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Tibbet Knob via Wolf Gap

Wardensville, West Virginia

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

3.17 miles

Elevation Gain

702 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kelly Park

Tibbet Knob via Wolf Gap is a short but rewarding hike that is just two hours from Washington, DC, and offers beautiful vistas and awesome backcountry campsites -- perfect for a day hike or a beginner overnight backpack. 

Park for free at Wolf Gap Campground and cross the road where you will pass some picnic tables and campsites.  Follow the signs to the yellow-blazed Tibbet Knob trail.  In half a mile, there is a little path to a summit on your left where you can catch a glimpse of Mill Mountain and Big Schloss. 

Continue uphill for another half mile and you will reach a steep rock which will require some scrambling.  It's only 20-30 yards in length and my dogs made it up pretty easily.  There are some nice campsites here if you want to take a lunch break or hang out for the night.  

The trail flattens out here but soon you will reach a second steep rock.  From here, continue another 200 yards and you will reach the main summit.  Take in the views and definitely make your way through the thicket to reach different ledges for various photo angles. If you wander a short way past the summit you will find some great backcountry campsites complete with benches and fire pits. Set up camp here or turn around and follow the same trail back to the parking lot. 

After making it to the knob, kick back, relax, hydrate, and wait for sunset. This is an unbeatable and sometimes private sunset spot! A few hours past sunset, you'll also have one of the best stargazing vistas in northern Virginia/West Virginia. This area has very little light pollution and will give you clear views of the stars and the Milky Way.

To photograph the stars, you will want a fast lens (low aperture), a long exposure time, and a tripod. In addition to this, to photograph the Milky Way galactic core, you will need to go close to a new moon between April and July.

**Note: There is no water at Big Schloss or Tibbett Knob, and water is occasionally off indefinitely at Wolf Gap Campground. Bring PLENTY of water will you, and stash a few gallons extra in the car**

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Features

Rock Climbing
Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Tibbet Knob via Wolf Gap Reviews

This is a great little hike, it has a fun rock scramble near the end. There is also a beautiful camping spot near the views at Tibbet Knob. I did this in early spring and need to revisit when there is foliage on the trees.

Dark, dark skies for astrophotography. Don't forget to bring your photo setup for camping up here, cause you'll be happy you carried the extra weight! Pay attention to the lack of water, make sure you bring some extra in your car for after you get back!

I did this hike as an overnight backpack trip on a weekday. I didn't see any other people on the trail. The two scrambles are brief but tough, particularly when it's rained recently. The panoramic vistas at the knob are spectacular, even with clouds in the valley. There are a couple of great campsites at the summit. The prime spot is just to the left of the summit and features a large stone fire pit. This hike could easily be done as a day hike, too. Sadly, my car was broken into at the Wolf Gap campground while I was on the trail, though.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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