Backpacking At Dolly Sods

OVERVIEW

Dolly Sods is a wilderness area in the mountains of West Virginia. It offers spectacular views, some wildlife, waterfalls to play in, and a satisfying hike. I haven’t yet chosen a route, but I’ll announce that as the date approaches. I estimate we’ll do between 12 and 20 miles; Dave Clark led a trip last year where we did around 16, and that seemed to be enough to feel accomplished but still leave time to enjoy ourselves and not get super-tired.

We will be hiking in the dark Friday to get to a camp spot, bed down for the night, and then wake up Saturday to hike on (the morning is what I’m looking forward to!). Saturday we’ll hike and maybe swim if it’s hot. We’ll probably hike through most of the day, and try to end up on high ground where we’ll have a nice view of the sunrise Sunday, weather permitting. I plan to take it easier that morning, so you can either enjoy the morning or sleep for a while. We’ll probably get our boots on after a couple of hours, then head back to the vehicles and drive back in the middle of the day.

We’ll meet at my place Thursday night at 8 to organize and pack up our gear, so please bring what you plan on taking on the trip. I’ll need to distribute some of the food and gear in your packs, so count on not stuffing all of your own stuff into the packs.

We provide backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, stoves, stove fuel, stuff sacks, breakfast and dinner Saturday, breakfast Sunday.

You should bring water, food for Friday night and Saturday and Sunday lunch, hiking boots, rain gear, bug repellent, sunscreen, appropriate clothes (try to avoid cotton), flashlight, toilet paper.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST to know what to wear! It can be a good bit colder out there, especially at this time of year, and there’s a chance of frost in the morning even if the midday is good and hot.