Backpack - Dolly Sods (16 Miles) - 2 Days

IMPORTANT - READ
Monongahela National Forest limits groups to 10 people, so that is a hard limit for this trip. If you are not 100% committed please do NOT RSVP

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Length: 16 Miles
• Duration: 2 Days
• Elevation Gain: 2,216 Feet
• Bear Canisters: Not Required
• Permits: Not Required
• Parking: Red Creek Trailhead
• Coordinates: 38.972729, -79.397824
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd

The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas in the US.

Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and flora and fauna normally found much further north in Canada. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas.

Note - this area can have very unpredictable weather. I've had everything from sunshine, to heavy rain, to even snow and hail as late as May. Pack accordingly.

Trail Details:
We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Red Creek Trailhead at the southern end of the Dolly Sods wilderness. The drive is about 3 hours - I will drive and am happy to have up to 3 others carpool with me.

When we arrive at the trailhead, we will hike about 6.3 miles to our campsite, stopping once to check out the the iconic Lion's Head on Breathed Mountain (pictured in the post). Should be an early day, so feel free to bring cards, adult beverages, or other items to pass the time. The second day, we will explore the rest of the park, which includes the rugged Dunkenbarger trail. The second day is about 9.4 miles back to the car. There are a ton of stream crossings on this trip - so expect to get wet and pack accordingly.

Essential Items:

• Tent
• Sleeping pad​
• Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​
• Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​
• Backpacking stove with fuel​
• Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​
• Dehydrated meals​ and snacks
• Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​
• Water filter or purification tablets​
• Headlamp with extra batteries​
• Rain gear
• Dry bags or pack cover​
• Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
• Trowel for and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance

Optional Items:

• Personal first aid kit​
• Map and compass or GPS device
• Power bank or external battery
• Trekking poles​
• Camp shoes
• Electrolyte supplements​
• Alcohol​
• Books, games, or other enterainment
• Gaiters​
• Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​

General meetup location: Vienna Metro Station - 8:00am
Time driving: 3 hr. each way
Google driving direction from Vienna metro:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA

CARPOOL: Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends.

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.​

If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
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See you on the trail!