Big House Mountain Trail : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

The trail to the summit covers about 2.75 miles one way with a gain of about 1,800 feet. The initial trail is a closed forest road while the remainder to the summit appears to have been a road at one point, but has degenerated nicely into a wide footpath.

Getting There

See the main page for driving directions.

Route Description

From the parking area, walk another half-mile up the residential road. Stay left where the "good" road ends at a nice home. Walk up this older forest road another few hundred yards to a gate/kiosk. Walk past this gate and stay on the main route all the way to the saddle. The road is pitched at a very lenient grade and the views are wonderful. It is along this stretch we found some old rock walls and footings from the old homesteads built here ages ago.

At the saddle, stay left at the sign and now proceed steeply up the remaining footpath. The going is easy and straightforward. Nearer the top the road becomes very steep and rocky. A little hand-over-hand scrambling for balance may be needed here. The trail ends a few hundred feet further after the trail levels near an old dilapidated shelter of some sort. A large rock outcrop is the highpoint for this immediate area.

Another area of equal or higher height is about 200 feet south. The map shows a benchmark being located here. Hike back along the trail, and where it starts to descend, walk into the rock/brush/trees and do your best to seek out the BM. I gave it an honest effort for about 15 minutes. This area is for purists only; most people will rightly be content with the trail's end. Beware of snakes, ticks and poison ivy in this overgrown southern area.

Essential Gear

Long pants, the usual hiking gear.

Photo

My wife Beth, W&L '89, revisits the summit.