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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2017 7:04:21 GMT -8
I'm looking for a two night loop in Dolly Sods. I'm not familiar with the area beyond the information available on the Forest Service website so I have no idea about campsites. What I would be looking for would be a first day's hike of about 4-6 miles. Second day 10-15 miles and out on the last morning of 4-6 miles (have to pile back in the truck and drive 7.5 hours back home). I would be part of a group of 4-8 people. From the photos I've seen it doesn't look like the area is well suited for hammocking (please correct me if it is). I'd be looking at at trip sometime in mid-late September.
Any recommendations would be welcome. Also, map recommendations would be appreciated as well.
Thanks!
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Aug 9, 2017 8:05:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2017 9:25:28 GMT -8
Thanks GaliWalker! Your photos are beautiful! Will have to make sure I'm carrying my camera and tripod on this trip. |
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Post by lost1croc on Aug 9, 2017 18:28:44 GMT -8
The Roaring Plains Canyon Loop is my favorite in The Sods. As a fellow hammock aficionado, there is no shortage of trees to hang from, so don't worry about that. Also, be prepared for cold temps regardless of the time of year. Did an overnight at Otter Creek last night and it was in the low 40's and that is 1000-2000 feet lower than most of Dolly Sods.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2017 5:59:24 GMT -8
Anyone know where I can get a good hard copy topo map of Dolly Sods? If there is a NatGeo map does anyone have the map number?
Also, the NFS information talks about fords of the creeks. Are most (any) of the creeks bridged or are they all fords?
Thanks!
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Aug 16, 2017 7:33:04 GMT -8
The link I posted above has a good map. I personally use my Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide, which has good maps and trail descriptions. There are no bridges in Dolly Sods. All creeks have to be forded. This is generally simple this late in the season; you can probably rock hop all but the Red Creek crossings in lower (southern) Dolly Sods, and the latter should be simple wades. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 14:54:08 GMT -8
Okay, so, I've been looking at the MNF Hiking Guide and the forest service map (from their website) and have put this together for a 20 mile loop over two nights. Please take a look and let me know any feedback you have since I've never been there. Also, the guidebook didn't have any information for trails north of Blackbird Knob Trail, is this area still open for hiking? My plan has us going north of Blackbird Knob Trail for about half the day.
Plan:
Here is one plan that would include us doing a self shuttle. Leave the end vehicle at Red Creek Trailhead and enter at the Rohrbaugh Trailhead.
Day One- Ideally, we enter at Rohrbaugh Trailhead and hike up to Fisher Spring Run Trail. There are campsite about 0.3 miles north on the Fisher Spring Trail according to the guidebook. That would give us a first day of just about 4 miles after riding in a car all day. Awesome views from the cliffs about 2.2-2.4 miles up the Rohrbaugh Trail.
Day Two- Head south on Fisher Spring Run Trail for about 1.25 miles. Pick up Red Creek Trail turn north pick up Blackbird Knob Trail after approximately 3.2 miles (total so far ~4.5 miles). East to Upper Red Creek (another 0.3 miles, total 4.8). Upper Red Creek to Dobbin Grade, 1.3 miles (total 5.8). Dobbin Grade west to Rocky Ridge ~2.2 miles (total around 8). Rocky Ridge to Blackbird Knob Trail about 1.5 (total 9.5). Follow tail end of Blackbird Knob trail to Big Stoancoal Trail and continue toward the junction with Rocky Point Trail (about 3.7 miles). Campsites are located between Dunkenbarger Trail junction and the Rocky Point Trail junction along the stream. Total for day two approximately 13.2 miles.
Day Three- Continue along Big Stonecoal Trail south to Red Creek Trail. South on Red Creek Trail to Red Creek Trailhead. Total distance to Red Creek Trailhead ~2.6 miles.
Total for weekend approximately 19.8 miles.
Suggestions from anyone familiar with the area are most appreciated! Plan is for the weekend of October 13-15.
Thanks!
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Post by AegisIII on Aug 27, 2017 20:16:33 GMT -8
On day three I would consider a side trip to the Lion's Head, which is above the Rocky Point.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2017 3:46:08 GMT -8
Thanks AegisIII, That would probably be able to be worked in with no problem and still get us back down to South Carolina early enough that Sunday. |
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Aug 28, 2017 6:43:23 GMT -8
Day One- Ideally, we enter at Rohrbaugh Trailhead and hike up to Fisher Spring Run Trail. There are campsite about 0.3 miles north on the Fisher Spring Trail according to the guidebook. That would give us a first day of just about 4 miles after riding in a car all day. Awesome views from the cliffs about 2.2-2.4 miles up the Rohrbaugh Trail. That viewpoint is known as the "No Name Vista" is one of my favorites in the entire area. There are a couple of campsites right there. You might want to choose those ones if available. Note: Travel on these trails always takes longer than one expects, so budget plenty of time for this day. The entire route from Upper Red Creek Trail back to the Blackbird Knob Trail is extremely scenic, with the best part being the sculpted rock formations on the Rocky Ridge Trail. The Rocky Point Trail is nothing but a rock fill, so take your time on it. I hate that trail! I also highly recommend the side trip to Lion's Head (take the side trail up the hillside a little bit before you round the point on the Rocky Point Trail). Let me know if you need more detailed directions on how to get up there. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2017 5:47:38 GMT -8
Typical lows for mid October?
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rpcv
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Post by rpcv on Sept 19, 2017 7:37:25 GMT -8
The lows could be anything from 50s or 60s at night to well below freezing. I've been snowed on up there in early October. Use the forecast for Davis, WV and subtract at least 10 degrees from it.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2017 13:29:00 GMT -8
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