Without the tree cover, however, the slow-flowing mountain waters submerged the landscape. The following activities are NOT permitted at Bear Rocks Preserve: Biking and mountain biking; Camping The snow steadily deepened on the ascent, as a stream noisily cascaded down far below. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Beaver Dam Trail. The top of the plateau is truly a wild place, . Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. While I’d planned on a much longer day, I only managed around 14 miles the first day, and made camp at one of the many campsites scattered across the wilderness. Spring is a welcomed time of year, as Dolly Sods Wilderness sees long winters come to an end. The 17,000-acre wilderness includes high plateaus, rocky plains, bogs, and amazing vistas. If taking in the winter beauty of Dolly Sods is your idea of a perfect Christmas outing, you may want to do it soon, because the Monongahela National Forest officials are preparing to implement the annual winter road closures in the Dolly Sods area. Following a cold, breezy night, I put on my frozen shoes and headed out into the morning light for day two. Avid backpackers and photographers know Dolly Sods to be a gem that delivers a true wilderness landscape and adventure. At just 0.7 miles, Beaver Dam Trail is one of the shortest trails in Dolly Sods Wilderness. Lizard Seeker Eriks Perkons recently completed an overnight winter backpacking trip in Dollys Sods Wilderness Area, West Virginia. While giving up on plans is never fun, it’s always a good idea to listen to those doubts, especially on solo trips. The best part: easy access to the day hiking trails in Dolly Sods Wilderness. Having never set foot on this wild high plateau before, I planned for a general circumnavigation to see as much as possible. The best way to access Dolly Sods is from Timberline with back country skis--just ski off the Salamander trail before the first big turn. I foolishly left my snowshoes in the car, so the hidden pits and puddles left me stumbling and sliding. The gates on Forest Roads 19 and 75, which lead to […] Wild flowers, blooming mountain laurel, and newborn wildlife consume Dolly Sods Wilderness. Occasional cairns poked through the snow. Purple Lizard Maps is a trademark of Purple Lizard Publishing LLC Trail heads at Red Creek and Forest Service Road 80 remain open. to climb up Little Stonecoal Trail. A map, compass, and practice using them are indispensable up here in Dolly Sods; I relied on these tools frequently. After the previous day’s low mileage, and with heavy snow forecast for the next night, it became clear I’d have to cut back on my plans. “ The water pump no longer operates, however, there is a path that leads to a spring so just make sure to bring your own water or … Deer, coyote, bobcat, and grouse left tracks everywhere, but I saw little besides a few deer. Up here the trails were all essentially untracked, and I wouldn’t see another fresh (human) footprint until I descended the following day. From those trails, you can get to any trail in the Sods In addition, the cold weather quickly sapped the batteries in my electronics. The Sods’ Modern History Outdoor recreation in the winter does come with its own set of challenges to prepare for, though too. Under the snow was deep slushy mud or black ice, making walking slow. Despite spending most of the trip in the clouds, , the trail would occasionally open up to views over the snowy landscape, Deer, coyote, bobcat, and grouse left tracks everywhere, but I saw little besides a few deer. Dolly Sods treats winter adventurers with a true test of will and proper preparation. The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. As a Wilderness area overnight camping comes with special regulations. Lodging is available for the hiker that prefers staying in a bed versus sleeping bag. Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and photography opportunities await in this winter paradise. Back on the easy lower Red Creek Trail, a short walk along the water took me back to the car, where dry socks and shoes, and a long drive through the slowly growing blizzard were waiting for me. PETERSBURG, WV (WVNS) — Starting on Jan. 1, 2021 several roads in the Dolly Sods area will be shut down for the winter. While giving up on plans is never fun, it’s always a good idea to listen to those doubts, especially on solo trips. Monongahela National Forest has temporarily extended road closures into the Dolly Sods area. Red Spruce —Red Spruce is also among the most common tree species, which reach 60 to 80 feet high with a trunk diameter of close to two feet. The Dolly Sods Wilderness and Scenic Area is located in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest in Tucker and Randolph counties. Consider Purple Lizard Maps take on this topic. Preserve Guidelines. . The Blackbird Knob trailhead is 20 yards from the campground. Thus, in winter we change our strategy and explore on snowshoes. I took a detour to check out Lions Head (and extend my day), a rocky outcrop hanging above the southern end of Rocky Point Trail. This overlook is accessible by a steep scramble up a boulder field. The whole area is also extremely wet right now. This overlook is accessible by a steep scramble up a boulder field and offers a wide vista up and down the valley, and also climbs higher than I was willing to go alone in the snow. I arrived mid-morning on a cloudy weekday, to a parking lot empty except for one other car and a few inches of snow. Canaan Valley is the closest location you will get to the main trail heads of Dolly Sods. Recent windy, wet weather plastered snow to the trees and rhododendron, and buried the trails around six inches deep, except where running water kept it clear. A map, compass, and practice using them are indispensable up here in Dolly Sods; I relied on these tools frequently. The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Eight miles from Canaan Valley are the historic mountain towns of Davis and Thomas. The snow steadily deepened on the ascent, as a stream noisily cascaded down far below. Dolly Sods receives an average of 150 inches of snow in the winter closing road access. Winter Lock in – Gallery; Dolly Sods – Gallery; Contact Us; TroopTrack Access According to a news releases from USDA Forest Service, the road closure went into effect April 6. This was his first time exploring this area. The top of the plateau is truly a wild place. Two West Virginia Lizard Maps of the Monongahela National Forest: Dolly Sods-Seneca Rocks and Elkins-Otter Creek. After the previous day’s low mileage, and with heavy snow forecast for the next night, it became clear I’d have to cut back on my plans. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The climate of Dolly Sods is classified as humid continental, similar to portions of Canada. The lush landscape, abundant fauna, and vast remoteness are fragile and need to be cared for. Join the Purple Lizard e-news community and stay in the loop on the latest Purple Lizard product offerings, discounts, map updates, adventure ideas and more. ... Access can be difficult at times, especially during foul weather and only by steep and sometimes rough gravel forest roads. Its rocky, boulder-strewn and densely forested landscape is home to several notable summits, including Coal Knob, Breathed Mountain and Blackbird Knob. From those trails, you can get to any trail in the Sods Copyright © 2021 Tucker County CVB. Fog can form/roll in extremely quickly, dropping visibility to dangerous, disorienting near-zero conditions. Since it's winter you will definitely want to remove your shoes and socks so they're dry on the far side. The severe weather conditions are what lend the bare, one-sided trees and sculpted boulders their unique look. I took a detour to check out Lions Head (and extend my day), a rocky outcrop hanging above the southern end of Rocky Point Trail. After a cold lunch here, I followed the trail as it dropped back down to the valley floor and crossed the deep and fast stream (remember this is without a bridge) one final time. check out Purple Lizard's post for great tips on getting out in winter! The best trails in southeast Ohio can be found on our Athens-Zaleski Lizard Map and our amazing Rincon Lizard Map and Guide to surf breaks and beaches on our favorite Caribbean Island. Winter is a great time to get out if you want solitude, and that is just what I was looking for. The needles are four sided, dark, shiny, and grow independently from all sides of the twigs and branches. This will give you access to the northern part of the Wilderness. The “Sods”, as we call it, are as special a place you will find. took me back to the car, where dry socks and shoes, and a long drive through the slowly growing blizzard were waiting for me. Access into Dolly Sods via the Forest Service Road is closed from January first to April first every year. All Rights Reserved. Access into Dolly Sods via the Forest Service Road is closed from January first to April first every year. . It has been cited that the flood of 1907 lead to the creation of the Monongahela National Forest for watershed protection. Under the snow was deep slushy mud or black ice, making walking slow. © 2021 Purple Lizard Maps. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases, and more …. The Red Creek Trail is a wide, easy walkway, which I quickly abandoned after crossing the wide unbridged creek to climb up Little Stonecoal Trail. The whole area is also extremely wet right now. From January to April, the forest roads that provide vehicle access to the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia are closed. Exceptional experiences like visiting Dolly Sods, Davis, and Thomas are all part of the experience. Please refer to the US Forest Services guidelines before your journey into the wilderness. While the Dolly Sods Wilderness can be accessed by a number of forest roads, most are unmaintained and gated during winter, making the Red Creek Trailhead (near Laneville) the best choice when snow starts to fall. Explore Dolly Sods August - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. With little elevation and limited hiking hazards, this Dolly Sods hike is great for families. Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley call Tucker County, West Virginia home. Use hiking poles so you stay upright and dry when crossing the creek. Recent windy, wet weather plastered snow to the trees and rhododendron, and buried the trails around six inches deep, except where running water kept it clear, With the heavy snow weighing down the branches, the infrequent signs and the total lack of blazes, winter navigation is definitely a challenge in the Sods. The Dolly Sods Wilderness and Scenic Area is one of West Virginia and the Monongahela National Forest’s most treasured natural assets. Dolly Sods is really an amazingly beautiful wilderness. These roads are closed to motor vehicle use from January to early April every year to provide for public safety due to highly variable road conditions in the winter months. A wilderness preservation, Dolly Sods contains a sizeable amount of drainage from the Red Creek and holds both heath and bog plants that are often seen in the southern parts of Canada. After a cold lunch here, I followed the trail as it dropped back down to the valley floor and crossed the deep and fast stream, (remember this is without a bridge) one final time. The waterfall is beautiful in the winter although there is no winter maintenance so if you do go in the winter just be careful where you step . Occasional cairns poked through the snow, but not enough to rely on. A mix of singletrack, old logging roads, and railroad grades: the Dolly Sods’ marked paths meander between yellow birch and hemlock trees, goopy bogs, eye-stretching meadows, and cascading streams. 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. → Related reading: Photography Guide to Blackwater Falls State Park Following a cold, breezy night, I put on my frozen shoes and headed out into the morning light for day two. “National Forest and Grant County officials have worked together for years to ensure the safety of visitors and emergency responders by closing access roads to Dolly Sods … The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Read about his trip below. Access is from forest road 75, a gravel and dirt road that is mostly inaccessible in winter. Mountain holly is commonly found in the understory, as well as ferns. Elevation of the area, situated on the rugged Allegheny Plateau, ranges from 2,600 feet to more than 4,000 feet. a map, I do know that I rely on maps regularly. The sods are a high altitude tundra like terrain at about 4000 feet of elevation. People make day trips into the Sods via this access all the time. The wilderness features many different trails and lots of primitive camping. Situated atop the highest plateau east of the Mississippi River, this U.S. Wilderness Area is characterized by weather typically found much further north in Canada. Despite spending most of the trip in the clouds, the trail would occasionally open up to views over the snowy landscape. For a real treat, rent a house in the Timberline gated community with private access to Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The lofty elevation, much of it at nearly 4,000 feet, affords awe-inspiring views. Trail heads at Red Creek and Forest Service Road 80 remain open. There are so many great reasons to explore new places, but there are likely equal reasons to visit a familiar spot in a new season. From Red Creek trailhead you will need to cross Red Creek to access the Northern section of the Sods. Dolly Sods — including the Bear Rocks Preserve — was an artillery training area during World War II. Back on the easy lower Red Creek Trail, a short walk along the water. More than 47 miles of hiking trails, some trail-to-rail and old logging roads, make the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area a fascinating place for hiking. Four distinct seasons revolve around 17,371 acres of West Virginia's Dolly Sods Wilderness. Daily weather can vary greatly with large extremes in temperature occurring dangerously fast. But, with a map in hand and a few other necessary supplies, we can be unstoppable. You can easily access places such as the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area faster and safer than you could drive there. Please, stay on existing trails, keep children close by and do not pick up or remove shells or shell fragments. It can be raining in the valley and snowing up in the Sods. September brings with it the anticipation of world renowned fall colors. (check out Purple Lizard's post for great tips on getting out in winter!). Area Lodging at a … With the heavy snow weighing down the branches, the infrequent signs and the total lack of blazes, winter navigation is definitely a challenge in the Sods. With an elevation between 2,500 feet to more than 4,700 feet, Dolly Sods has forests of laurel thickets, northern hardwoods, and red spruce tree groves. In addition, the cold weather quickly sapped the batteries in my electronics. There are two trailheads back there: Breathed Mountain and Stonecoal. 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. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. Purchased separately this collection is $192.00. Consider Purple Lizard Maps take on this topic. The secret to keeping this comfortable is West Virginia’s “Canaan Valley State Park and Resort” on the west side of the wilderness. In fact, the "Dolly" part of the name is due to a family of sheep farmers in the area named Dahle. Anyways, the day still promised a good amount of hiking! The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service does this each year in the Monongahela National Forest for safety reasons. The Dolly Sods Wilderness is located in the Monongahela National Forest in 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. Gates on Forest Roads 19 and 75 leading to Dolly Sods will be closed beginning January 1, 2021. From my campsite on Upper Red Creek Trail, I generally followed Red Creek back to the parking lot. The trails have dried up and temperatures are typically 15 degrees cooler than low elevations of the mid-Atlantic. Dolly Sods forms a portion of the Eastern Continental Divide with elevations that range from 2,500 to more than 4,700 feet. The trail connects with Raven Ridge Trail and Dobbin Grade Trail. Distance: 0.7 miles. View 217 traveler reviews from properties near Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in Elkins, WV One of the premier hiking locations on the east coast. Gates on Forest Roads 19 and 75, leading to Dolly Sods, will be closed beginning Jan. 1. My goal was a three day solo trip, with the first two days in the Dolly Sods, and wrapping up a third day in the Roaring Plains West Wilderness to the south. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Elkins: Tickets, Tours, Address, Phone Number, Dolly Sods Wilderness Area Reviews: 4.5/5 PETERSBURG, W.Va. — Monongahela National Forest officials are preparing to implement the winter road closures in the Dolly Sods area. The area is closed during the winter months to travel. Perfect weather and ideal hiking conditions are a welcomed sign that summer has arrived. No other places will put you closer to the wild – nowhere in West Virginia. Even though winter clouds and an oncoming winter storm blocked the vistas, he still had a great time! Both towns have lodging options within walking distance of live music, coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries. . Fat Snow Biking - Winter Adventure on Wheels, Mid Winter Slump: Tips for Staying Motivated as Winter Trudges On, Take A Hike: 5 Simple Steps To Enjoy A Walk In The Woods & Keep It Safe During the Pandemic, Going into the Pennsylvania Woods: A Photo Essay, Winter Hiking with Kids - Tips and Tricks, Chasing Lizards: How to Plan a Spontaneous Family Outing. and offers a wide vista up and down the valley, and also climbs higher than I was willing to go alone in the snow. Dolly Sods is really an amazingly beautiful wilderness. There are too many places with unreliable cell reception to think our digital resources can guide us, unwaveringly. While the Dolly Sods Wilderness can be accessed by a number of forest roads, most are unmaintained and gated during winter, making the Red Creek Trailhead (near Laneville) the best choice when snow starts to fall. The Red Creek Trail is a wide, easy walkway, which I quickly abandoned after crossing the wide unbridged creek. , but not enough to rely on. While I’d planned on a much longer day, I only managed around 14 miles the first day, and made camp at one of the many campsites scattered across the wilderness. All Rights Reserved. Winter Trailhead Access. Whether exploring forest roads, crushing bike-friendly trails or cruising down the neighborhood lane, fat biking in the winter is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Difficulty: Easy. The best way to access Dolly Sods is from Timberline with back country skis—just ski off the Salamander trail before the first big turn. Winter. Find vacation rentals near Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Elkins on Tripadvisor! Up here the trails were all essentially untracked, and I wouldn’t see another fresh (human) footprint until I descended the following day. There are two trailheads back there: Breathed Mountain and Stonecoal. Dolly Sods Wilderness is one of the most popular areas to visit in the Monongahela National Forest, drawing hikers and backpackers from well beyond the mid-Atlantic region, according to Waskey. Uninterrupted mountainsides of Maple, Cherry, Aspen and other tree species create a picture perfect backdrop. Here, snowfall and high winds make much of the area impassable during the winter months. The trail rolled through meadows and dark forests, with occasional views of the streams through the trees. Dolly Sods treats winter adventurers with a true test of will and proper preparation. Access roads can quickly become blocked by dense fog, downed trees from high wind, and snow/snow drifts. Important Note Gates on Forest Roads 19 and 75, leading to Dolly Sods, will be closed during the winter months. People make day trips into the Sods via this access all the time. Ecommerce Software by Shopify, I arrived mid-morning on a cloudy weekday, to a parking lot empty except for one other car and a few inches of snow. Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia. I foolishly left my snowshoes in the car, so the hidden pits and puddles left me stumbling and sliding.