Big Schloss is a mountain in the Great North Mountain range of the Ridge and Valley Appalachians, rising to 2,964 feet in George Washington National Forest near the Virginia–West Virginia border. Best known for its dramatic white sandstone outcrop rather than the summit itself, it took its name from German settlers who thought the crag resembled a castle; schloss is German for castle. The name preserves the area’s early German-speaking heritage. Big Schloss is especially valued for its expansive views across Trout Run Valley and toward Little Schloss Mountain, and hikers reach the exposed rock by maintained trails and a bridge rebuilt in fall 2010.

Wardensville, West Virginia · USA