Memorial Day Weekend / 21 miles Dolly Sods Wilderness Backpacking Trip

Please Join me over Memorial Day Weekend for the 1st backpacking trip of the year to Dolly Sods. Unsure of the weather condition, but rain or shine I will be out there. You must have your own gear and be ready to survive the wild west of West Virginia.

Dolly Sods Wilderness Highlights:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/iFcHrDS230g.

• Many view points: Lion’s Head; Bear Rock.
• The Appalachian version of tundra views.
• Grassy Meadows.
• Amazing Mountain, ridge line and valley views.
• Wind Carved Sandstone.
• Cascading Waterfalls, swimming holes.
• Water Crossings.

Details

This hike is moderate with some elevation gain, we will backpack up to 21 miles on this trip. Check the weather before coming down. Pack appropriately. Pack light don't bring the kitchen sink with you.

Arguably one of the most unique, and beautiful hiking areas on the East Coast. The high plateaus of Dolly Sods are made up of wind carved sand stone, stunted red spruce, grassy meadows, and sphagnum bogs. The characteristic meadows are the result of logging that took place from 1899 to 1924. During the Second World War the U.S. Army used the area for artillery and mortar training, and at the trailheads the Army Corp of Engineers still displays signs warning hikers that there may be unexploded ordinance in the area.

The name Dolly Sods derives from a combination of Dahles, a local 18th century family, and Sods, meaning an open mountain top or meadow. After WWII the area fell into neglect, and was threatened by multiple construction and mining project proposals. Then in the early 1970’s concerned environmentalists, along with The Nature Conservancy, began purchasing the land for preservation and recreational use. Today the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area comprises 17,371 acres.

Much of this area is a high elevation windswept plateau with spruce forests, heath/laurel thickets and some spectacular vistas. The highest point in the area is Mt. Port Crayon at 4770. Unlike anywhere else in WV, the Dolly Sods Wilderness and surrounding areas of the Monongahela National Forest offer a landscape that you can see across for long distances without climbing any hills.

## Bear Rocks was listed as one of West Virginia’s most Instagrammable spots! Lion’s Head is known for its unique rock face that resembles the silhouette of a lion.

Trip: 3 nights 4 days / 21 miles backpacking trip to Dolly Sods Wilderness area.

Mileage split: 1.0 Friday / 8.4 Saturday / 5.2 Sunday / 6.5 Monday
Elevation: Moderate. +3,793, -3793.
Difficulty level/Terrace: Moderate elevation change. Some sections are muddy with bogs.
Experience level: Suitable for experienced day hikers like to learn backpacking or moderate to advanced backpackers.
Weather: Bipolar syndrome: Within 24 hours, it can be sunny, warm, windy, foggy, wet, muddy, raining, and cold. Please wear water proof boots, bring extra 2 pairs of wool socks, wind jacket, rain coat..

Route Type: Modified loop.
See: https://www.hikingupward.com/MNF/DollySodsLionsHead/

Water Source: Near campsite.

Campsite: Free.

Friday Nite: 1 miles up Bear Rocks Trail (522) at the intersection of Dobbin Grade (526)
Saturday Nite: Big Stonecoal Trail (513) along Stonecoal Run.
Sunday Nite: "The Forks" along Red Creek / Red Creek Trail (514)

Detailed TOPO map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5152038.pdf
https://wvhighlands.org/archive/Maps/Dolly%20Sods%20Wilderness%2024K%20Maps.pdf
Area: Monongahela National Forest.

Trailhead: Bear Rocks Trailhead, Dolly Sods Wilderness (39.06460448773933, -79.30326195865516)
Parking fees: Free.

Meetup time at Trailhead: 7pm
Friday Nite campsite location in case you are late:
1 miles up Bear Rocks Trail (522) at the intersection of Dobbin Grade (526)

Please print out your map.

TRANSPORTATION: NOT organized. Please coordinate among yourselves. Please treat our driver fair by sharing gas cost.

Gears: You are responsible for your preparedness.
The New 10 Essential Systems: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
Navigation (map & compass)
Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
Insulation (extra clothing, socks)
Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
First-aid supplies (include NSAID, such as Advil or Aleve)
Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
Repair kit and tools
Nutrition (extra food, such as dehydrated food)
Hydration (extra water)
Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)

***Outdoor Ethics: Leave No Trace 7 Principle
A. HIKE SAFE: ITS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
B. Fully Prepare for emergency.
C. Your attendance on any organized event signifies that you have read and accepted the terms of this liability waiver.