment] I was unable to find any history on Big Schloss outside of references to long mountain which has much more climbing, guidebook was developed but no longer maintained by PMC potomacmountainclub.org/Res…. Note there was a tragic death from rockfall at long mountain.
I think there are a fair number of folks that have been rappelling at Big Schloss but we've cleaned several routes by the footbridge recently. Scouts camp and hike there frequently and have had interest in top rope routes there.
I think there are blocks along the ridge we haven't cleaned and looked over but there are sections along the north facing and east facing wall by the foot bridge there that are stacked and solid. I thought the lead I did on the inside was fun worth having hauled gear up. There's plenty to develop up there if folks aren't scared off by the 2 mile approach from the parking lot.
May 25, 2015
[Hide Comment] What length rope would you recommend for the Schloss? I have a 40m and 70m. I'd like to save pack weight and bring the 40m, but don't want to be limited. Thanks in advance!
Apr 11, 2018
[Hide Comment] TR'd Make it Hap'n Cap'n 12-4-22 I think the most recent people might have been in 2015! Tons of lichen, loose rock, dirt, brambles, and small trees. Aside from the fear of pulling off a block, the climbing was cool - lots of very short juggy roofs, variety of interesting rock strata. I struggled to find bomber placements on TR - would be a heady lead even at 5.7 The approach hike is beautiful!
Dec 5, 2022
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Olney, MD
Alexandria
I think there are a fair number of folks that have been rappelling at Big Schloss but we've cleaned several routes by the footbridge recently. Scouts camp and hike there frequently and have had interest in top rope routes there.
I think there are blocks along the ridge we haven't cleaned and looked over but there are sections along the north facing and east facing wall by the foot bridge there that are stacked and solid. I thought the lead I did on the inside was fun worth having hauled gear up. There's plenty to develop up there if folks aren't scared off by the 2 mile approach from the parking lot. May 25, 2015
Washington, DC
Orlean, VA
Virginia
I think the most recent people might have been in 2015!
Tons of lichen, loose rock, dirt, brambles, and small trees.
Aside from the fear of pulling off a block, the climbing was cool - lots of very short juggy roofs, variety of interesting rock strata. I struggled to find bomber placements on TR - would be a heady lead even at 5.7
The approach hike is beautiful! Dec 5, 2022