Dolly Sods Loop (19 miles, 2000'+ elevation, Loong Drive!, Day Trip)

Day Trip to Dolly Sods, Monongahela National Forest!

Enjoy one of America's best wilderness areas.

Approximate route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/bear-rocks-lions-head-loop

Mileage: 19+ miles, Elevation: 2000'+.

Expect a quick pace of 3 miles an hour or better.

*Please note that trails at Dolly Sods are often longer than you expect and it is very easy to get lost. There is no cell phone service! This is along a relatively hard track, only suitable for very fit, experienced, rabidly enthusiastic hikers. *

Forest Dept Map:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/publication/DollySodsTrailMap_20250804_0.pdf

Additional notes: You will get wet! Expect at least one river crossing and that your feet will be soaked. Often trails are boggy and swampy. We are also climbing to the top of Lion Rocks, so expect rocks and light scrambling. Dolly sods is often chilly and windy, bring appropriate clothes. Things take longer than you think they will, be prepared for a long day of exceptional beauty.

BRING: Good trail shoes. Bring plenty of water and a good lunch.

PARKING/CARPOOLING/CARAVANING: It takes a long time to get to Dolly Sods, I am only bringing 5-6 people or less. Message me if you wish to come on this trip. We will meet at a central park and ride lot (at Harper's Ferry, WV) early Sunday morning and proceed to the trail head (Approximately 2.5 hour drive each way). People can also drive themselves to the Bear Rocks Trail head (39°04'23.7"N 79°17'53.5"W), but they need to check in with me Sunday morning before 8 AM if they wish to join the group.

I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. Be sure you coordinate at least the day before with who you are riding with to ensure you are in sync. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $10 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.

POST EVENT DINNER, DRINKS, & SOCIALIZATION:
We will stop to get dinner & drinks afterward at Cheetah B's (2099 N Fork Hwy, Petersburg, WV 26847). Make sure whoever you ride with has the same plans as you so you can eat afterward if you want.

EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventurers” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.

SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): If you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.