Of love and hiking

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WOODSTOCK, Va. -- For couples, Big Schloss is one of the most accessible and best day hikes within driving distance of the Washington area. The 4-mile round-trip hike is about a two-hour drive west of the Capital Beltway and just a few miles west of quaint Woodstock. German pioneers christened Big Schloss in the early 19th century, thinking the huge, bare rock outcropping looked similar to a large castle standing above the mountains in their homeland. The views from Big Schloss are beautiful and rare.

Once off Interstate 81 at Woodstock, much of the scenery is almost old-time Virginia as you drive west through Columbia Furnace toward West Virginia. Along the way, you pass small antiques shops and country grocery stores.

Working farms and ranches line the country roads. Horses and Black Angus cattle dot the pastures. As you pass through the little villages of Silver City, Calvary and Millertown, old but newly painted churches are the largest buildings to be seen from the country lanes.

If you are lucky or observant enough, you will see a flock of wild turkeys, deer or maybe a hawk or two. In season, be sure to stop at one of the fruit stands along the way.

What makes this hike so special, beyond the stunning views, is that this walk is available almost any day of the year. As long as there is no snow or ice on the trail, your path is safe and easy to follow.

The Wolf Gap Campground, where you begin your trek, is modern and well-kept. There are nine campsites with grills and picnic tables, as well as maintained pit toilets, pump water, ample parking and trailer/tent sites. This is a popular hiking destination, but days can pass with no visitors, so you may be lucky and have the campgrounds to yourself.

The trail up to Big Schloss starts behind campsite No. 9. It steepens quickly, allowing you to complete the most challenging part of the hike first. Plus, there are plenty of large boulders along the way that make great resting spots. Because the area is so lovely and it is just 2.2 miles to scenic cliff-edge views, take your time. Have a sip of iced tea or explore the woods closest to the trail. On most days, if you sit quietly, you might hear woodpeckers, jays or noisy little gray birds nesting and scrounging nearby.

If you make this hike when the leaves are off the trees, as you move up the steepest part of the first half of the trail, look to your left about a mile away through the bare trees. You will see Big Schloss' large stone outcropping shining gray-white. That is where you are headed. You will gain a new appreciation for the mountainous topography of the area if you do this hike after the leaves have fallen. November through March is a great time to appreciate this mountainous terrain.

About three-fourths of a mile up the steep, turning trail, the rewards of this hike become apparent. At the ridgeline, you turn to the left and continue on a somewhat flatter trail heading to Big Schloss.

Before you start walking, though, be sure to take in the incredible panoramic views to the east. You will spot other nearby mountains that also offer hikes, as well the Shenandoah Valley spreading out below, its little farms and houses dotting the landscape.