It causes the branches to all lean, Stunning view in autumn from Bear Rocks overlook, This is called a wilderness area for a reason: wild, undeveloped, unpaved road, little to no restroom facilities, etc. The pass follows a ridge speckled with enormous conglomerate sandstone boulders and incredible views … Bear Rocks Trail takes the runner on a wonderful singletrack through open fields, a minor river crossing, and some minor forest groves. There are several sections, so wait for the second or third (closer to the 2.6 mile mark) to get an almost 270 degree view that includes more of Red Creek to the north. The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a large wilderness by Mid-Atlantic standards at 17,371 acres. Elevations range from 2,500 to over … I took a snack break here and enjoyed a few waterfalls created by the rushing creek. It should be listed as an IMBA Epic. You'll meet up with the Red Creek Trail after 1.9 miles. 133.8 miles. Please, stay on existing trails, keep children close by and do not pick up or remove shells or shell fragments. The Bear Rocks Trail is an easy to intermediate hike with some rocky sections along the trail and potentially wet areas during heavy periods of rain. The Rohrbaugh Trail continued to reenter the forest and be very rocky at points, especially after the junction with the Wilderness Trail down to Fisher Spring Run Trail. Everyone knows that Dolly Sods is one the major wilderness areas in WV. On 11/02/2020 11/02/2020 By hikingjourneys In Dolly Sods. Dolly Sods Trail Map Only a few minutes down Blackbird Knob Trail the trail seemed to run straight into a campsite. It's probably a good place for hiking or fishing. It’s on the eastern side of the park, a bit south of the beautiful Bear Rocks overlook and right near the Red Creek trail head. Not surprisingly, it was very wet, riddled with puddles due to the 1” rain the day prior. For 3.0 miles, hikers will follow the ridge which will provide amazing views of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. I humped it back up the rocky trail, working out the new itinerary where I would drive to the Bear Rocks Trail Head at the northeast part of Dolly Sods to do a loop on most of the trails and sights I wanted to the last two days. In the 1940s, Dolly Sods was used as a training range for the military. My initial plan (derived on the drive down) was to experience a few trails I didn’t see on the 2011 trip. Along the way you'll find blueberry bushes and excellent scenery of the sods. The route began with an easy gravel path. At mile 2.4, I veered right at Raven Ridge Trail, which rolls over an expansive meadow, into a forested area, and connects with Rocky Ridge Trail at 3.8 miles. The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a large wilderness by Mid-Atlantic standards at 17,371 acres. Dolly Sods Wilderness area – trail map; Talking About Wind. Oil Creek SP. I hit the trailhead near the Dolly Sods Picnic Area around 1pm. From the Dolly Sods’ high plateau and wind-stunted red spruce, Bear Rocks Trail descends gradually to bogs and a crossing at Red Creek. Need to Know TRAILS ARE ONLY MARKED AT TRAIL … My family drove through Dolly Sods once a handful of years ago, and I had always wanted to go back to actually get out of the car and go hiking. After roughly 2.5 miles, you'll meet up with the Rocky Point Trail. We enjoyed taking photos of mounta, Nothing here will be news to serious wilderness hikers, but if you're like me and just making a casual visit, hoping to do some mild hikes and see some good views, read on. I remember that it's at a pretty high elevation and there are a lot of trees that are slightly lopsided due to the wind up there. Dolly Sods was a tough trail. Upon getting back on the trail, the available campsites appeared to the right of the trail. After a muddy mile through most of the Dobbin Grade, we approached the Bear Rocks Trail once again. This is the map you need. Quehanna Wild Area. Begin walking at the end of the gravel parking lot/road for about 0.5 miles until you enter the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in a small grassy field where several trails begin and are well marked. The trail is considered easy to intermediate. If backpacking (not running) I would probably plan on two full days of hiking at least, with an overnight in the neighborhood of Bear Rocks. It can be rough and you should know how to read a Topo map prior to going as the trails are not well marked. The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. I planned to go when the leaves turned, and I decided to go yesterday. It’s time to go and explore the Dolly Sods and all it has to offer. Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, What a fantastic day we had with our two teens! From the Dolly Sods’ high plateau and wind-stunted red spruce, Bear Rocks Trail descends gradually to bogs and a crossing at Red Creek. With the addition of the new Dolly Sods-Seneca Rocks Lizard Map to my map and guide collection, I spent a few days poring over the network of trails before I just had to get out and explore. It's a beautiful wilderness with some challenges even on shorter trails, and views that make the challenges worthwhile. Dolly Sods trail distances The center of the map showed that there was a peak called Blackbird Knob. But Dolly Sods in our opinion was horrible. The final 3/4 mile between the Beaver Dam Trail and Bear Rocks Trail is much dryer and scenic. I was beat from the early morning, drive and 9 miles of hiking. We have enjoyed every aspect of West Virginia in it's fall glory. The center of the map showed that there was a peak called Blackbird Knob. The arms/propellers on these things are almost as long their base. Dolly Sods contains 47 miles of trails that circumnavigate, circumvent, and connect all throughout the Wilderness area. It has 47 miles of challenging wilderness trails to waterfalls, cascades, lush forests and eye-popping cliff top views that we have enjoyed over the decades. This is an intermediate/strenuous 25 mile loop. All the ridges (about 4-6) had these … There is a small parking area with room for 4-5 cars across the road from the trailhead. Yes, there are great views from Bear Rocks. That was just over halfway along trail 511 which is 4.7 miles long, so we figured hiking to Blackbird Knob and back would be a five mile hike or so. I'd love to go back, maybe in the spring, and hike along the lower half of the trails. Dolly Sods is a popular place for wilderness backpacking and this late in the day, many of the precious few areas suitable for a campsite, including the one I was hoping for, had been claimed by other adventurers. Loyalsock Trail. New Boots. Much of the high plateau section lies at nearly 4,000 ft.(1,220 m) elevation. The trail is heavily wooded, and rhododendrons envelop the corridor near the 1.5 mile mark. But Dolly Sods takes real effort to get to and the unique portions are bordered … Storm, WV – traveling West on Highway 48. The highest point in the immediate area (just outside the D… All the ridges about 4-6) had these … Prominent summits within the Wilderness are Coal Knob (3,766 ft (1,148 m)), Breathed Mountain (3,848 ft (1,173 m)), and Blackbird Knob (3,960 ft (1,210 m)). The hardest trail being the Breathed trail in the pouring down rain. I live 2.5 hours away, so this trip took up a whole day for me. Through my research I had heard that these spots along the Stonecoal Trail were some of the best in the area. This trail is appropriately named... very rough and rocky, so watch your ankles! I actually walked up and down the campsite areas for 45 minutes to: 1) determine where the actual crossing is supposed to be; and, 2) figure out if there is another crossing option! If backpacking (not running) I would probably plan on two full days of hiking at least, with an overnight in the neighborhood of Bear Rocks. Overall, not bad, but a bit slower than expected. By the time that I determined the best possible locations a couple hundred feet above and below the actual crossing, I decided to forgo the attempt given that I was alone, the crossings were still deep and water rushing, and, finally, I would have quite an effort to get back to the actual trail on the other side. Great overlook spots. The most comprehensive recreation map available of Dolly Sods and Seneca Rocks West Virginia. That is, until I reached Red Creek! Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. My family drove through Dolly Sods once a handful of years ago, and I had always wanted to go back to actually get out of the car and go hiking. Hotels near Elkins Depot Welcome Center CVB, Inc. Hotels near The Stirrup Gallery of Davis & Elkins College, Hotels near Bickel Knob Observation Tower, Hotels near (PIT) Pittsburgh Intl Airport, Things to do near Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Gandy Dancer Theatre and Conference Center. It can be accessed on the southwestern side and will take you north into the middle of the Dolly Sods. Thus, at 4:30pm I decided to turn around and head back up Rohrbaugh Trail for those campsites at the outcroppings. Dolly Sods. The bogs have environmental interest. My initial plan (derived on the drive down) was to experience a few trails I didn’t see on the 2011 trip. Plentiful good camping spots allows for adapting it for up to 4 or 5 days. The long drive up the forest roads is well worth it when arriving at Bear Rocks. They mentioned a spot where the water was high and they had to make a rock bridge to cross it. Dolly Sods was a training ground for the military during WW2 and people still find unexploded grenades and mines from time to time. Did I mention that we went on a really windy day? From the parking area on FR75 (go to the second entrance for Dolly Sods for Bear Rocks, GPS: 39.06352, -79.30326) take the Bear Rocks trail, TR522. Camping in Dolly Sods There’s only one official campsite in the wilderness area: Red Creek Campground. The high plateaus of Dolly Sods are made up of wind carved sand stone, stunted red spruce, grassy meadows, and sphagnum bogs. It is certainly true that there is a large expanse of wilderness, so you really can get away from civilization. Dolly Sods Day 1: Aborted Rohrbaugh Trail – Lion’s Head Plan. The Dolly Sods are some of the best backpacking grounds in the Eastern US. Too bad most people don't even realize you CAN mountain bike on the trails in the dolly sods north area. The Bear Rocks Trail is washed out for the first 0.5 miles until it crosses a small stream. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Yellowstone 2014. Need to Know TRAILS ARE ONLY MARKED AT TRAIL … This included entering and exiting from the Rohrbaugh Trailhead to include what Backpacker Magazine described as one of the best views in the area. Dolly Sods is a popular place for wilderness backpacking and this late in the day, many of the precious few areas suitable for a campsite, including the one I was hoping for, had been claimed by other adventurers. I thanked them for their trail maintenance but didn’t think much of it. San Blas Islands: Kayak. Turn left onto the Rocky Ridge Trail, arguably the best in Dolly Sods due to its splendid views of Canaan Valley. It would be neat camping here to take advantage of the gorgeous views. especially from the Bear Rocks overlook where the Allegheny Front marks the Eastern Continental Divide. Well let me tell you what we saw on our trip up to Dolly Sods. Line of windmills, near Mt. Line of windmills, near Mt. #LandscapePhotography #DollySods #Backpacking Winter backpacking and photography were meant to be together. “ Bear Rocks trail is one of the main entry points to the Dolly Sods Wilderness. The lot is big enough for about 6-8 vehicles. I was told by various people to STAY ON TRAIL because of this, and so I did. Well let me tell you what we saw on our trip up to Dolly Sods. Paddle Show sub menu. Hikers should consult a trail map to choose a route that fits. … Dolly Sods is the highest plateau east of the Mississippi River with altitudes ranging from 2,644 ft. (806 m) at the outlet of Red Creek to 4,123 ft. (1,257 m) at the top of the eastern edge mountain ridge on the Allegheny Front. I went alone and took a photo of the hiking map (it is helpfully posted at each trailhead) to use as a guide. The open areas without trees (The Sods) are unusual. Canaan Valley is the site of the first commercial ski resort in West Virginia, and also boasts being the 500th National … Terrain varies in elevation from 2,500 to more than 4,700 feet. ( Log Out /  Below: Adam and Wookie cross; Fall color and a rocky stream bed; Trail marker in Dolly Sods. 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. The … The characteristic meadows are the result of logging that took place from 1899 to 1924. ELK TRAIL 2009. The drive back out was a little different than the day before. 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. I went alone and took a photo of the hiking map (it is helpfully posted at each trailhead) to use as a guide. The hike begins at the "Dolly Sods Trailhead Parking" location easily found on Google Maps. The 17,000-acre wilderness includes high plateaus, rocky plains, bogs, and amazing vistas. Seasoned hikers will enjoy navigating the challenging and rugged terrain in more remote sectors. Buffalo National River. It is located in Grant, Randolph and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. Dolly Sods boasts three peaks that can be accessed via the 47 miles of trail interweaving the area. Please choose a different date. The Dolly Sods are a plate, So I've been here as a child camping with my mom and dad. The high plateaus of Dolly Sods are made up of wind carved sand stone, stunted red spruce, grassy meadows, and sphagnum bogs. Land Manager: USFS - Monongahela National Forest Office. When I decided to start to identify the crossing to head up Red Creek Trail, it finally dawned on me that due to the cresting of the creek from the previous day’s rain, I may not be able to cross! This recording starts at the southern terminus and quickly climbs a hill up to Harman Knob, where you get views of Canaan Valley below. Laurel Highlands. Straddling a windswept section of the Allegheny Front, West Virginia’s Dolly Sods Wilderness offers what is heralded by some as the best hiking on the eastern seaboard. Monongahela NF Show sub menu. I started at Bear Rocks, then connected Raven Ridge, Dobbin Grade, Beaver Dam (I meant to get off here and walk back to my car, but got turned around somehow...), back onto Dobbin Grade and connected back to Bear Rocks. Red Creek gets its red color from tannins. Storm, WV – traveling West on Highway 48. It is located a short drive from Blackwater Falls State Park, so if you are in the area be sure to set some time aside for visiting Dolly Sods. Views from on top are stunning, especially in autumn and. Change ), Dolly Sods Day 1: Aborted Rohrbaugh Trail – Lion’s Head Plan, Three Days in Dolly Sods – Hiking Journeys, Dolly Sods Day 2: Bear Creek Trailhead – Lion’s Head – Big Stonecoal Trail, Dolly Sods Day 3: Big Stonecoal to Bear Rocks. Johnson sneaks downstream .25 mile from The Forks (5.4 miles from SR 45), to the third set of falls, which overhang rock terraces. Many of the trails in Dolly Sods can become swamp-like, so we were fortunate it only occurred for a short stretch. My family drove through Dolly Sods once a handful of years ago, and I had always wanted to go back to actually get out of the car and go hiking. A Winter Weekend In Dolly Sods. more, The Stirrup Gallery of Davis & Elkins College. We saw a beaver dam … On 11/02/2020 11/02/2020 By hikingjourneys In Dolly Sods. With minimal elevation gain, the 2.5 mile hike is suitable for all skill levels. The road in and out is bump and windy, so go slow and if you have motion sickness, where the wristbands or something. Cuyahoga River . Dolly Sods Wilderness map. The weather could not have been better. Coal Knob sits at 3,766 feet above sea level, Breathed Mountain at 3,848 feet, and Blackbird Knob at 3,960 feet. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. There are two loops: the shorter trail is 10 miles, the longer trail is 16 miles. There are many hiking trails and areas to for back-packing. The Rocky Ridge Trail at the Dolly Sods Wilderness in Tucker County, West Virginia is a moderate 3 mile one-way trail that runs along the northwest corner of the wilderness. ! “You can walk underneath the cascade,” he says. Coal Knob sits at 3,766 feet above sea level, Breathed Mountain at 3,848 feet, and Blackbird Knob at 3,960 feet. The Dolly Sods Wilderness area is a slice of Eastern Canada, unexpectedly found smack in the middle of the Allegheny Mountains. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Simply hallucinogenic scenery riding up there. Anybody with an appreciation for nature will be amazed by the pristine beauty of Dolly Sods. Dolly Sods has an almost 50-mile trail system that is interconnected. I took the steep, barely detectible trail down to a swollen Red Creek. Through my research I had heard that these spots along the Stonecoal Trail were some of the best in the area. I will say, as someone who is … Be prepared for a steady climb over the first half mile or so, but it will flatten out and eventually drop down to Red Creek. It was a pretty clear day and I was able to see a view that could knock your hat off. Surprisingly, it was also covered with roots and rocks for most of the trail. Contacts. Backpackers can essentially plan their hikes in any which meandering way, and of any length of the distance they choose. Winter is a great time to get out if you want solitude, and that is just what I was looking for. 7. I would also appreciate if there were more trail blazes or something, instead of just signs where the trails connected. Get your hiking boots ready! Many of the trails follow the railroad grades and logging roads left from the deforestation era of the early 1900s. The Dolly Sods Wilderness is located on top of the Allegheny Plateau of West Virginia, and is part of the Monongahela National Forest. It’s time to go and explore the Dolly Sods and all it has to offer. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. These bad boys are huge! The location of where Fisher Spring Run Trail ends on the Red Creek Trail is not marked and not very clear. The trail was pretty much downhill for a couple miles from the Wilderness Trail to Red Creek. Dolly Sods boasts three peaks that can be accessed via the 47 miles of trail interweaving the area. Rocky Ridge Trail, Dolly Sods Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest, September 2017. Dolly Sods is a great place for a one or two day overnight backpacking trip. Excellent hiking in an unspoiled location. This route combines several unique trails, each with their own flavor that marks the uniqueness of these highlands. Sitting at an altitude of 3,998 ft is the Rocky Ridge Trail within Dolly Sods Wilderness. Dolly Sods trail distances. At mile 2.4, I veered right at Raven Ridge Trail, which rolls over an expansive meadow, into a forested area, and connects with Rocky Ridge Trail at 3.8 miles.