INTRODUCTION AND LOGISTICS
Trout Pond Recreation Area and Wolf Gap Recreation Area are located just across the West Virginia state line, less than 2 hours west of GWG, and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. These recreation areas feature popular trails, outstanding viewpoints, a variety of camping options, fishing, and swimming. There is no entry fee or advance camping reservations at Wolf Gap, but Trout Pond has a day use fee of $8 per vehicle (2024) and accepts advance reservations through recreation.gov. Cell phone service is limited, and although I have had good luck with Verizon on the ridges when hiking, do not rely on cell phone coverage for navigation or while hiking. Here are some recommendations for hiking, car camping, and backpacking, plus a stop to treat yourself before or after the trip.
HIKES
Big Schloss (German for "palace") is the premier hike in this area, and it is most easily accessed from Wolf Gap. The 4.4-mile round-trip has about 1,000 feet of total elevation gain, and is well-described by Hiking Upward. The view (below left) is outstanding, and there are intermediate views to enjoy along the way. The adventurous can continue past Big Schloss for about 7 miles to Halfmoon Mountain, making for a total distance of 18 miles. However, this may be better enjoyed as an overnight trip, as described below.
Tibbet Knob is not as famous as its neighbor, which makes it much less crowded, even though the views are just as good (below right). The 3-mile round-trip starts across Wolf Gap Road from the parking area and includes a bit of scrambling near the top. Hiking Upward also provides a nice description of this hike.
The trails from Trout Pond don't offer dramatic vistas, but some pleasant short hikes are possible. The trail around Rockcliff Lake is especially nice (below), and the Lina Constable Overlook trail will get your heart pumping with a short but steep climb.
CAR CAMPING
The Trout Pond Campground (below) is open from May through October and is a favorite of mine. You can find a small, quiet spot to drink coffee, or you can spread out at the well-equipped sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and large parking/ tent pads. The nightly fee starts at $25 (as of 2024), there are some double sites, and some sites have electricity. Showers, flush toilets, and drinking water are available during the operating season, and they even recycle 1 lb propane cylinders. If you want a fire, note that the design of the campfire rings makes them a little awkward to use, and you should buy your wood from one of the stands before entering the park. Remember to never transport firewood (except kiln-dried), because you could also be transporting disease or pests! Reservations are available for some sites on recreation.gov, and other sites are held for first-come-first-serve. There were several sites available on a recent fall weekend, but you should try to arrive early and have a backup plan. Do not rely on cell phone service at the campground.
The Wolf Gap campground has vault toilets and 9 basic sites that are first-come-first-serve. Their proximity to the busy Big Schloss trailhead and lack of amenities such as drinking water may be undesirable for some campers.
INTRODUCTORY BACKPACKING
For beginners with confidence or an experienced companion, I'd recommend a trip on the Mill Mountain Trail from Wolf Gap. The map above shows many of the campsites and water sources. Sandstone Spring is a convenient water source about 5 miles from Wolf Gap which saves the trouble of carrying all of your water up the mountain, and there are a number of campsites a short walk from the spring. Halfmoon Mountain has many campsites about 2 ½ to 3 ½ miles past Sandstone Spring. It is easy to find an established site for dispersed camping, and they vary in size and comfort, although the sites have no amenities other than a (somewhat) flat spot for your tent and maybe a fire ring. I slept well at the two typical sites shown below. Remember to follow leave no trace principles in this area by using an established campsite, minimizing campfire impacts, using your bear canister, and packing out your trash.
ADVANCED BACKPACKING
A 28-mile loop from Trout Pond or Wolf Gap hits the best overlooks and has good water sources. I did it in one night, but it would be more enjoyable with two nights on this clockwise route from Trout Pond.
Day 1: 11 ½ miles. Park at the Trout Pond day use area, but check in with the camp host or make arrangements in advance to let them know you'll be leaving a car overnight. I got a permit from the park host when I did this. Hike along Rockcliff Lake to the Chimney Rock Trail, which connects to the Long Mountain Trail via the Trout Pond Trail after about 1 ½ miles. After about 10 total miles of rolling trail, join the Halfmoon Trail and ascend steeply for 1 ½ miles to a lovely camping area with a spring and an overlook near the junction with the Tuscarora/Pond Mill Trail.
Day 2: 9 ½ miles. Begin the day with a climb to the top of Mill Mountain, the high point of this trip at 3,300 feet, by following the Tuscarora Trail to the Mill Mountain Trail. Continue to Sandstone Spring, where you need to get all of your water for the rest of the day and the next morning. Big Schloss will tower over you as you approach the spur trail on your left. Definitely take the time to explore Big Schloss if the weather permits. You'll encounter many more hikers from this point to Wolf Gap on the Mill Mountain Trail. Cross Wolf Gap Road and continue on the Tibbet Knob Trail 1 ½ miles. You'll have a little bit of scrambling to reach the summit, where you will find a couple of small picturesque sites perfect for enjoying the sunset.
Day 3: 7 miles. Continue on the Tibbet Knob Trail to the gravel Judge Rye Road. Descend ½ mile to a piped spring on the left if you need water. Otherwise, turn right onto this seldom-used road for 2 ½ miles to reach the Long Mountain Trail, which intersects the Trout Pond Trail in less than a mile. Descend 3 miles to Trout Pond and your car.
For even more adventure, hop onto the Tuscarora Trail or the Great Eastern Trail for weeks or even months of hiking!
FUN FACT
This area was in the heart of the range of the American Chestnut Tree, which was nearly wiped out by imported chestnut blight in the early 20th century. A few remain in these mountains because they continue to sprout from the stumps and roots of trees that have died. Leaf samples I submitted to The American Chestnut Foundation were positively identified as specimens of this tree, whose population once numbered in the billions.
"WORTH A STOP"
The Wardensville Garden Market in Wardensville, WV, is worth a stop on your way out to pick up artisanal meats for dinner, a treat from the bakery for dessert, or their famous cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Be sure to stop by on your way home, too, for fresh produce from their garden. I was lucky to visit during a Second Saturday celebration, so I enjoyed live music with my lunch, and I went home with greens, radishes, and squash to make for dinner. The best part is that you'll be supporting programs for local youth to develop life skills and professional experience.Â
Please stop by the store if you have any questions about the trails, camping, or gear you'll need. We love helping our neighbors get outside!
LINKS
Park, Hiking, and Camping Information
- Wolf Gap Recreation Area
- Trout Pond Recreation Area
- Reservations (recreation.gov)
- Hiking Upward
- Tuscarora TrailÂ
- Great Eastern Trail
Chestnut Tree Information
Places to Eat