However, human breath is a powerful thing and  collects on the surface of your tent. From here the route climbs gradually to surmount a small knob then drops to a brushy pass between the Stonecoal Run Valley and the upper basins of Dolly Sods. The secret to keeping this comfortable is West Virginia’s “Canaan Valley State Park and Resort” on the west side of the wilderness. Im Westen ist West Virginia von den Appalachen eingegrenzt, im Osten bildet der Fluss Ohio die natürliche Grenze. Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 31 °F. To the north, it comes as a surprise to see houses, high up the slopes of the mountain: prime real estate with close access to the extraordinary vistas of Canaan Valley. I tossed and turned through much of the evening… ALAS! The northern Dolly Sods can get really windy- there's not a whole lot of forest and it's a high ridge that is exposed to the winds. The high rocky plateau, filled with grassy meadows, and a lower wooded area, lush with rhododendron filled forests. We were reading lows of 12-19 degrees the first evening. NO DOGS IN MAIN PARKING LOT! Like the foreground, the hillsides on the horizon are coated with a mixture of conifers and deciduous trees, a mélange of sub-Arctic terrain and classic Appalachian landscapes. If you've ever been to Dolly Sods. Dolly Sods is one of the most impressive backpacking locations in the region. During the afternoon of 12/15/16 strong cold air advection was underway after the frontal passage and afternoon temperatures stayed below zero (F) while wind chills dived to -30F. The second day is best collapsed into a beautiful set of photographs that bring into perspective the unique nature of the Dolly Sods landscape. There are fords on some of the trails that may be a problem to cross during high water events. (Note: Red spruce are a relatively rare find south of Pennsylvania; it is Dolly Sods’ high elevation and cool temperatures that allows these spruce forests—as well as a number of other species—to proliferate.) The majority of these items are available at The Backpackers Shop! On the near side, the bald to the south is one of the many summits of Cabin Mountain (4,298’). We donned our best, warmest gear and made a go of it! Backpacking is not just a three-season activity, but it does take some extra preparation when winter hits. Turn left onto the Rocky Ridge Trail, arguably the best in Dolly Sods due to its splendid views of Canaan Valley. Snow can be expected anytime from October through April. Then it is back to climbing again, as the Breathed Mountain Trail approaches the western slopes of the Allegheny Front, the high plateau where Dolly Sods is found. ( Log Out /  At the beginning, the vistas are shrouded by dense spruce forest, but soon the trail emerges into a clearing with views back to the south. The right fork spills over a small, 5-foot waterfall into a deep pool. Oh well, we got it going eventually and used its warmth to toast our toesies. You've also got to factor in wind chill. Page FIGURE 1. Map showing location of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, W. Va ____ A2 2-4. See more current weather. Weaving amid blueberry bushes, the trail approaches a spur to a campsite with a nice view at about 7/10 mile. Thus, in winter we change our strategy and explore on snowshoes. Fog can form/roll in extremely quickly, dropping visibility to dangerous, disorienting near-zero conditions. Talk about cold … It was a stark reminder to myself that you must take into account your sleeping pad’s R-rating, which will determine whether the cold beneath will creep into your bones at night. If you’re interested in learning more about winter backpacking, how to properly layer to keep warm in the winter or Dolly Sods itself, stop into The Backpackers Shop where we always have an expert on-staff to fill you in! Following an old fire road, bear right on the Blackbird Knob Trail. The first minute of the hike covers wooden boardwalk, which weaves through low scrub bearing northwest. By now some degree of monotony has probably settled in—but it is broken soon enough by a four-way trail junction at 5.9 miles. Once you top the ridge, it is another 2.4 miles from Bear Rocks (which boasts fantastic views that are worth a stop) to the start of the hike. A minute later, the Blackbird Knob Trail drops steeply to a stream crossing; stepping stones offer passage over Red Creek, which is much wider and deeper than Alder Run. The relatively open views end suddenly at about 1.5 miles, when the trail dives into a spruce forest and begins a gradual descent to Red Creek, which is first spotted on the right at about 1.65 miles. From the east bank, the path runs gradually uphill as it climbs the slopes of Blackbird Knob; sporadic breaks in the trees offer views south over the Red Creek Basin. Stay straight, continuing as the trail begins to skirt the slopes of its namesake peak: Blackbird Knob (3,950’). We allow pooches on certain designated trails that lead to Forest Road 80 and the Dolly Sods. Our all-wheel drive Mazda handled the 1,500 foot climb easily. Did I mention that the forecast showed 20 mph winds and single-digit temperatures? I packed up my very soggy tent the next day hoping I’d have the chance to air everything out that evening. From the junction, the Red Creek Trail drops sharply, and the beech forest gives way to spruce and a series of open meadows. The icy road leading up to the Upper Sods portion was a bit of trip in and of itself. There are two truths that constantly exist in its climate: it will be wet and muddy and it will be colder than predicted. The Left Fork of Red Creek appears on the right, followed quickly by a stream crossing at 3.1 miles. 10am – 6pm Temperatures. (Note: You will have crossed the right fork farther north back at 1.7 miles.) For the month of May, a nearby weather station at Canaan Valley (3200 feet) reports average high and low temperatures of 68 F and 42 F. The average elevation of our route is a little bit higher, so we’re expecting slightly cooler temperatures. This is a popular destination known as “The Forks,” where two branches of Red Creek come together. The Dolly Sods Wilderness and Scenic Area is one of West Virginia and the Monongahela National Forest’s most treasured natural assets. Dolly Sods Wilderness has 47 miles of trails, many of which follow old railroad grades and logging roads. The stem-and-loop is 11.3 miles in all, worthy of a 2-day backpack. The last few trips to the area I concentrated on Canaan Valley, so this time I decided to venture to the east and take in the scene at Dolly Sods along the Allegheny Front. Dolly Sods is one of the most impressive backpacking locations in the region. Beyond the creek, the trail climbs a fern-dotted hillside, with views down to the left of a grassy meadow. We were reading lows of 12-19 degrees the first evening. Soon enough, we found ourselves back at the start of the Bear Rocks Trail, and were ready to hit the road back to Cleveland! The brief flurry of unpacking and setting up camp wasn’t caught on camera, partially because of frosty fingers, but soon the campsite was set up. Actual temperatures in the northern Dolly Sods can be as much as 5 or even 10 degrees below what the nearby downs in the valleys may be experiencing. Climbing a hillside on the Blackbird Knob Trail. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. At 8.1 miles, the path rejoins the Blackbird Knob Trail; bear left. 10am – 9pm Start of the climb on the Breathed Mountain Trail. Where provided, air quality data and meteorological data are updated hourly. I’d need some science to keep me comfortable through this one! Saturday Night. (Weather station: New Market Airport, USA). Dolly Sods 1 Boulders that glisten as white as snow, spruce trees with wind-blasted, one-sided branches, landscapes that resemble the arctic tundra - this is Dolly Sods, one of West Virginia's most unusual wilderness areas. Just before the end of the loop, the trail skirts a sloping meadow, with the knob summit to the north. The mass concentration for this sample, 45 g/m 3, was the highest in the study. Mostly clear, with a low around 19. (Note: While heading either way is fine, it makes for nice timing to head left on the Red Creek Trail first, hitting a small waterfall around mid-afternoon before approaching the overlook of Canaan Valley closer to sunset.). Because of the cool weather and frequent hard frosts, Canaan Valley has a shorter growing season than Fairbanks, Alaska, which is only 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle. We plunged into the wilderness and farther from the relative safety of the parking area with warm bodies and spirits. "You never know what the … First accumulating snow of this season in the WV high country, and snowmaking has begun at the ski resorts. Once you’ve soaked it all in, head back down the spur trail and bear left on the Rocky Ridge Trail as it continues north. ); Activity: Day 1 – drive to Dolly Sods Wilderness.Hike 8 miles to camp. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: (Note: Red spruce are a relatively rare find south of Pennsylvania; it is Dolly Sods’ high elevation and cool temperatures that allows these spruce forests—as well as a number of other species—to proliferate.) For the end of August I was expecting temperatures to be more like something in the high 80’s or lower 90’s for the more mountainous areas, but nope, try like to high 60’s. In between spruce groves are stands of deciduous trees, including oaks, maples, and hickories. Soon the boardwalk gives way to dirt, and the path darts in and out of spruce groves. With an average last frost occurring on June 1 and first frost on August 30, the Valley’s average growing season is … In 1997, only three samples in the entire … Shortly after the junction, the Blackbird Knob Trail crosses the Left Fork of Red Creek as it weaves through a beautiful meadow. (Note: It is also possible to reach the trailhead from the west, following Forest Road 19, then 75, for 10 miles from Lanesville, West Virginia.). In 1975, the Congress designated the area as protected wilderness, which is now comprised of more than 17,700 acres and 47 miles of trails. It’s an easy mistake to think that closing all of the vents on your tent will lead to a happy, warm time inside of your fluffy feather burrito. Precipitation. Where Bear Rocks Trail became Raven Ridge, we decided to take a turn into Dolly Sods’s famous main valley. Pingback: Top 10 Hikes in 2017 | Live and Let Hike. The Blackbird Knob Trail begins just north of the Red Creek Campground. No … While not as popular as the stunning Dolly Sods North hike, the ecological diversity and differentiated terrain of the Blackbird Knob Loop surpasses that of its northern cousin. Not that we didn’t BELIEVE that it would be under 20 degrees and windy, but it was still a shock when you exit a warm and comfortable car. Closed Thank you to those who maintain the isolated road. After getting our blood flowing, the air didn’t seem as cold. From the stream, it’s 1.7 miles—through meadows, bogs, and spruce and deciduous forests—back to the trailhead. After encountering a mud pond on the right, hikers then descend to a crossing over Alder Run at 1.1 miles. At elevation, and exposed, the night bounced between glorious and terrifying as we knew that high winds usually accompanied the sun setting. Figure 2 gives the flow rates for modules A and B (Teflon and nylon), temperature, and relative humidity at Dolly Sods Wilderness, July 26, 1997. For those looking for varied terrain and ecological diversity at Dolly Sods, the Blackbird Knob Loop has virtually no equal. Oh, and an all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle. Shortly thereafter, views open up to the south and west over the Red Creek Basin. Access roads can quickly become blocked by dense fog, downed trees from high wind, and snow/snow drifts. The ‘Dahl Sods’ over time came to be known as the Dolly Sods. (Note: There is a social trail from here leading down the bank to an oxbow island with a couple of stellar campsites.) Once one of the state’s best kept secrets, Dolly Sods is now a popular backpacking destination and boasts a maze of interlocking trails. A large wooden kiosk on the west side of the road marks the start of the Blackbird Knob Trail. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I was a little worried about wearing the shorts I had purchased just for … The time for peak fall color in West Virginia varies with nightly temperatures, the arrival of frost, rainfall, elevation, wind and other factors. Dolly Sods Full Loop is a 22.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Davis, West Virginia that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. Just past the crossing, listen for rushing water over to the left and follow one of many social trails down to the water’s edge. Includes Daily Risk of Precipitation, High/Low/Average Temperatures, Heating/Cooling Degree Days and Growing Degree Days United States Dolly Sods Picnic Area, West Virginia Long Range Weather Forecast ( Log Out /  There are two truths that constantly exist in its climate: it will be wet and muddy and it will be colder than predicted. Try the 10.6-mile Dolly Sods North Loop hike, which features excellent views of Canaan Valley from Rocky Ridge, as well as rolling meadows much larger than those encountered on the Blackbird Knob hike. At a Glance. The Dolly Sods area ranges from 2,500 to 4,700 feet above sea level. Because the nearest station and this geographic feature may have differences in elevation and topography, the historic weather at the two separate locations may be different as well. The Breathed Mountain Trail gains 200 feet in around 3/10 mile, making it the steepest climb of the hike. Weather Underground provides local & long-range weather forecasts, weatherreports, maps & tropical weather conditions for the Canaan Valley area. Talk about cold weather. Sitting atop a plateau in the Monongahela National Forest, you’ll encounter an environment that more closely resembles Northern Canada. We were loving it! While the path does not lead to the summit, it does gain about 100 feet and enters yet another new ecosystem, this time a forest of American beech trees. The area provides phenomenal views of West Virginia’s natural landscape, making these trails perfect for West Virginia … The rest of my kit is comprised of various dry sacks, a small, refined med-kit and other items not quite worth mentioning. They keep their campground open in the winter, so with its electricity, it is easy to stay comfortable in … For our final night, we decided that a very unique campsite atop a rock outcropping made for a beautiful opportunity. 11am – 5pm. Tuesday & Thursday: Now 3.4 miles from the trailhead, take a sudden right on the Breathed Mountain Trail, leaving the Red Creek Valley behind. Coming from the nearest town to the east—Maysville, West Virginia—the Blackbird Knob Trailhead is nearly 15 miles away; the final six miles are unpaved gravel, bumpy but suitable for two-wheel drive sedans. Minor waterfall in October, far from its full strength. There are no blazes on any trail. In hindsight, we’re fairly convinced that the energy exerted in creating the fire kept us warm rather than the fire itself that evening. Snow can be expected anytime from October through April. 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Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Leveraging the unique tree composition of the remote wilderness, the lumberjacks liberally exploited its supply of spruce, hemlock, and black cherry trees for decades, leading to wholesale desertification and destruction of the ecosyste… The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is CANAAN VAL which is approximately 4 miles away and has an elevation of 3,249 feet (590 feet lower than Dolly Sods). Dolly Sods—also known as Dolly Sods Wilderness—resides within the Allegheny Mountains of Monongahela National Forest. This is an excellent spot to stop for a snack—or to settle in to one of the many nearby campsites. Freezing temperatures can occur anytime of the year. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and backpacking and is best used from March until October.