Tibbet Knob, George Washington National Forest, October 2017

Tibbet Knob (2,920’) is the slightly lower, less crowded cousin of nearby Big Schloss, situated along the Virginia-West Virginia border in George Washington National Forest. The summit offers sweeping views of Trout Run Valley in the heart of the Great North Mountain range, while a lower viewpoint ½ mile from the trailhead looks out across the majestic Shenandoah Valley to the east. This short hike, beginning at the Wolf Gap Campground, is often paired with Big Schloss, though its steep climbs and rocky tread make it a more difficult. (Note: See here for a description of the Big Schloss hike.)

Map of Tibbet Knob hike, George Washington National Forest; created using National Geographic Maps/AllTrails, alltrails.com (Check out the PDF version, interactive map, and MapMyHike track)

The hike

The 2.8-mile out-and-back begins across Wolf Gap Road from the Wolf Gap Campground, deep in the heart of the Great North Mountain area. (Note: The hike to Big Schloss heads the opposite direction, beginning along the campground drive to the east.) There is a small, rugged parking area on the west side of the road, not recommended for vehicles with low clearance. The Tibbet Knob Trail begins just beyond.

Hikers will start on a relatively flat and wide path that weaves through dense woods. Passing a picnic table and fire pit on the right, the Tibbet Knob Trail bears southwest on the Virginia side of the border. Leaving the crowds of the Wolf Gap area well behind, the trail begins to climb sharply at 1/10 mile amid beech, oak, and maple trees. There are obscured views to the east as the path flattens out at around 1/3 mile and passes minor rock outcrops on the left.

Rock outcrops along the Tibbet Knob Trail

After a brief descent, the trail comes to a fork at around ½ mile. Bear left on a short spur that leads to a magnificent viewpoint looking east to Bowers Mountain (1,878’), Threemile Mountain (2,060’), and the Shenandoah Valley. Two additional ranges are visible on the horizon: the 50-mile long Massanutten Mountain, with the higher Blue Ridge Mountains of Shenandoah National Park beyond. The view southeast, seemingly a sea of endless green, is one of the best in the region.

View southeast down Shenandoah Valley from the first viewpoint

Bowers Mountain and Threemile Mountain, with Massanutten Mountain and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond

View northeast from the outcrop

Back on the main trail, continue left and descend to a low saddle. After flattening for roughly ¼ mile, the narrow singletrack resumes the climb up to Tibbet Knob at around 8/10 mile. By now you are heading northwest and have crossed firmly into West Virginia. After rounding a bend at about the 1-mile mark, the incline steepens. After a brief respite, the path approaches the base of a rocky outcrop at 1.25 miles. Ascend the steep rocky terrace and continue along the relatively level trail as it enters a patch of mountain laurel.

Ascending the first rock scramble

Second rock scramble

Repeat the process again at 1.35 miles, where hikers must mount a second rock scramble. Now near the top of Tibbet Knob, the path weaves through a pine thicket and emerges at a tremendous viewpoint, the nominal end of this hike. Trout Run Valley unfolds below, bounded by Long Mountain (3,128’), Halfmoon Mountain (2,826’), and Mill Mountain (3,293’).

View of Trout Run Valley and Mill Mountain from Tibbet Knob

Up to the left, a gradually sloping ridgeline climbs to meet Long Mountain at an area called Devils Hole, while Great North Mountain continues beyond to the southwest. Endless blankets of trees are interrupted only by small pockets of rustic farmsteads, while no road can be seen or heard.

View southwest toward Devils Hole

The beauty of this vista arguably exceeds even that of Big Schloss (2,964’), which is itself visible to the northeast. (Note: Big Schloss is the second closest summit on the east side of the valley.)

Mill Mountain from Tibbet Knob (Big Schloss is the second peak in the chain)

The outcrop at Tibbet Knob is small, meaning you may have to share this ideal lunch spot with others. Even on a busy day, however, the crowds are likely to be a fraction of those on Big Schloss. Just beyond the viewpoint is a lovely campsite shrouded by pines. While the trail continues for another mile, it is largely devoid of views, making this a good turnaround point for day hikers.

The return journey is nearly all flat or downhill. Allot between 2-3 hours for this hike, allowing for plenty of time to take in the trail’s two excellent overlooks.

Extra credit

If you haven’t done so already, it is worth also hiking the 4.2-mile out-and-back to Big Schloss. The combination of the two hikes makes for a fine day in the Great North Mountain range.